Churches record low numbers as Nairobians stay indoors

Most Christians opted to skip church in Nairobi yesterday for fear that most roads leading to the city centre would be closed.

A spot check by The Standard revealed most churches within the central business district recorded less attendance as US President Barack Obama’s visit to Kenya came to a close yesterday.

At Holy Family Basilica, only half of the congregation made it for mass, leaving most seats vacant. There was no traffic pile-up at the church’s gate as is usually the case on Sundays.

At the All Saints Cathedral along Kenyatta Avenue, only three quarters of the usual congregation made it for service.

“We have been slightly affected by Obama’s visit. A few of our members have not made it, but we expect that everything will go back to normal next Sunday,” said the church’s head of security Philemon Samoei.

Most seats were empty during the second service at the Presbyterian Church of East Africa’s St Andrew’s.

Although worshippers who access Consolata Shrine through Waiyaki Way and Chiromo Road were turned away, those who got early communication on alternate routes made it for the different services.

“We communicated the alternative routes to our members,” said Francis Wambua, a church elder.