Kenyans usher in 2019 with fireworks, song and dance

Mombasa residents welcome the New Year at Mama Ngina Drive, Mombasa [Kelvin Karani, Standard]

Kenyans thronged churches and entertainment joints to bid farewell to 2018.

Fireworks lit up the skies and celebrations ran through the December 31 night, with many families waking up to continue making merry yesterday.

Church and political leaders sent out messages of forgiveness, hope and peace.

In Nairobi, churches and entertainment places were packed. Anglican Church of Kenya Archbishop Jackson ole Sapit yesterday led the Church in a special service for the new year.

The Holy Family Basilica, St Andrews PCEA Church and Nairobi Pentecostal Church, Valley Road, were packed.

At the Sacred Heart Cathedral, Eldoret, Father David Kiptoo led the congregation to mark New Year’s Day with calls for peace and forgiveness. Fr Kiptoo warned against political divisions.

“Forgiveness is key and as we usher in the New Year, I urge all of you to forgive those who have offended you and ask for forgiveness from those that you trespassed against,” he said.

It was fireworks at the Wasafi Festival held at the Uhuru gardens, Nairobi [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

Embrace forgiveness

A similar message was echoed at Immaculate Catholic Church, Kitale, where Fr Alexander Kones called on Kenyans to learn to forgive and forget.

“Let us embrace forgiveness. We should not continue remembering and citing mistakes done by other people,” said the priest.

In Kisumu, clerics preached positive change in families and country.

At St Joseph’s Catholic Church, the parish priest, Fr Oliver Tambo, encouraged Christians to work towards accomplishing their New Year resolutions.

“This year, be a new person, change your life amend all the negative issues you have with your family and work places,” he said.

At the Anglican Church of Kenya, Maseno South Diocese, Bishop Charles Ong’injo called on all Kenyans to support ongoing fight against corruption. Bishop Ong’injo said the fight should begin in the church.

“Before we condemn people outside the church for being corrupt, let us start by addressing the rot in the church,” said Ong’injo.

In Mombasa, thousands of local and international tourists sang and danced to Sauti Sol and Gilad Millo’s songs in a concert held at Sarova White Sands.

According to the hotel’s Managing Director Jimi Kariuki, the concert was organised in partnership with NRG radio.

Another concert was held at Mombasa Sports club, where Governor Hassan Joho ordered that all revellers be allowed into Tanzanian musician Aki Kiba’s show for free as long as they have their national identity cards.

Travellers Beach Hotel hosted a New Year’s Day gala dinner for local and international guests. According to the hotel’s marketing manager, Boniface Waswa, 2018 saw improved tourist arrivals due to good political climate in the country.

Members of Legio Maria worship at St. Jones Fort Jesus in Kibera, Nairobi to welcome the year. [Denish Ochieng, Standard]

In West Pokot County, peace messages dominated celebrations, with leaders calling on residents to embrace peace. West Pokot Governor John Lonyangapuo called on feuding Turkana, Marakwet and Pokot communities to end the conflict.

“We must learn to live in peace with our neighbours in Turkana, Elgeyo Marakwet and Trans-Nzoia counties,” he said.

A similar message was echoed by various church leaders who said only peace could guarantee development in the region.

“Church leaders should spearhead peace initiatives. We will conduct peace crusades along the borders to sensitise cattle rustlers,” said Pastor Robert Nato.

In Nyeri, a non-governmental organisation hosted an end of year party for the elderly. Purity Elderly offered free food and drinks to the senior citizens.

The organisation’s founder, Joyce Wanjiku, said the party gave the elderly a chance to celebrate their lives.

“Besides having other celebrations throughout the year, this is the most important one because we are celebrating lives and giving each other hope,” she said.

The event was also attended by members of the Kenya Defeat Diabetes Association (KDDA).