Fireworks light up city skies as dwellers desire brighter future

The Nairobi skyline shining brightly under fireworks to usher in the New Year 2025 at the Nairobi Central Business District on 1st January, 2025. [Kanyiri Wahito Standard] Spectacular fireworks dazzled the Nairobi city skyline as thousands of revellers thronged entertainment spots and places of worship to usher in the New Year. With major concerts featuring leading music stars from across Africa sold out, as well as hotel dinner bookings fully booked, Nairobi came alive to bid farewell to 2024, which had been economically tough, in the hope of a better 2025. At midnight, many city churches rang out with messengers as Christians gathered to reflect, give thanks, and pray to God for a new beginning. Among the big open-air bonanzas in the city were the Raha Festival at Uhuru Gardens and the Churchill Live show, which was hosted at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC). The much-hyped Raha Fest, which began on Monday, turned chaotic as police launched teargas to disperse a group of revellers who had forced their way into the venue. This forced the headliner, Shenseea, to give a seven-minute performance before the Jamaican dancehall star was whisked away by her security detail. She would later post on social media expressing her anger. Bongo flava sensation Ali Kiba was forced to cut short his performance before resuming and delivering an electrifying performance on stage. "I experienced teargas for the first time in my life, but the show must go on," he shared on social media. Also joining the long list of entertainers at the venue were Nigerian BNXN FKA Buju, Ya Levis, Victony, Marioo, Njerae, Mutoriah, and Zeman. At KICC, the Crossover edition featured an impressive lineup, with artistes like Christina Shusho, Israel Mbonyi, Joel Lwaga, Wilberforce Musyoka, and other gospel artistes showcasing solid performances. Known for its epic nightlife and as the nerve centre of entertainment and hospitality in the region, Nairobi offered something for everyone who cared to celebrate. From the streets of Nairobi's Central Business District (CBD) to estate pubs and five-star hotels, creativity and culture fused as food assortments and drinks played a major part in the celebrations. At the Aga Khan Walk in Nairobi's CBD, thousands of Kenyans braved the chilly weather as the Street Praise Pop-Up concert kept them grooving. Gospel singers Guardian Angel, Jabidi, Karura Voices, and other acts performed. At St Stephen's ACK in Nairobi, Canon Paul Kariuki drew inspiration from Psalms 124 and 125, urging the congregation to hold on to their faith, no matter what the new year might bring. Reflecting on the year gone by, he acknowledged its challenges and blessings, particularly singling out the protests and turmoil that characterised 2024. "As we usher in 2025, we do so with a lot of hope and trust in God. Psalms 125 tells us that those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever. Even when the foundations are shaken, our faith is lifted to God as a nation, as individuals, and as families," said Kariuki. The Canon wished Kenyans a prosperous new year with a prayer for peace and prosperity in the coming year. Rev Bernard Obuya, president of the Baptist Convention of Kenya and senior pastor at Community Baptist Church, acknowledged the tough year that was 2024, marked by devastating floods, political unrest, femicide cases, and abductions. "It is very painful for us to be losing our young boys and girls through abductions," said Obuya. He urged Kenyans not to lose hope, noting that 2025 presented an opportunity for the government to pull up its socks. "President William Rutohas absorbed most of the opposition leaders into the government. Let us see tangible results," said Obuya. James Otieno, a boda-boda rider, and Mary Njeri, a mother of three, who were among those who attended the vigil at St Stephen's ACK, said that 2024 was difficult but now hope and trust in God for a successful 2025. [Report by Manuel Ntoyai, Molly Chebet and Emmanuel Kipchumba]

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