Kenyans mark Easter with service, faith and calls for unity

Faithful at Vosh Church International in Kisumu led by Archbishop Dr. Winnie Owiti during the marking of Easter Sunday. [Michael Mute, Standard] As many Kenyans continue to grapple with a high cost of living, this year's Easter shifted from feasting and family gatherings to acts of service, worship and reflection. Churches across the country used the holiday to focus on community building and spiritual renewal, particularly among young people. "We're seeing a shift from the traditional feasts to more meaningful engagements such as music, mentorship, worship and charity," said Kennedy Adiara, General Superintendent of the Pentecostal Assemblies of God. "Easter provides a beautiful opportunity to bring everyone together. It is a time to rejoice, celebrate and reflect on one of the most important moments in the Christian faith." From Nairobi to Kisumu, Easter events included youth retreats, outreach programs, sporting tournaments and prayer festivals. In Boyani, Vihiga County, African Divine Church Archbishop John Chabuga urged young people to take charge of their digital lives. "Use the internet for good, for networking, job hunting and content creation. Do not allow the internet to control you. Take charge of yourselves," he told the youth gathered at a church conference. Chabuga called on both churches and parents to guide young people. "We have a role to play as a church and families so that we bring up an all-around generation for our future. Let us not leave it to the schools and government," he noted. Colonel Daniel Kiama, Territorial Commander of the Salvation Army Kenya East, urged congregations to serve beyond church walls. Father Geoffrey Onsare of Nyansara Catholic Church in Bomachoge Chache,Kisii blesses congregants with holy water during a service. [Sammy Omingo, Standard] Partnering with food banks and shelters to provide meals for those in need embodies the spirit of Easter. It is about showing love and compassion to the most vulnerable," observed Kiama. Friends Church Nairobi Yearly Meeting Presiding Clerk Ben Simiyu encouraged congregations to collaborate with local talent. "You could invite musicians, artists or performers to create a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. This not only enhances your celebration but also helps spread the message of hope," he explained. In Nyeri, Catholic Archbishop Anthony Muheria used the Chrism Mass to challenge Kenyans not to depend on politics for transformation. "Hope will not come from politicians or academics. It will come from each of us who decides to work hope into our communities," said Muheria. "Even when promises remain unfulfilled, we must lift our neighbours. With our hands together, it is difficult to break. Hope is the one thing that cannot be taken from us." Anglican Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit cautioned political leaders against using harsh language in public spaces. "Let us reason with the Saviour, not from a place of personal interest. What kind of weakness is it when we weaponise words in schools and around our children?" he posed. "When we fight with force, our children become rebels. And they are asking us, 'Where is our future?'" Service at Nyansara Catholic Church in Bomachoge Chache,Kisii during the marking of Easter Sunday. [Sammy Omingo, Standard] For many this year, Easter was not about lavish meals or new clothes but about generosity, unity and purpose. "This Easter was not about what we ate. It was about what we gave and who we became," reflected a church elder in Nairobi after an inter-denominational youth event.++++

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