Clergy asks Kenyans to be selfless in Good Friday celebrations

Archbishop Philip Anyolo leads Good Friday Way of the Cross procession from Holy Family Basilica in Nairobi on March 3, 2026. [Boniface Okendo, Standard] Christians across the country observed Good Friday in various churches, with clergy issuing a strong call for compassion, sacrifice, and political humility. The religious leaders decried the prevailing economic hardships facing many Kenyans. In Nairobi, Anglican Church of Kenya Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit challenged national leaders and citizens to embrace selflessness during this Easter season. Speaking after the service at All Saints Cathedral in Nairobi, Archbishop Ole Sapit said such selflessness would reflect the love of Jesus Christ, who suffered and died on the cross for the sins of humanity. "Doing this will be reflecting the love of Jesus Christ who suffered on the cross for our sins," he said. "The marking of this day is a demonstration of sacrifice - a life of giving and pouring oneself out for others. As a people, a nation, and as Christians, we are called to sacrifice for the sake of those in need." "Those experiencing hardship in their lives - those who need provisions, our prayers, or a helping hand - we must hold them and bring them back to a place of hope, because Golgotha is a place of hope for the Christian family through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ." The Archbishop further described Good Friday as a demonstration of emptying oneself for the sake of others. He called on Kenyans, especially the country's leadership and Christians, to "empty themselves for the sake of others." "The problem we face in our humanity today, not only in Kenya but across the world, is that when people are given leadership positions, they often use them as an opportunity to amass wealth and power for themselves while leaving the rest of the people behind," he said. Good Friday is part of the global Christian observance of Holy Week, which commemorates the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. At the same time, the Kenyan political class was challenged to embrace humility, sacrifice, and service in line with the example of Christ. Catholic faithful from Christ the King Cathedral, led by Bishop Cleophas Oseso, mark the Way of the Cross through the streets of Nakuru City on March 3, 2026. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard] Speaking during the Way of the Cross at Holy Family Minor Basilica, the basilica administrator, Fr Michael Ndichu, urged leaders to rise above self-interest and focus on serving the people. "Imitating the life of Christ is about humility. Leaders are there to serve, and they can only lead us when they empty themselves," he said, invoking the Catholic concept of kenosis - meaning self-emptying. The procession, which was flagged off earlier by Archbishop Philip Anyolo, brought together hundreds of faithful retracing the final journey of Jesus Christ in remembrance of his passion and death.Fr Ndichu decried the prevailing political tensions in Kenya, noting that the Easter season calls for unity and sacrifice. "There are so many issues pressing the lives of Kenyans - corruption, ballooning taxes... we must uplift each other," he said. "Leaders must remember they are not there to be served, but to serve."For many faithful, the day was one of deep personal reflection. Samwel Wanyonyi, who attended the procession with his family, said the 12th Station of the Cross - marking Christ's death - was the most moving."Even in his last moments, he had enough love to welcome the thief into his kingdom," Wanyonyi said. "We should reflect on these moments, not just go out there and celebrate." His wife, Nancy Wanyonyi, called on Kenyans to look beyond festivities and examine their spiritual lives. "Every time is not a time for eating and merrymaking. It's a time to dig deeper and reflect on our actions," she said. "Some prayers are answered 'yes', others 'wait'." Kakamega Catholic youth performs the suffering of Jesus on the cross while on a procession during the Way of the Cross to mark Good Friday on April 3, 2026. [Benjamin Sakwa, Standard] In Mombasa, Christians marked Good Friday in various churches and condemned the ongoing fighting in the Middle East, which has caused immense suffering to many people.Clerics condemned the conflict, noting that many civilians no longer know their fate due to the killings and destruction. Mombasa Catholic Archbishop Martin Kivuva urged Kenyans to choose the right leaders who will ensure justice and peace. He condemned what he called the "unnecessary war" in the Middle East, attributing it to bad leadership and misuse of power. Speaking during a procession from the Holy Ghost Cathedral to Mama Ngina Waterfront Park and back, Archbishop Kivuva said invasions by powerful nations have led to mass killings and suffering, especially among children and women. "Many do not know where the world is headed. But one thing is clear: we should push for justice and peace. We should make the right choice on who should lead us in the right and peaceful manner," he said. At the Anglican Church of Kenya Memorial Cathedral in Mombasa, acting sub-dean Rev Duncan Nondi led the Good Friday service.In the Western region, Christians observed Good Friday in subdued ceremonies, with many churches recording lower-than-usual turnout due to ongoing economic hardships. In Kakamega, faithful gathered at St Joseph Catholic Cathedral for the annual Way of the Cross procession led by Bishop Joseph Obanyi. He called on political leaders to shun divisive politics and embrace unity. "This is a time for reflection and humility. Our leaders must avoid unnecessary wrangles that divide the people and instead focus on serving Kenyans with integrity," he said. In Vihiga, Bungoma, and Kisumu counties, religious leaders similarly urged Kenyans to use the Easter period for national reflection, voter registration, and demanding accountability from leaders while warning against electing corrupt individuals and engaging in divisive politics. In the Rift Valley, churches reported increased attendance. In Nyahururu, Bishop Joseph Mbatia led Catholics in the Way of the Cross and called for peace, tolerance, and unity. In Eldoret, Coadjutor Archbishop of Mombasa Dominick Kimengich, who was appointed on 28 January 2026, led hundreds of faithful in a procession. In his address, he appealed to Kenyans to forgive one another and avoid divisive politics. In Kitale, Bishop Benjamin Tarus of the AIC Kitale Area Council warned political leaders against divisive rhetoric and urged them to champion peace and unity during the Easter season. [James Wanzala, Okumu Modachi, Patrick Beja, James Munyeki, Peter Ochieng, Martin Ndiema, Benard Lusigi, Jackline Inyanji and Olivia Odhiambo

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