Leaders preach unity this Easter

Calls for unity among Kenyans dominated Easter holiday messages from key political and religious leaders on Friday.

Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka, in their separate goodwill messages, said Kenyans should commit themselves to working for national unity.

Said Mr Odinga: “Let us use Easter as a moment of reflection and prayer. Let it provide a chance for us to confront our doubts and our sorrows about Kenya and her future.”

He went on: “We should all rededicate ourselves to making Kenya more united, caring, just and free.”

Mr Musyoka, on his part, said the Easter season should inspire all Kenyans to make a difference especially among the vulnerable and the needy.

“Let it encourage sobriety and caution on our roads. May our soldiers who are fighting a just war across our borders against extremists, and our disciplined forces who keep watch over us here at home draw courage, strength and hope from the passion and resurrection of Christ,” he said.

The VP said despite the many challenges facing the country, Kenyans should look forward with great hope for economic prosperity, equality as well as social and political stability.

He promised that the government will complete the resettlement of all IDPs in the country as well as create more jobs for the youth.

At the Coast, politicians were urged to put their campaigns aside and help the less fortunate people in society during this Easter season.

Addressing the media during a party for orphans from Shanzu Good Hope Children’s Centre in Bamburi, Coast Women Leaders chairlady Amina Abdalla said leaders should portray generosity and humility as a sign of good leadership.

Meanwhile, Catholic Bishop Boniface Lele has urged people agitating for boundary changes in their respective areas to do so on the basis of geographical location and population and not tribal lines.

Speaking at St Joseph’s Catholic Church Tudor after leading hundreds of faithful in “the way of the cross”, he also urged people to respect each other regardless of their religious affiliations.

In Nakuru, many passengers were stranded as they tried to travel to join friends and relatives for the festivities. Matatus and buses also increased fares as they took advantage of the growing demand for transport.

However, the situation was different in Nyeri where public transporters reported low business.

In Mombasa, five beach emergency response centres have been set up to enhance safety during the Easter holiday.

By Dave Opiyo, Simon Siele, Charles Mwaniki, Bozo Jenje, Rebecca Okwany and Philip Muyanga