Families mark Easter with prayers and fun

Kenyans thronged various recreational spots to celebrate Easter on Saturday.

Nakuru played host to thousands of people who thronged the town to listen to Ministry of Repentance and Holiness Church bishop David Owuor.

Most of the bishop’s followers arrived in the town on Friday and spent the night at the showground and nearby hotels ahead of Saturday’s commencement of the religious conference.

Dr Owuor, who spent the previous night at Sarova Woodlands Hotel, gave the congregation a message of hope.

Attendants had filled the grounds to capacity.

TOURISTS
He preached on the need for sacrificing lives for God, walking in His ways and building each other’s faith.

“Jesus saved us from facing the wrath of our sins when he died on the cross. We are not in darkness any more, but we are now children of the light,” Dr Owuor said.

The conference, which ran continuously for the whole day, was the beginning of his two-day tour of the town.

Mombasa, the town most synonymous with holidaying, received numerous visitors, making security agencies beef up security in most areas.

“We have officers patrolling the beaches using motorboats. We are ready to deal with any eventualities,” Kisauni deputy county commissioner Kipchumba Rutto said.

SECURITY
Mr Rutto and his Nyali counterpart Joshua Marete said measures had been put in place to ensure that holidaymakers enjoy the celebrations without fear.

At the Jomo Kenyatta public beach, there was a swarm of holidaymakers.

Church leaders at the coastal town called on Kenyans to support the police in the fight against crime.

Likoni Catholic Bishop Henry Ndune urged residents to be alert and inform police about criminals.

On Thursday, security agencies arrested 119 suspects in a crackdown on suspected criminals who had been terrorising residents.

In Nakuru, Lake Nakuru National Park, hotels, restaurants, public grounds and resorts were teeming with families.

CHARITY

Street families also had their moment of fun after some hotels and welfare organisations held parties for them.

Shemeji Hotel spent their day with disabled children and poor families in the streets of Nakuru.

“We decided to share with the less fortunate so that they can also feel like the rest of the people,” Shemeji owner Dan Ng’ang’a said.

In Narok, security was enhanced in the Maasai Mara Game Reserve as local and international tourists continued flocking to lodges and camps in the tourism site.

UNITY PACT
The influx of international tourists has been associated with the handshake between President Uhuru Kenyatta and opposition leader Raila Odinga two weeks ago.

Hoteliers said the impressive bookings are as a result of the immense tranquillity and ease from political tension experienced in the country.

Narok County Commissioner George Natembea said security personnel have been deployed to the reserve and all towns to ensure people are safe during the holiday.

Mr Natembea said the officers will also be manning shopping centres, hotels and religious places and main highways.

“I assure all residents and visitors that security measures have been put in place to ensure the safety of the residents and visitors who are either in the Maasai Mara or travelling by road,” he said.

Reported by Brian Ocharo, Winnie Atieno, Peter Mburu and George Sayagie