It is a time to make Easter holiday merry for some, while for others the season brings that hollow feeling that reminds them of their penury.
For Kenyan Christians, Easter is a time of deep religious reflection, the holiest weekend in their calendar.
For thousands of government workers, including lawmakers, devolved government employees and those at the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation, the Easter weekend has arrived without their March salaries.
Catholic faithful at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Cathedral in Eldoret town, Uasin Gishu County, enact The Way Of The Cross on Good Friday, led by Fr Timothy Kiplagat, on April 7, 2023.
Photo credit: Jared Nyataya | Nation Media Group
“Kenya has in the recent past endured its share of difficulties and struggles, weakened economic growth, depleted resources, debt and drought, amidst political disagreement. In the cold darkness of this storm, after the turmoil and injury, the promise of resurrection and eternal life shone like a light at the end of the tunnel,” Dr Ruto said.
In a lengthy statement, opposition Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition pointed out the difficulties a majority of Kenyans are facing, criticising the government for failing to alleviate the suffering.
Dan Mbita, a chef at Shemeji Restaurant in Lanet, along the Nakuru-Nairobi highway, roasts meat in anticipation of an influx of customers as Good Friday is marked on Apri 7, 2023.
Photo credit: Boniface Mwangi | Nation Media Group
“Azimio la Umoja One Kenya is deeply concerned with the worsening economic situation that has seen the government unable to meet one of its most basic of obligations, which is paying its workers,” the Ugunja MP said in a statement yesterday.
The national administration owes state agencies Sh204 billion while counties are demanding Sh92.5 billion, which is the equitable share for January, February, and March.
“How can it be that we scrapped subsidies, increased taxes and continue to borrow, only for our financial situation to get worse?” Mr Wandayi asked.
“Where is the money going? This is the sad state of affairs that the Kenya Kwanza administration is hiding from Kenyans.”
By Thursday afternoon, MPs and parliamentary staff had not been paid their March salaries while nearly all civil servants don’t know when or if they will get paid.
“The result of the blatant theft and incompetence at institutions in charge of revenue generation and collection is that civil servants and MPs have gone to Easter wit
Catholic faithful at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Cathedral in Eldoret town, Uasin Gishu County, enact The Way Of The Cross on Good Friday, led by Fr Timothy Kiplagat, on April 7, 2023.
Photo credit: Jared Nyataya | Nation Media Group
And as thousands flocked to entertainment joints to mark Good Friday yesterday, others chose to visit places of worship, taking part in the Way of the Cross processions to remember Christ’s suffering.
Those in bandit-prone regions of Turkana and West Pokot counties were fleeing places they have always called home.
Five hours later, bandits raided Nayanatiir and Nakwakaal villages in Turkana East sub-county and stole 2,600 livestock.
Fr James Muraya of St Peter's Catholic Church in Elburgon, Nakuru County, leads faithful in a 'Way of the Cross' procession on Elburgon- Njoro road on Good Friday, April 7, 2023.
Photo credit: John Njoroge | Nation Media Group
On an ordinary day, it is usually abuzz with activities.
Many kilometres away in the Coast, hotels are priming for merrymakers.
Establishments like Jacaranda Indian Ocean Beach Resort, Swahili Beach, Diani Reef Hotel and Spa and Baobab Beach Resort were busy as visitors from various parts of the country and abroad flocked in.
There was, however, little activity at the beach compared to the Christmas season when locals and tourists flock to the attraction, as some Kwale residents are observing the Muslim holy month of Ramadhan.
Catholic bishop Joseph Obanyi, of the Diocese of Kakamega, carries a cross as he leads faithful in a 'Way of the Cross' Good Friday procession to St Joseph's Cathedral in Kakamega town on April 7, 2023.
Photo credit: Isaac Wale | Nation Media Group
Kenya Coast Tourist Association chairman, Victor Shitakha, said this year’s Easter weekend will be slightly different because “it is not favoured by the school calendar”. Hotel bookings are at 70 per cent compared to 80 last year.
"My rooms were booked as early as January for Easter,” she said, adding that apart from Nairobi, guests from other parts of the country are also making their way to the global holiday destination.
Guests enjoyed swimming and entertainment at the establishment as the hot weather favoured them.
Fr James Muraya of St Peter's Catholic Church in Elburgon, Nakuru County, leads faithful in a 'Way of the Cross' procession on Elburgon- Njoro road on Good Friday, April 7, 2023.
Photo credit: John Njoroge | Nation Media Group
Festive parties were out of the equation as families cut back on non-essential spending to put up with the high cost of living.
In the middle of this economic turmoil, public transport fare has also increased due to rising fuel prices.
Streets in the capital city were crowded as many residents avoided travelling upcountry.
Due to the rising cost of living, things look a little different today.
“I would rather remain at home for my family cannot afford the shopping needed to take to relatives back home.”
As Ms Muoki will celebrate the Easter weekend at her home in Voi.A spot check at markets in the town showed prices of vegetables had increased.
Men take part in a mock crucifixion at Holy Spirit Catholic church in Langas, Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County as Good Friday is marked on April 7, 2023.
Photo credit: Titus Ominde | Nation Media Group
In the lakeside city of Kisumu, the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (Kuco), Kenya National Union of Pharmaceutical Technologist (KNUPT) and the Kenya National Union of Medical Laboratory Officers (Knumlo) threatened to boycott work from today following salary delays.
The health workers, who demanded their two-month salary arrears, said they would suspend their services until their demands are met.
To stop the strike, the Kisumu devolved government moved to the Employment and Labour Relations Court, to seek orders to stop the boycott pending the hearing and determination of the case.
“An order of temporary injunction is granted and hereby issued restraining the respondents and their members in Kisumu County from proceeding on with strike notice dated March 31, 2023, pending hearing inter-party of the application,” Justice Jemimmah Keli ruled, certifying the application as urgent.
Catholic faithful from the Matuga Diocese in Kwale County are pictured in a procession to celebrate the Good Friday (way of the Cross) on April 7, 2023.
Photo credit: Kevin Odit | Nation Media Group
The strike by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union has seen most services at hospitals and dispensaries, including surgery, suspended.
As of April 7, doctors had vacated the premises of the public hospitals, leaving nurses and clinical workers in charge.
The levy on internet transactions went up to 16 per cent, 15 per cent capital gains tax on the transfer of property and VAT on e-books and videoconferencing among others. The result has been a rise in the cost of living.
Reporting by Daniel Ogetta, David Mwere, Cece Ciago, Angeline Ochieng’, Sammy Lutta, Brian Ocharo and Lucy Mkanyika
