Catholic faithful take part in the 14 Kilometers Way of the Cross walk along Parliament road, Nairobi on April 18, 2025. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

President William Ruto has urged Kenyans to observe traffic rules as they travel for the long Easter weekend, which begins today with the commemoration of Good Friday.

In a video message, the President extended his Easter wishes to all Kenyans as Christians across the country mark the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

"Happy Easter, everyone," said Ruto. "Please be safe on the roads, and mbarikiwe sana (be blessed). To all the families, all the friends, and every Kenyan—Happy Easter."

President William Ruto’s Easter message pic.twitter.com/WzhWTji5PS — The Standard Digital (@StandardKenya) April 18, 2025

Across the country, Christians have gathered in churches to observe Good Friday, the day Jesus Christ was crucified.

In Nairobi, Archbishop Philip Anyolo led Catholic faithful in a procession of the Way of the Cross, beginning at Holy Family Basilica and moving along Parliament Road.

Catholic faithful led by Archbishop Philip Anyolo take part in the 14 Kms Way of the Cross walk along Parliament road, Nairobi.

Video by Elvis Ogina pic.twitter.com/FAR9ZqftX9 — The Standard Digital (@StandardKenya) April 18, 2025

The 14-kilometer walk drew thousands of worshippers who reenacted the final hours leading to the crucifixion of Jesus. Dressed in biblical attire and carrying wooden crosses and palm branches, participants sang hymns and recited prayers in a solemn and reflective procession.

Elsewhere in the city, several churches opted for indoor services, marked by praise, worship, and Bible teachings.

A lady holds a rosary during the Way of the Cross walk along Parliament road, Nairobi on April 18, 2025. [Elvis Ogina, Standard

Similarly, Catholic faithful from St Joseph Catholic Church in Kisumu walked along Ring Road in Nyalenda areas as they performed various steps Jesus underwent before crucifixion. 

St Joseph Catholic Church, Kisumu stage Way of the Cross walk along Nyalenda Ring Road on April 18, 2025 . [Michael Mute, Standard]

The same ritual happened at the neighbouring St Maria Goretti Nyalenda Catholic Church.

St Maria Goretti Nyalenda Catholic Church in Kisumu reenacts the suffering of Jesus Christ on April 18, 2025. [Michael Mute, Standard]

Further, in Nakuru, the congregation of Christ The King Cathedral Catholic Church lined the streets for the Way of the Cross, to relive the final journey of Jesus Christ to Calvary for  his crucifixion.

Faithful from Catholic Church, Christ The King Cathedral Nakuru, during the Way of the Cross, on April 18, 2025. [Ken Gachuhi, Standard]

Archbishop Martin Kivuva of the Catholic Church Archdiocese of Mombasa led the commemoration in the coastal city.

Archbishop Martin Kivuva and members of Holy Ghost Cathedral Catholic Church in Mombasa during their Way of the Cross procession in Mombasa County on April 18, 2025. [Kelvin Karani, Standard]

At Rongo University’s St. Vincent De Paul Chaplaincy, students, staff, and community members took part in a solemn Way of the Cross procession led by the Chaplain, Fr. Pius Odhiambo.

The faithful walked from Toku Primary School, Rongo Kitere Hills through Chief Centre to the chaplaincy, carrying the cross to symbolize Jesus Christ’s journey to Calvary.

The cross was carried by different people to symbolize the shared suffering and devotion. 

Good Friday procession at Rongo University on April 18, 2025. [Rogers Otiso, Standard]

Meanwhile, other Kenyans are spending the day in varied and creative ways.

(Additional reporting by Elvis Ogina, Ken Gachuhi, Michael Mute, Kelvin Karani, and Rogers Otiso.)