Christians yesterday marked Easter Sunday with strong messages calling out the government over its growing appetite for external borrowing and persistent corruption.
In Nairobi, Catholic Bishop Peter Kamomoe, an auxiliary bishop in the Archdiocese of Nairobi, encouraged Kenyans to remain hopeful despite the difficult times.
Delivering his Easter message at the Holy Family Basilica, Bishop Kamomoe said the current state of the nation stems from the choices Kenyans made during the August 2022 General Election.
He also condemned reports of organ theft in hospitals, urging the public to exercise vigilance when seeking medical procedures.
In Nyeri, Archbishop Anthony Muheria warned that corruption had crippled the nation and called for urgent moral reawakening—urging citizens to embrace the spirit of Easter as a call to personal and national renewal.
Speaking during the Easter Vigil Mass at Nyeri Cathedral, Archbishop Muheria drew parallels between Christ’s crucifixion and the consequences of societal corruption.
“Jesus died on the cross because of the corruption of the whole society, and through our own sins,” he said. “He was condemned by corrupt leaders of His time—just as corruption today undermines justice and leadership.”
He urged Kenyans not to view Easter merely as a religious event, but as an opportunity for reflection, transformation, and a recommitment to integrity.
In Mombasa, Catholic Archbishop Martin Kivuva criticised the Kenya Kwanza administration for its rising appetite for loans, warning that the trend poses a serious risk to future generations.
Speaking at the Holy Ghost Cathedral, Archbishop Kivuva said the government had ignored concerns over ballooning public debt.
“The unmatched appetite for borrowing will place future governments in precarious positions.”
Meanwhile, church leaders in Mombasa also raised alarm over the resurgence of violent juvenile gangs, calling for coordinated intervention from law enforcement, political leaders, and parents.
Fr Henry Ndune of Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church in Mtongwe, Likoni, warned that children as young as 13 were already involved in criminal activity. He urged parents to be more present in their children's lives.
“We must instil good morals in our children,” Fr Ndune said.
In Kisumu, Christians gathered in churches across the city despite cold weather, filling sanctuaries with songs of praise and worship to mark the resurrection of Christ.
At VOSH Church International, Archbishop Dr Winnie Owiti called for a moral renaissance, encouraging families to rebuild their foundations through peace, forgiveness, and reconciliation.
“We must start with our families if we are to rebuild the nation,” she said.
At Full Gospel Church in Kisumu, Bishop Charles Kokombo emphasised the power of forgiveness as a path to national unity.
“If Jesus could forgive, so must we,” he said.
In Nairobi, many families flocked to Uhuru Park and other recreational spaces to mark the day. However, most businesses reported slow sales.
“We’ve seen people out, but business has not picked up,” said Martin Kibia, who operates a merry-go-round at City Park.
At the Coast, hotels and other accommodation facilities experienced a mixed Easter season. Some operators described the period as unusually slow.
Dr Sam Ikwaye, Chairman of the Mombasa Tourism Council, attributed the lull in part to the freeze in US aid funding, which he said had affected NGOs that typically contribute significantly to Easter bookings.
Report by Philip Mwakio, Flavier Momanyi, Amos Kiarie and Michael Mute.
