A spot check by Capital FM News found people engaging various activities including horse riding, boat riding, face-painting while other were just seen relaxing/FRANCIS MBATHA
NAIROBI, Kenya, Dec 25 – It was a beehive of activities at Nairobi’s Uhuru Park on Sunday, where hundreds of Kenyans flocked to mark Christmas Day.
A spot check by Capital FM News found people engaging various activities including camel riding, boat rides, face-painting while other were just relaxing.
Boat rides which are usually less busy on normal days were busy, with people of all ages queuing to take a ride in the poorly maintained waters at Uhuru Park.
“My son insisted that he must ride the boat…we have to wait until we get a chance,” Cleopas Wachira, a resident of the city said.
There are those who just lay there, admiring the city, as they chatted away, perhaps reviewing the year or reminiscing on how they will make merry during the New Year celebrations.
“We are just here to have fun and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ,” another said.
For some, this was the best moment to bond after a hectic year.
“We cherish this moment since we are all here as a family. As a parent I feel good to have all my children and now in a different setup,” Esther Akinyi asserted.
At the far end of the park, another group was seen singing worship songs, thanking God for getting them to this far.
There are those who went on with their businesses in the city, despite the ongoing festivities, because for them it’s a time to make money.
Collins Mukuria a vendor within the park said he had made a lot of sales.
“We have so many people, unlike last year…seems they didn’t go to the village,” a visibly excited Mukuria said. “The business is doing well. I have a reason to celebrate.”
It was obvious that even as they celebrated, a majority of them were concerned about next year’s elections.
They did not want anything that would ruin the serenity and peace they were enjoying.
Those who spoke to Capital FM News urged the rest of Kenyans to remain united even after the festive season, more so during the electioneering period.
“We should not forget that we are one and politicians should not divide us,” Hamisi Abbas said.
On why they chose to remain in the city, some cited economic challenges while other said they had developed travelling phobia due to the numerous road accidents that have been experienced lately in the country.
“We have to prepare our children with whatever they need as they resume studies and prepare the school fees,” Nicholas Isola, a father of three said.
“I have to cut the expenses so that I don’t inconvenience myself come January.”
There were numerous police officers patrolling the park, to ensure the safety for the merry-makers.
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