Thousands of Lugari residents gathered in churches, mosques and public places as the world eagerly ushered in a new year Sunday hoping for a better future, saying goodbye to a year of politics, terror attacks, corruption, accidents, economic turmoil and tragedies that many would rather forget.
In Lumakanda, hundreds of Christians faithful gathered at the African Israel Nineveh church Sub County headquarters to welcome the New Year in style.
The Israel church Archbishop Dr. John Mweresa, the second called on religious leaders to use their closeness to God to pray for peace and success of the nation.
The archbishop said peace can only prevail in the country with support of God and people and appealed to the religious leaders to use their spiritual ability to clear all obstacles and difficulties that may stand as stumbling blocks in the peaceful co-existence, development and smooth running of the nation.
He said the politicking period was over and called on political leaders in the country to cool down their temperatures and foster dialogue as a way of solving their political differences.
“Let 2023 be a year of change, together let us foster dialogues as a means of handling contentious issues and chart a peaceful and more prosperous future, let us recommit ourselves to be peacemakers we should unite as a nation let our leaders stop the wrangles and embarrassment witnessed in the country in 2022” was the message from the man of God.
His sentiments were echoed by senior priest Rev. Pascal Mugoselwa of the African Divine Church who also appeals to Christian and Muslim religious leaders in the country to claim and adopt a spirituality which promotes reciprocity, tolerance, harmony, mutual understanding and peaceful co-existence.
The leaders also decried the high cost of living appealing to President William Ruto’s intervention to relieve Kenyans from the skyrocketing prices of basic commodities.
For those who didn’t go to church, joined their friends, relatives and colleagues in various joints to usher in the New Year in their own style.
The security for the annual event was incredibly tight with police officers patrolling all over to ensure residents welcomed the New Year without any security problem.
Each and everybody hopes and anticipates that 2023 will be a year of calmness, change and prosperity.
