A section of Nakuru Clergy are now calling on the government to consider reviewing the decision of restricting congregational worship in five counties among them Nakuru.
The clergy questioned why the Church was restricted yet the open markets are fully operational with no adherence to COVID-19 containment measures.
Bishop Mike Brawan of Nakuru’s Metro Church International noted that the Church has been in the forefront in observing COVID-19 protocols hence there was no need to ban congregational worship.
Brawan who addressed the media after holding a virtual service at the church, noted that the church was feeling the pain of not being able to serve the people.
“We are feeling the pain as the church following the directive. The President was ill advised as the church was already observing the protocols. The problem is that they failed to give the church opportunity to serve the people. We have markets which are worse when it comes to COVID-19 protocols adherence” he said.
He appealed to the government to consider allowing limited congregational worship but also ensure action is taken on markets.
This, he noted will ensure more lives are saved adding that the government should also ensure hope for Kenyans and not create unnecessary fear.
“The government should also sensitize Kenyans on COVID-19 simple measures rather than creating fear among people” said Brawan.
Thie even as Churches now opt for online services to reach out to her members.
However, this might not be able to play key role as compared to the physical worship services with Bishop Brawan stating that, “We are trying to do online services but then it is expensive and many cannot access.”
With Easter approaching, many churches will have to bear with the situation and comply with the COVID-19 measures by ensuring no congregational worship.
“It is so sad that we are approaching the Easter season yet the church is prohibited to congregate” decried Brawan.
A spot check at Kenya Assemblies of God-Nakuru Christian centre in Freehold estate, empty seatTS with only two persons who had turned up for personal devotional prayers.
This contrary to the situation in normal days where the church is lively and full of praise and worship from the congregation.
At Nakuru Deliverance Church-Freehold, a similar situation with only a few praise and worship team and the instrumentalists team to ensure the Live service though a Television channel to reach the congregation at home.
Addressing the media after the virtual service, Senior Pastor Elijah Mwangi while welcoming the decision by the Government on congregational worship to save lives, however was quick to admit that the move has an effect on churches.
“It came when people were not prepared but we believe there was no wiser decision than what the President did in order to save lives owing to the surge in COVID-19 cases. We however have to admit that the move has affected the churches which is a tablet of hope to Kenyans” he said.
Rev.Mwangi called on leaders in Government and Private sector to give hope to Kenyans even during these harsh economic times.
While expressing optimism that the situation will normalize, the clergy urged Christians to seize the various opportunities in serving the needy, sick and elderly and renewal of their relationship with God even during this harsh season occasioned by COVID-19 pandemic.
“I want to call on all leaders be it in government or private sector as well as the media to ensure that we give hope to our people. Trust God for preservation to see the end of the drama of COVID-19″ he said.
President Uhuru Kenyatta during his 19th address to the nation on COVID-19, directed that all physical and in-person as well as congregational worship in all places of worship in Nairobi, Kajiado, Machakos, Kiambu and Nakuru be suspended.
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