Thousands mark Palm Sunday
Churches in Nairobi marked Palm Sunday in preparation for Easter Holidays as Catholic faithful marched through the streets with palm fronds.
Security was intensified in churches as worshippers were subjected to thorough security searches and checks at the church entrances.
Church leaders urged their members to stay put and cooperate with the security measures put in place.
Screening
Father Bernard Kabiu of Holy Family Basilica said that the screening has is necessary and are not targeted to members of a particular religion.
“The screening has become a necessary part of life. Everyone is welcome to the church, whether they are Muslim or Hindu. The checks should not be seen as a rejection of any particular religion,” he said.
Security will be beefed up ahead of the Easter Holidays following the massive police operation in Eastleigh and other parts of the city in a bid to fight terrorism.
The Palm Sunday procession and the blessing of palms originated in the Frankish Kingdom and was soon incorporated into the Roman Kingdom.
Palm Sunday is a Christian holy day that marks the beginning of Holy Week and commemorates Jesus’ entry into the city of Jerusalem.
By waving palm branches and using them to cover his path as he rode into the city on a donkey, the crowd indicated that Jesus Christ was revered and respected.
In celebrating this occasion, Christians- both catholic and protestants-distribute palm leaves to their members who then carry them in a procession either inside or outside of the church.
Often the palm fronds are knotted or woven into small crosses that can be kept by individuals in their homes as a reminder of the lessons of Holy Week.