Churches remain closed on Sunday following government directive

Believers remain at home on Sunday and worshipped from their
homes as per the government directives on closure of worship places in a bid to
contain the ongoing pandemic in the country. Many churches remained closed as
many followers choose to stay at home to avoid being on the wrong side of the
law.

The directive, having diverse-drawn opinions on the first Sunday
of its implementation –with faithfull saying that it was not right for the government
to call for closure of worship places – saw a number churches remain shut, with
some conducting online summons.

“The government should have let churches continue with
their operations. We have been working the whole week and that day was specifically
meant for giving thanks after the work, as much as we want our nation to be safe
but closing the places of worship was not appropriate,” said Mrs. Evelyne Mirenja
a faithful of Maximum Gospel Ministries in Machinjoni Kitale.

The government intended to reduce social gatherings in
places of worship, even as it calls on citizens to minimize unnecessary movements
and stay at home.

A number of churches have opted in streaming live summons on
social media platforms to reach preaching the gospel to the believers.

“The religious groups should help the government fight the
virus by allowing their believers worship from home. One hand cannot manage
since they have a huge following they can also help the government. Washing
hands is not enough, they say through contact the virus also spreads,”
said Bashir Mukoya a Muslim faithful of Jamia Mosque Kitale.

On Saturday, the police raided a church in Bungoma County and
arrested two priests who were conducting a morning mass despite the government’s
directive on keeping off to avoid crowding, which spark chances of the virus spread.

Meanwhile, a number of churches in Kitale town remained closed.