CELEBRATIONS AS KENYANS USHER IN 2015

This long-exposure picture taken on December 29, 2014 shows locals in Hungary writing the new year 2015. Kenyans were spoilt for choice in the New Year's eve celebrations, turning up in large numbers in various places of entertainment and worship to usher in 2015. AFP PHOTO | ATTILA KISBENEDEK 

By CAROLINE WAFULA

Kenyans were spoilt for choice in the New Year's eve celebrations, turning up in large numbers in various places of entertainment and worship to usher in 2015.

Christian faithful jammed various worship places to usher in the year while revellers jammed bars and restaurants, dancing and drinking the night away into the New Year.

The city was literally abuzz with various New Year festivities.

A spot-check around Nairobi by the Nation in the very early hours of the first day of the year confirmed a busy dawning morning on the streets, with hundreds returning from overnight keshasand partying by Kenyans from all walks of life.

Many were still in the partying mood with the celebration energy evidently unending. Most of the bars around the city centre could still be heard playing blaring music at 5:40 in the morning.

At the Safaricom Stadium Kasarani, thousands turned up for the Groove party, an overnight praise event dubbed The Ultimate Praise Experience, graced by South African praise and worship singer Pastor Solly Mahlangu, popular for his hit songs "Obrigado Sikwembu Samadima", "Wahamba Nathi", "Emmanuel" and "Siyabonga".

Pastor Mahlangu did not just set the venue ablaze with his electrifying performances but also used the stage to encourage those present, revealing in a powerful testimony that he was conceived out of a rape incident.

Other artists who took the stage at the Kasarani stadium included gospel artistes Roughtone, Ruth Matete, DJ Sadic, Bahati, Sarah K, Willy Paul and Size 8, Pitson and Hopekid.

LIVE ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Those in the crowd who kept the event live on social media websites such as Twitter and Facebook by posting updates on the happenings did not go home empty-handed having been rewarded with phones and airtime by organisers.

A big number equally turned up at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre for the Totally Sold Out Gospel Party Volume 10 from 6pm to dawn. Various renowned gospel artists among them Tanzania’s energetic Rose Muhando and Christina Shusho and Kenya’s Gloria Muliro and Kambua kept the large crowd entertained performing throughout the night.

Christians also thronged various churches where they celebrated the New Year with praises, worship, sermons and overnight prayers.

At Deliverance Church, Umoja, believers held a mini-kesha from 9pm to 1am with the presiding Bishop J B Masinde delivering an inspiring New Year sermon and performing prayers to usher in the year.

In Nakuru, Prophet Owuor presided over an overnight prayer vigil event in the Grand Mega Nakuru Revival event at Kaptembwa grounds with thousands from various parts of the country in attendance.

In Machakos Town, the Macha New Year’s Eve Concert happened at Machakos People’s Park. The celebration was divided into two-stage concerts respectively — a New Year’s Eve countdown concert that started from 2pm to 8am and a New Year family concert that starts on Thursday from 10am till late evening.

Naivasha Town was not spared from the New Year fun, with those who wanted a break from the celebrations in Nairobi having an option of Premium Vodka Smirnoff trademark New Year’s Eve Smirnoff party that took place at Naivasha Crayfish Camp with DJ Xpect from New York and the Hakuna Matata Festival camp at the Manera Farm opposite the Delamere Kobil Petrol Station off the Naivasha - Nakuru highway where live music and DJ performances were staged.

CREDIT SOURCE: NMG