The Catholic Church has cautioned Kenya’s political leaders against heightening tensions that could plunge the nation into chaos, urging them instead to embrace humility, unity, and service.
Nyeri Archdiocese Archbishop Anthony Muheria has appealed to the country’s political elite to shift their focus from divisive rhetoric to improving the welfare of ordinary Kenyans. Speaking during the 10th anniversary of the beatification of Sister Irene Stefani Nyaatha in Mukurwe-ini, Nyeri County, the Archbishop said true leadership is founded on love, mercy, and integrity.
“The kind of exchanges that sometimes we hear with leadership, we ask them to bring God, bring mercy, bring caring because only when leadership is filled with love and humility is it true leadership,” said Archbishop Muheria.
He criticized leaders for prioritizing power and self-interest over service, noting that arrogance and political pride have replaced compassion and humility.
“We are filled with big heads of how big we are and we want to always impose our power. A leadership that does not have mercy and love, that cannot listen, is not leadership,” he added.
In Kirinyaga County, clergy echoed similar sentiments, condemning inflammatory remarks by politicians that risk dividing communities.
“Matamshi mabaya ambayo wanasiasa wanatoa yanatugawanya sisi hasa vijana na kinamama. Tunawaomba waache kuchochea,” said Idi Abdi, one of the church leaders.
The clergy’s call comes just days after a pause in political activity to mourn the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, whose legacy was also honored in Mombasa, where residents held special prayers celebrating his role in uniting Kenyans.
“Aliweka ubinafsi nyuma na akaweka Kenya mbele,” said Mombasa resident Denis Aduda.
With only 22 months to the next general election, religious leaders are calling for sobriety and a renewed focus on peace and national cohesion to prevent Kenya from sliding into political turmoil.
