Archbishop Anthony Kivuva Musonde of the Catholic Archdiocese of Mombasa has urged Kenyans to embrace the virtues of love, unity, and moderation as the country marks Christmas celebrations.
Speaking from his residence on Christmas Eve, Archbishop Kivuva emphasized that the festive season should serve as a time for families to reconnect, support the vulnerable, and reflect on national unity beyond religious, ethnic, and class divisions.
“In the same manner the angel Gabriel told Mary not to be afraid when he appeared to her, we are today telling Kenyans not to be afraid of what we are facing,” the Archbishop said, drawing parallels between the biblical Christmas narrative and contemporary challenges confronting the nation.
The Archbishop noted that Christmas ranks among the three major holidays in the Catholic Church calendar, alongside Good Friday and Easter. He revealed that the Church dedicated four weeks for preparations, during which Mombasa County collaborated with religious leaders across denominations to illuminate a county Christmas tree and decorate key areas, including the Makupa roundabout.
Drawing from the biblical account of Joseph and Mary traveling to Bethlehem for a census, Archbishop Kivuva challenged Christians to actively participate in national affairs, particularly during elections.
“Today we ask all Christians to stand up and be counted in important matters in our country. During voting, all of us—young, old, men, and women—let us take part and ensure we are involved in the affairs of the country,” he stated.
The cleric stressed the need for Kenyans to elect leaders of integrity who avoid divisive language and honor their promises. Referencing Chapter Six of the Constitution, which addresses leadership and integrity, he urged voters to demand accountability by examining leaders’ track records.
“We need leaders who have integrity, people whose words mean something. When they promise you something, they do it. It is up to us Kenyans to remain vigilant and ask leaders to provide their track record,” Archbishop Kivuva said.
He further cautioned Kenyans to exercise moderation in eating and drinking during the celebrations, reminding them of pending financial obligations in January, including school fees and business license renewals.
He appealed to motorists to drive carefully, noting the recent spate of fatal accidents that have claimed lives and left survivors hospitalized during the festive period. He also wished travelers safe journeys as they reunited with their families.
Archbishop Kivuva called on Kenyans to remember the less fortunate, including orphaned children and street families, urging citizens to extend generosity to those in need.
He also directed prayers toward conflict zones both regionally and internationally, specifically mentioning Sudan, Russia-Ukraine, and Gaza, appealing for cessation of hostilities to allow families in war-torn areas to celebrate peacefully.
Locally, he acknowledged security challenges in areas under curfew, including Trans Mara, attributing such situations to human selfishness that contradicts the Christmas message of divine love and mercy.
The Archbishop encouraged all Christians to attend church services, participate in prayer, and deepen their relationship with God and fellow believers during the season.
“This is a time for all Christian faithful to go to churches and pray, hear the word, and seek a closer relationship with the Almighty, Jesus Christ, and our fellow humankind, breaking and shunning any division,” he said.
Archbishop Kivuva wished Kenyans a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year 2025, emphasizing that the festive season should strengthen family bonds, which he described as the foundation of both the church and the nation.
By Sitati Reagan
