Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Murang’a (CDM), Rt. Rev. James Maria Wainaina, has called on leaders across the country to uphold the principles of good governance and prioritize the interests of citizens.
He has reminded them that leadership is a responsibility of service rather than an opportunity for personal gain.
The Bishop spoke during a solemn Mass he celebrated at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Cathedral, Murang’a, where the Catholic Diocese of Murang’a officially marked the closure of the Year of the Jubilee of Hope and inaugurated the Year of the Blessed Virgin Mary – 2026.
The colourful Eucharistic celebration was attended by a large congregation comprising deans and their representatives, deacons, religious men and women, seminarians, novices, and Catholic faithful drawn from across the diocese, which covers Murang’a and Kirinyaga counties.
Being the last Sunday of the year, the Catholic church marks the feast of the Holy family and the readings mainly focused on family life, honouring parents and the quiet growth of Jesus.
In his homily, Bishop Wainaina emphasised the Church’s mission to faithfully proclaim the gospel of the family and the sanctity of life, echoing the teachings of Saint John Paul II as outlined in Ecclesia in Europa.
“The Church has a duty to proclaim the truth about marriage and the family without fear or compromise,” he said.
“As we begin this Marian Year, we entrust our families, our nation, and our leaders to the loving intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.”
Turning to national leadership, the bishop reminded political leaders that authority must be exercised with integrity, accountability and respect for the people.
“Leadership is not a platform for self-enrichment but a sacred duty to serve the people with honesty, responsibility, and humility,” Bishop Wainaina said.
He urged politicians to refrain from hate speech, insults, and propaganda that instills fear among citizens, calling instead for issue-based politics grounded in policies and visions that improve the lives of Kenyans.
“Our people are tired of politics of division. What Kenyans want to see are tangible results—development, quality services, and positive transformation across all sectors,” he noted.
He further emphasised the need for leaders to respect democratic institutions and serve all citizens without discrimination.
“Those entrusted with leadership must uphold democratic institutions, act patriotically, and serve the people fairly and without favouritism,” he said.
Bishop Wainaina said the newly inaugurated Year of the Blessed Virgin Mary will be a period of spiritual renewal, prayer, and reflection, encouraging Catholics to emulate Mary’s virtues of humility, obedience, and faithful service.
“As a Church, we begin this Marian Year united in faith, hope and love, seeking Mary’s guidance as we continue our mission of evangelisation and service to society,” he said.
The ceremony marked a significant liturgical milestone for the Diocese, reaffirming the Church’s role not only as a spiritual guide but also as a moral voice in national discourse.
By Florence Kinyua
