Mombasa Catholic Archbishop Martin Kivuva Musonde has called for peace, charity and restraint as the Lenten season and the holy month of Ramadan commence amid rising political tensions in the country.
Speaking at Holy Ghost Cathedral in Mombasa, Archbishop Kivuva emphasized the importance of prayer, almsgiving and justice advocacy. He urged politicians to conduct peaceful campaigns and appealed to nations in conflict to embrace dialogue instead of war.
His message came as Catholics marked Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the 40-day Lenten season, which this year coincides with the start of Ramadan for Muslims. He described the convergence of the two sacred seasons as a powerful reminder of shared spiritual values centered on prayer, fasting, charity and compassion.
“This day is important to us because it marks the beginning of the Lenten season for us Catholics, where we are reminded to pray, give alms to our fellow human beings, maintain and protect peace, and defend our rights and those of others,” said the archbishop.
He encouraged the faithful to support the needy and vulnerable members of society, stressing that acts of kindness should be carried out with humility.
“If you are able to give your help, gather it and take it to the needy and vulnerable,” he said. “May what we do in word or deed promote reconciliation; let us repent and work together to maintain peace.”
Archbishop Kivuva also cautioned politicians against engaging in early campaigns, warning that heightened political activity could destabilize the nation.
“To the politicians who are campaigning right now, I would ask them to wait until next year to conduct their campaigns peacefully, because campaigning now brings political heat and could eventually cause the nation to lose stability,” he stated.
Turning to global affairs, he appealed to nations experiencing conflict to cease hostilities and pursue peaceful solutions.
“To the nations that are in conflict at this time, let us stop the wars and put weapons aside; let them engage in peaceful dialogue, because war brings great sorrow and deep regret,” he urged.
On humble giving, the archbishop quoted scripture, reminding believers not to seek recognition for their generosity. “Let us not seek to show off when doing good or helping people, for the teachings say that when a person gives alms with the right hand, the left hand should not know what was given. Give and pray with faith, and you will be blessed,” he said.
The Lenten season runs until Easter Sunday on April 5, 2026. Faithful from both traditions have been encouraged to use this period for personal renewal, reconciliation and communal harmony.
Archbishop Kivuva extended greetings to Muslims observing Ramadan and underscored the importance of interfaith unity. His call for non-violence and dialogue echoes previous pastoral appeals by Catholic leaders in Kenya advocating national cohesion and peaceful coexistence.
by Ramadhan Nassib
