Church leaders across Kenya used their Christmas Day sermons to call for unity, responsible leadership, and a renewed commitment to serving the people. Amid rising political tensions and growing economic challenges, clergy urged the nation’s leaders to move beyond rhetoric and focus on tangible action that will improve the lives of ordinary citizens.
Thousands of worshippers gathered in churches across the country to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, with special masses and services held nationwide. In their addresses, the clergy emphasized the values of peace, generosity, and selfless service—core principles of the Christmas message.
A Call for Leadership with Empathy and Transparency
In Nyeri, Archbishop Anthony Muheria of the Catholic Church called on politicians to demonstrate sincerity and transparency in their leadership. He urged the political class to move beyond empty promises and prioritize the welfare of the people. “We must now speak about service, care, empathy, sincerity, and transparency. That is true Christmas,” he said, drawing inspiration from the humble birth of Jesus, who was born in a manger, yet offered the world hope.
“We need authentic leadership, where leaders serve the people with genuine care, just as Christ’s birth in such humble circumstances reveals a message of selflessness,” Archbishop Muheria added.
A Message of Hope Amid Political Uncertainty
Nairobi Archbishop Philip Anyolo echoed the call for responsible leadership, reminding the congregation that Jesus Christ’s birth, like today’s political landscape, took place under difficult circumstances. “Jesus Christ was born in a time that was also politically charged. His message stood aside to bring peace, to give people hope, and to offer a star that people would follow—the star of hope, prosperity, and fulfillment,” Archbishop Anyolo said.
Generosity and Peace for All
The clergy also used the opportunity to encourage Kenyans to embrace generosity and live in harmony with one another. In Kisumu, Honorary Curate Rev. George Okoth urged families to share what they have with those who are less fortunate. “If you have something to eat, do not eat it alone with your family. Let us remember our brothers and sisters who are less fortunate. We celebrate together because Christ came for all of us,” he said, urging the faithful to extend their blessings to others during this season.
In addition, Bishop Jactone Odhiambo of VOSH Church in Kisumu emphasized peaceful coexistence, calling on Kenyans to live harmoniously with one another. “I am requesting each of us to be peaceful with our neighbors so that we can truly celebrate the birth of Jesus, whom God sent to bring peace,” Bishop Odhiambo said, reminding the congregation of the importance of peace in society.
Pope Leo XIV’s Global Message of Service
Pope Leo XIV, in his first Christmas message since his election earlier this year, echoed similar calls to action on a global scale. The Pope emphasized the importance of serving the poor and welcoming strangers, drawing from the humble birth of Jesus in a manger. “Let us remember that Jesus was born in a place of humility. This teaches us the importance of compassion, humility, and kindness toward those in need,” Pope Leo XIV said in his address.
A Christmas Message for All
As Kenyans celebrated Christmas, the clergy’s messages resonated with calls for both personal reflection and national unity. In a year marked by economic challenges and political tensions, religious leaders called on both the government and the people to act with greater empathy, humility, and a genuine commitment to the common good.
This Christmas, the focus was not only on festivities but also on renewing the values that unite the country—generosity, service to others, and the importance of leaders who prioritize the needs of their people. The clergy’s call to action was clear: let us all serve one another in the spirit of Christ’s birth and work toward a peaceful and prosperous future for Kenya.
