Mombasa: 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.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Archbishop drew parallels between the biblical Christmas narrative and contemporary challenges confronting the nation, stating, ‘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.’ He highlighted the significance of Christmas in the Catholic Church calendar, alongside Good Friday and Easter, and mentioned that the Church dedicated four weeks for preparations, collaborating with Mombasa County and religious leaders across denominations to illuminate a county Christmas tree and decorate key areas.
Archbishop Kivuva also urged Christians to actively participate in national affairs, particularly during elections, drawing from the biblical account of Joseph and Mary traveling to Bethlehem for a census. ‘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.
He stressed the importance of electing leaders of integrity who avoid divisive language and fulfill their promises, referencing Chapter Six of the Constitution, which addresses leadership and integrity. The Archbishop 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,’ he said.
Archbishop Kivuva further advised 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 during the festive period and wished travelers safe journeys as they reunited with their families.
He called on Kenyans to remember the less fortunate, including orphaned children and street families, urging citizens to extend generosity to those in need. The Archbishop 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.
