The Murang’a Catholic Diocese Bishop James Maria Wainaina has called upon all leaders to exemplify quality leadership in the running of the country.
Speaking during the launch of the 2025 Lenten campaign at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Murang’a, Bishop Wainaina said leaders need to address issues affecting Kenyans so as to make Kenya feel like home for all her citizens.
The bishop amplified the call of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops for Christians and people of goodwill to join the church in addressing the concerns of Kenyans and advocating for change during the Lenten period.
“The Kenya we desire is not one of division, corruption, or despair but one where justice, peace and unity reign; where all citizens, especially the marginalized, can thrive, where leadership is marked by integrity, and each person desires the welfare of others,” he said.
The cleric called upon Christians to reflect deeply on their desires for their country and ask themselves whether those desires align with the values of the Kingdom of God.
“This is about desiring transformation that starts in our hearts and radiates into the fabric of our society,” he said.
In the context of Kenya’s challenges including political instability, economic hardship and social injustices, the bishop called upon all Kenyans to desire what is good for the country, pray for healing and unity and commit themselves to actions that reflect these desires.
“The Christian call is not just to pray for Kenya but to actively seek the welfare of our nation in every aspect of life,” he said.
“As citizens, we must be willing to work towards a nation that reflects the justice and peace that Christ desires for all His people,” he added.
The bishop condemned the widespread cases of abductions and forced disappearances and increased cases of femicide saying the government needs to uphold justice and apprehend the perpetrators.
“The government needs to address the issue of abductions and ensure those taking part in the illegal acts are brought to justice,” he said.
Bishop Wainaina also called upon leaders to ensure Kenyans have access to quality healthcare in public health facilities.
“When Kenyans are sick they should be able to access affordable healthcare,” he said, noting that the government ought to release funds owed to healthcare providers on time to ensure continuity of services to Kenyans.
The bishop also called upon elected leaders to end corruption and misappropriation of public funds.
“Let us end corruption and embrace accountability, the desire for a corruption-free Kenya must become a deep aspiration for each of us,” he said.
Further, the bishop called upon Christians to uphold family values noting that the family is the first institution where values are instilled and a united family builds a united nation.
He challenged leaders to reflect on the youth and their potential as the untapped resources of our nation.
“We desire for a system that nurtures young people’s intellect and character,” he said.
Bishop Wainaina also called upon Christians to reflect on how their desire for environmental stewardship can restore and protect God’s creation for future generations.
Lent is the 40-day period in the liturgical calendar from Ash Wednesday to Palm Sunday which prepares the faithful for Easter celebrations through prayer, repentance, giving alms and self-denial.
The Murang’a diocese marked the start of the 2025 Lenten campaign through a procession of the Christian faithful across Murang’a town led by Bishop Maria Wainaina.
By Purity Mugo and Anita Omwenga