Calls for hope, peace and resilience dominate New Year messages to Kenyans

Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi Philip Anyolo. [Collins Kweyu, Standard] Messages of peace, resilience and hope for the country dominated sermons and calls from religious leaders as Kenyans ushered in New Year in places of worship. Religious leaders presiding crossover celebrations in different churches called on Kenyans to keep peace and hope as they navigate through the economic hardships in the new year. In his sermon delivered at the Holy Family Basilica yesterday. Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi Philip Anyolo asked Kenyans not to lose hope in navigating the devastating economic status. "Although we are going through tough economic times, let us not be involved in activities that will threaten the peace of our country, let 2024 be a peaceful year. That is our prayer. God will see us through," said Anyolo. At the same time, Anyolo called on leaders to uphold integrity in their service to the electorate On his part, the presiding bishop of the Africa Inland Church Abraham Mulwa called on Kenyans to maintain peace and also embrace the hardworking culture as they strive to fend for their families amid tough economic times. "My new year message to Kenyans is to maintain peace at all places and work resiliently because this is the only way we will deal with the struggles occasioned by the country's harsh economy," said Mulwa. Along Outering Road in Nairobi, Bishop Samuel Njiriri of Stewards Revival Church shared a New Year message on the need to seek God's interventions for successes in the New Year. Njiriri said the country needs God's help in the coming year to help them wade through the hardships and keep the peace. "That way we will be in the hands of the lord, there is no need for anyone to use shortcut like corruption so as to succeed but through the fear of the Lord all thing will be well," Njiriri said. He called out the political leaders who were threatening to resume streets demonstrations citing potential further economic, social and political damages. "We pray for a peaceful country, free of demonstration like what we witnessed last year, it destabilised the country and those calling for it now should share messages of peace instead," said the bishop. He urged the politicians to spread message of hope noting that there are indication that the current situation could improve. "As we recently heard the country managed to settle some of the loans which were flagged for a possible defaulting. This means that we are headed for better times," he explained. He added, "As we usher in the New Year 2024, let us pray for our country and our leaders including the President for good stewardship." Meanwhile, Nyeri Archbishop Anthony Muheria called on the government to ease off the untenable demands on the people's incomes noting that the increased taxes were punitive and hurting Kenyans. Although the global economic situation contribute to the high cost of living, Muheria maintained that the government to ease the burden for Kenyans through strategic intervention measures. In Machakos, said Pastor Michael Musango of Fountain of Grace Church in Athi River, encouraged Kenyans to be resilient and be hopeful that things would change. In their New Year message, Presiding Clerk Ben Simiyu of Friends Church Quakers in Donholm, Nairobi said the high cost of living has made life difficult for many Kenyans. "We urge leaders especially from the political class to be sensitive to the needs of Kenya's by lowering the cost of living. The cost of fuel and electricity should be reduced," Simiyu said. Deliverance Church International Lang'ata Presiding Bishop Geoffrey Njuguna said: "If Kenya wants to see progress in 2024, we must stop complaining. We should think about the good things in this new year. Let us stop negativity and murmuring because God does not like it." Dr Njuguna called on leaders to stop thinking about the next elections and focus on development and responsible politics. While leading the night vigil to usher in the New Year, the Pentecostal Assemblies of God church leader Bishop Peter Barasa urged the church to play its role in pushing for unity among the congregants and citizen at large. "As a country we are going through difficult economic times, but as a church we must stand up in these difficult times. Let us continue praying for God's divine intervention to arbitrate when the flock is divided," Barasa said. "During this festive season, let us care for the less fortunate by sharing what God has blessed us with," he added. The Salvation Army Kenya East Territorial Commander, Colonel Daniel Kiama called for unity among Kenyans and reached out for the betterment of the country. On his part, Nairobi Church and Clergy Association of Kenya chairman Bishop Hudson Ndeda challenged faithful not to have a magical perspective of the New Year, but instead continue with their daily hustle of life. [Jacinta Mutura, Noel Nabiswa, Okumu Modachi and Mike Kihaki]

Calls for hope, peace and resilience dominate New Year messages to Kenyans

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Calls for hope, peace and resilience dominate New Year messages to Kenyans

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