What we can do differently as we begin 2026

As we begin, today, 2026, I have a prayer to make: that we may use our faith in God to transform our governance systems. To say the least, our systems of governance have increasingly become heartless. Insensitive to the plight of the poor. Exploiting poverty for political power.

We have seen, on several occasions, media reports including authentic social media clips, of “children parents” struggling to take care of their siblings in extremely deplorable conditions. In a country where administration systems run from the State House to the lowest grassroots household, how do we explain such state negligence?

Many of our elected leaders are God-loving, or at least they appear to be. They worship. Leaders benefiting from taxpayer money have the primary responsibility to be sensitive to the needs of children at whatever cost. But, adding that the leaders are God-loving makes it even more demanding that they should comb through the country to ensure no children are exposed to extreme hardships. It is just heartless to be blind to situations like this.

Let us look at another example. The simple political strategy of lining up to receive packages of cooking oil, flour and whatever else is added in the package is actually very effective. People rush to receive the “free” gifts. The giver takes the form of a generous, kind and loving Good Samaritan. The receiver, who is not used to getting free offers, is more than happy to have a moment of grace. A moment when political leadership cares.

Let us be honest with ourselves. Giving to the poor is acceptable. In fact, it is what any believer in God should practice. But there is a considerable difference between magnanimously giving to the poor and using the poor through giving. Donate to those in need any day, any time. God will bless you. But, lining up people to donate foodstuffs in return for cheers, votes, and elevated self-importance is being heartless. It is treating other people as objects. It is evil.  

Look, no one chooses to be poor. And, the fact of life is that some people have more than others. For this reason, the people elect their leaders to ensure that citizens live a dignified life regardless of their income. The whole idea of a social welfare state is meant to support those who are less fortunate in life. Every citizen should have a basic standard of living.

Even people like me who know very little about the law correctly interpret the Bill of Rights as stated in Article 43(1) of the Constitution of Kenya. It provides that every person has the right:(a) to the highest attainable standard of health, which includes the right to health care services, including reproductive health care; (b) to accessible and adequate housing, and to reasonable standards of sanitation; (c) to be free from hunger, and to have adequate food of acceptable quality; (d) to clean and safe water in adequate quantities; (e) to social security; and (f) to education.

On this basis, therefore, how do we justify hundreds or even thousands of people lining up to receive bribes, foodstuffs, tokens and so forth for political expediency?

We are a country that is God-loving, God-fearing. Our faith has to count for our social life. Kenya is blessed with extremely hardworking people. We have very innovative people and a promising young generation if well educated, supported and conditions of flourishing put in place.

This year, let us commit our faith to action. I have listened to many religious leaders who are calling on us, the faithful, to do our bit in our spheres of influence. Be it fighting corruption, be it promoting social good, be it social innovation or any other capacities one has been blessed with, those of us who believe in God, have a moral duty to actively engage in ensuring our systems of governance promote human dignity.

A continued social moral decay in which we turn fellow human beings into objects or means to our ends challenges the core of our belief in God. Faith, as we learn in the Holy Books, dignifies everyone in daily life.