Calls for peace, unity as faithful mark New Year, 2015

Christians across the country celebrated New Year with a call for peace and tranquillity in various parts of the world.

The faithful thronged various churches to pray and usher in 2015.

At the Consolata Shrine, Westlands, former President Mwai Kibaki joined other faithful to celebrate Mass.

In his message, the retired president called on Kenyans to build on the gains the country made last year.

"We conclude 2014, a period that, no doubt, had its share of challenges but also immense opportunities and blessings for the country," Kibaki said.

"Let all of us work together for the good of all people, without difference of religion or political parties. Evils such as ethnicity can overtake us," said Fr, Eugene Ferrari who celebrated Mass at the Consolata Shrine.

Elsewhere, Pope Francis in his message during a fete that also coincided with the World Day of Peace, urged states to make laws that respect human dignity and protect fundamental freedoms.

natural disasters

"There is need for just laws which are centred on the human person, uphold fundamental rights and restore those rights when they have been violated. Such laws should also provide for the rehabilitation of victims, ensure their personal safety, and include effective means of enforcement which leave no room for corruption or impunity," he said.

The Pope's message was contained in a communication title 'No Longer Slaves, but Brothers and sisters'.

"I offer heartfelt wishes of peace to every man and woman, to all the world's peoples and nations, to heads of state and government, and to religious leaders. In doing so, I pray for an end to wars, conflicts and the great suffering caused by epidemics past and present, and by devastation brought by natural disasters," he said.

New Year festivities are normally accompanied by prayers in various parts of the world, with night vigils being a common practice. The New Year peace message by various churches comes in the wake of conflicts in different parts of the world.