Religious leaders have been urged to go beyond preaching the Gospel and play a more active role in promoting national unity, peaceful coexistence, and civic responsibility as Kenya prepares for the 2027 General Election.
Father Dominic Musau, who serves in the Quality Assurance and Standards Department of the Catholic Diocese of Machakos, said the Church has a critical responsibility to guide the nation during a political period that could easily fuel division.
He spoke at Kamangu Village in Masinga Constituency, Machakos County, during the retirement ceremony of Taitus Utungo, who stepped down after many years of distinguished service as Secretary of the Thathaa Parish Council in the Catholic Diocese of Machakos.
Father Musau urged fellow religious leaders to use their platforms to address pressing social issues, including political intolerance, youth empowerment, family values, and accountable leadership.
As the country gradually enters the political season, he called on Kenyans to reject politics driven by hatred, division, and intolerance, emphasizing that peace should remain the guiding principle before, during, and after the 2027 General Election.
“Political competition should never divide families, communities, or places of worship,” Father Musau said.
He further challenged religious leaders to become ambassadors of peace by consistently preaching unity and reminding Kenyans of their shared responsibility to safeguard national cohesion.
Father Musau noted that political differences continue to deepen divisions along ethnic, family, and party lines, warning that the trend poses a serious threat to national unity if left unchecked.
Referring to recent incidents of unrest in schools, he called on teachers, parents, and the Church to work together in raising responsible citizens.
He also urged Sunday school teachers and church leaders to instill strong moral and spiritual values in children from an early age, saying that sound values remain the foundation of a peaceful and united society.