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Kenyans need to embrace unity, compassion and truth as they head into a new year, Nyeri Catholic Archbishop Anthony Muheria has said.

Speaking during a Sunday church service, Muheria highlighted the plight of refugees living in Kenya, societal greed, and the importance of building strong, united families grounded on Christian values.

He reminded Kenyans about the hundreds of thousands of refugees living in camps in some parts of Kenya, describing their struggles as severe and often overlooked.

“Kenyans, let’s remember all the refugees in our country, in different campsites. Their Christmas holiday will never be like ours and maybe we have forgotten about them,” he said.

“They are in those camps and the joy of Christmas is not with them because they don’t know what will happen to them tomorrow.”

Essential services

He cited a lack of essential services such as schools, hospitals, and guidance for children born in refugee camps, calling this a failure to serve “the weak who have been forgotten”.

He called on Kenya and the global community to take collective responsibility for these vulnerable populations.

Speaking on societal issues, Muheria expressed concerns about the culture of greed and self-interest that he believes has gripped the nation.

“Everybody is for themselves, trying to grab as much as they can. We have forgotten that we are all Kenyans, living in one country, and we are supposed to care about each other,” he said.

Strong families

He called on Kenyans to reflect on their actions and words, urging them to live in truth and work toward unity as a family, as Christians, and as citizens.

He also emphasised the importance of strong family foundations in the coming year. He prayed for young men and women to find suitable partners who would help build loving, stable families.

“Let’s pray for our daughters to find good men and our men to find good women, so they can unite to create families that obey their parents and honour God,” he said.

He condemned family conflicts, gender-based violence, and child abuse, urging all to foster peaceful and harmonious homes.

In his message, Muheria spoke to Kenya’s leaders, calling on them to fulfil their responsibilities with truth and diligence. Addressing parliamentarians, the Judiciary, and the Executive, he urged them to be honest in their work and do what they were selected to do.

“In our country, those who have been given the responsibility of defending and serving others should not misuse their power,” he said.

“Those in the Parliament, Executive and Judiciary, you all have your work. Please do your work in truth and diligence. Do not work for your own benefit but for the good of all.”

Collective responsibility

As 2024 ends, Muheria called for 2025 to be a holy year marked by prayer, unity, and renewed commitment to Christian values. He reminded Kenyans of their collective responsibility to uplift the weak, live truthfully, and prioritise the common good.

He urged all citizens to seize the opportunity to make a positive impact, saying, “Let’s build a nation that reflects the values of Christ, where everyone feels cared for and supported.”