Leaders marks start of Ramadan and Lent with well-wishes to faithful
By Faith Lagat, February 18, 2026Kenyan leaders have extended heartfelt messages to the faithful as Muslims begin the Holy Month of Ramadan and Christians observe Ash Wednesday, marking the start of the Lenten season.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) led the gestures and issued a joint message, greeting both communities.
The party highlighted that fasting is a key act of worship meant to cultivate God-consciousness, self-discipline, and spiritual purification, and offered prayers for those beginning the fast.
ODM also conveyed well-wishes to Catholics and Anglicans as they commence the Lenten season.
“Ramadan Kareem to all Muslims as they begin the Holy Month of Ramadan,” the party posted on X on February 18,2026. “Fasting is a cornerstone act of worship designed to cultivate taqwa (God-consciousness), self-discipline, and spiritual purification. We pray for you all as you start the Fast. Happy Ash Wednesday to all Catholics/Anglicans as you start Lent.”
Leaders stance
Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta joined the faithful by attending an Ash Wednesday service at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Nyali, Mombasa, joining hundreds of congregants in the traditional imposition of ashes.
The act symbolises repentance and spiritual renewal ahead of the 40-day Lenten journey toward Easter.
Kenyatta, through the Office of the Fourth President, wished Christians a meaningful season of prayer, fasting, reflection, and compassion.
He also extended warm greetings to Muslims in Kenya and worldwide, praying that Ramadan would strengthen faith, deepen compassion, and promote unity.
The statement highlighted shared values of discipline, charity, and devotion that bind Kenya’s diverse communities, reflecting the nation’s long-standing tradition of religious harmony and coexistence.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, now leader of the Democratic Congress Party (DCP), focused his message on the resilience of Muslims in hardship-hit regions.
“As the Holy Month begins, I extend my warmest wishes to our Muslim brothers and sisters, especially those in Northern Kenya who continue to endure hardship with remarkable resilience,” he wrote.
He added that the season of fasting, prayer, and reflection reminds everyone of compassion, unity, and shared responsibility, wishing that Ramadan brings renewed hope, relief, and divine blessings to every household.
Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration Kipchumba Murkomen also sent greetings, wishing the faithful peace, spiritual renewal, and happiness during the month.
Shared values and interfaith unity
This year, the coincidence of Ramadan and Lent has highlighted the common threads of fasting, prayer, charity, and self-discipline in both Islam and Christianity.
Across Kenya, mosques and churches held special services, and many citizens expressed appreciation for the leaders’ messages of unity amid economic pressures and regional challenges.