NAIROBI, Kenya – As the political landscape in Kenya begins to shift toward the 2027 general elections, the Catholic Church has issued a clarion call to its clergy to serve as steadfast “promoters of peace” and “gifts of God” to a nation often divided by ethnic and political mobilization. The appeal, made during the annual World Day for Consecrated Life (WDCL) on February 7, 2026, underscores the Church’s proactive stance in safeguarding the moral and social fabric of the country.
Speaking at the Holy Family Minor Basilica in Nairobi, Fr. Peter Kaigwa, Vice Chairperson of the Clergy of the Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi (ADN), reminded his fellow priests of their fundamental identity as messengers of the Risen Lord. Drawing from the Gospel, he emphasized the greeting “Peace be with you” not merely as a liturgical formula, but as a lived mission for every priest, especially in times of national uncertainty.
A Prophetic Voice Amidst Premature Campaigns
The timing of this exhortation is significant. Kenya is scheduled to hold its general elections on August 10, 2027, to elect the President, members of the National Assembly, county assemblies, and Governors. However, the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) has already expressed deep concern over “premature campaigns” that have emerged well before the official election cycle.
In a recent statement during the launch of the 2025 Lenten Campaign, the bishops decried the resurgence of “ethnic mobilization,” abductions, and the persistent “scourge” of corruption. They warned that early political realignments are raising significant concerns about the stability and unity of the nation. The 2026 Lenten season, themed “Building a Just, Peaceful and United Kenya: Upholding Equity and Human Dignity,” serves as a practical roadmap for national healing, addressing critical issues from leadership failures to election-related violence.
Fr. Kaigwa echoed these sentiments, noting that the Church must be “truly and faithfully promoters of peace” as the build-up to 2027 continues. He urged priests to be “cognizant of the importance of this role,” serving as a stabilizing force in their communities. The bishops have specifically noted that even before the next General Election, lives have already been lost and communities are grieving due to political violence, emphasizing that “human life is never a burden to be managed or a problem to be solved”.
Compassion at the Peripheries
Beyond the political sphere, the clergy were urged to emulate the compassion of Jesus Christ by immersing themselves in the lives of the vulnerable and the suffering. “The nature of our priesthood… is not complete without compassion,” Fr. Kaigwa stated. “Jesus immersed Himself into our situation, our human situation, our weak situation, our needy situation”.
This call to “immerse” involves reaching out to those on the “fringes and peripheries of society,” answering the Lord’s call to serve wherever the need is greatest. Fr. Kaigwa encouraged his brothers in the priesthood not to tire in their mission, reminding them of Christ’s promise: “I will be with you… you shall not walk alone”. The Lenten campaign also highlights the need to address economic hardships, such as the heavy burden of public debt and rising taxes, which have left many families struggling.
The Franciscan Spirit of Purification
The 2026 World Day for Consecrated Life was celebrated under the theme, “Consecrated for Peace, Compassion, and Mission.” This year holds special significance as Pope Leo XIV has proclaimed 2026 as the Franciscan Jubilee Year, marking the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi.
In his homily, Archbishop Philip Subira Anyolo of Nairobi reminded the clergy and members of Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life (ICLSAL) that consecrated life is a “path of purification.” Inspired by the example of St. Francis, he called for a “living witness” of peace and compassion, urging the faithful to renew their vocation in the spirit of Gospel simplicity.
The Franciscan Jubilee, which extends until January 2027, offers the faithful the opportunity to obtain a plenary indulgence, serving as a spiritual preparation for the challenges and missions that lie ahead for the Church in Kenya and beyond.
A Spiritual Resolution for a Nation in Transition
In these times of political transition and social challenge, the Church calls all faithful to a deeper spiritual engagement. We are invited to seek solace and strength in the Sacrament of Confession, where the healing mercy of God can reconcile us with Him and our neighbors. Let us spend time in Eucharistic Adoration, bringing our prayers for the nation before the Blessed Sacrament, the true source of peace. The Holy Rosary offers a powerful means of intercession, uniting our voices with the Blessed Mother for the protection of our families and the unity of our country. Through active participation in the Holy Mass and the reception of the Eucharist, we are nourished to be instruments of Christ’s peace in our workplaces and communities. Finally, let us immerse ourselves in Sacred Scripture, finding in the Word of God the wisdom to navigate the complexities of our time with faith and charity.
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