Murang’a: Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Murang’a (CDM), Rt. Rev. James Maria Wainaina, has called on leaders across the country to uphold the principles of good governance and prioritize the interests of citizens. He has reminded them that leadership is a responsibility of service rather than an opportunity for personal gain.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Bishop spoke during a solemn Mass he celebrated at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Cathedral, Murang’a, where the Catholic Diocese of Murang’a officially marked the closure of the Year of the Jubilee of Hope and inaugurated the Year of the Blessed Virgin Mary – 2026. The Eucharistic celebration was attended by a large congregation comprising deans and their representatives, deacons, religious men and women, seminarians, novices, and Catholic faithful from Murang’a and Kirinyaga counties.
Being the last Sunday of the year, the Catholic church marked the feast of the Holy Family, with readings focusing on family life, honoring parents, and the quiet growth of Jesus. In his homily, Bishop Wainaina emphasized the Church’s mission to faithfully proclaim the gospel of the family and the sanctity of life, echoing the teachings of Saint John Paul II as outlined in Ecclesia in Europa. He stressed the Church’s duty to proclaim the truth about marriage and the family without fear or compromise.
The Bishop urged political leaders to exercise authority with integrity, accountability, and respect for the people, reminding them that leadership is not for self-enrichment but a sacred duty to serve with honesty, responsibility, and humility. He called on politicians to avoid hate speech and divisive rhetoric, advocating instead for issue-based politics focused on policies and visions that improve the lives of Kenyans.
Bishop Wainaina highlighted the need for leaders to respect democratic institutions and serve all citizens without discrimination. He stated that those entrusted with leadership must act patriotically and serve the people fairly, without favoritism. He further announced that the newly inaugurated Year of the Blessed Virgin Mary will be a period of spiritual renewal, prayer, and reflection, encouraging Catholics to emulate Mary’s virtues of humility, obedience, and faithful service.
The ceremony marked a significant liturgical milestone for the Diocese, reaffirming the Church’s role as a spiritual guide and a moral voice in national discourse.