By Wesley Omondi
SUBUKIA, OCTOBER 8, 2024 (CISA)- Most Rev Maurice Muhatia Makumba, the chairman of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) , has delivered a passionate clarion call for unity amid the challenges faced by countries within the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA) region.
In an address during the 2024 National Prayer Day held in Subukia, which also served as the end of the celebrations marking the Golden Jubilee Year of Small Christian Communities (50 Years; 1973 to 2023) in the AMECEA region, Archbishop Muhatia emphasized the importance of unity in fostering godliness and development in society.
The Archbishop expressed concern over the rise of political systems and leaders that fail to promote unity. He lamented that such divisions hinder the progress of nations and contradict the purpose for which countries were formed. The Archbishop was particularly critical of leaders who continue to divide citizens, calling on them to reflect on their role as representatives of the people.
“We pray that elected leaders express unity. Unity comes from God. Elected leaders shouldn’t divide citizens in countries or our region and thereby undermine development, defeating the purpose of why we became nations,” he said, appealing for responsible and united leadership in the region.
Archbishop Muhatia’s message was not limited to political leaders but extended to the Church itself. He urged the clergy and the faithful within the AMECEA region to pray for unity in both the Church and society. He stressed that disunity within communities is a sign of spiritual weakness, which can lead to societal breakdown.
“How can leaders who call themselves Christians continue promoting division? The disunity in our background is an embarrassment,” he remarked, questioning the integrity of those who profess Christianity but act in ways that sow discord.
In his speech at the event attended by a host of bishops from the AMECEA region, the archbishop highlighted the role of prayer in fostering unity, urging everyone to pray for the AMECEA region and its leaders. He asked for God’s guidance in touching the hearts and minds of political leaders, helping them to understand the true purpose of their positions and responsibilities.
“Let the Lord touch the hearts and minds of political leaders to understand why they are in those positions and not to benefit selfishly,” he implored, reinforcing the need for servant leadership, driven by the common good rather than personal gain.
