The Christmas spirit, traditionally marked by joy, reflection and goodwill, is being overshadowed by a sobering call from Kenya’s clergy, who are warning citizens against turning the festive season into a time of excess, waste and tragedy.
From Kisumu to Nairobi, Nakuru to Eldoret, the pulpit is reverberating with one message of moderation, responsibility and peace.
As the year draws to a close, the church is taking a bold stand not just on the moral front, but also on matters of national concern, including the controversial Religious Regulation Bill and the alarming surge in road fatalities.
A Season for Reflection, Not Recklessness
In Kisumu Central, Bishop Elisha Odhoch of Deliverance Church, Carwash, cautioned Kenyans, particularly the youth, against what he termed reckless celebration without reflection. He reminded them that while December often comes with cheer and freedom, January’s obligations are unrelenting and overindulgence can quickly turn joy into regret.
“Let us not drink our peace away,” Bishop Odhoch said. “Christmas is not about extravagance or competition but about celebrating the birth of the Prince of Peace. That peace must begin with how we live and how we treat each other during this season.”
The Bishop also applauded the government’s decision to shelve the Religious Regulation Bill, terming it a show of maturity and openness to dialogue. He called for sober discussions between the church and state to avoid what he described as a looming confrontation over faith and freedom.
“The church is not a rogue entity,” he emphasized. “We have governed ourselves for generations through doctrine, discipline and leadership. Let us consult, not constrain, when it comes to matters of faith.”
A Bill Stirring National Debate
The proposed Religious Regulation Bill has sparked widespread debate across the country, with critics arguing that it threatens freedom of worship and could lead to government overreach into religious affairs. Proponents, however, maintain that regulation is necessary to curb the rise of exploitative cults and rogue preachers.
In Muhoroni subcounty, Bishop Dr. Syprian Kodieny, Mount Moriah Ministries International, reiterated that the church is willing to engage constructively but will resist any attempt to muzzle its voice.
“The spirit of partnership must not be destroyed by mistrust. The church and the state must work together for the good of this nation”
In Eldoret, Apostle Mary Wekesa described the bill as a moral misstep that risks painting genuine faith leaders with the same brush as impostors. She urged the government to focus instead on empowering oversight within faith-based networks, rather than creating a parallel system of control.
Carnage on the Roads: A Moral and National Crisis
Even as the clergy reflect on spiritual governance, their attention is also turning to Kenya’s roads, where festivity is fast turning fatal. The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has raised alarm over rising fatalities, with over 3,000 lives lost this year and dozens more injured in the run-up to Christmas.
Preliminary data indicates a December spike in accidents linked to drunk driving, speeding and fatigue, particularly among public service vehicle operators and private motorists traveling upcountry.
Bishop Odhoch lamented the loss of lives as a tragedy of negligence, adding that no amount of celebration should justify endangering others.
“It is ironic,” he said, “that we celebrate the birth of Christ, a symbol of life, while losing hundreds of lives on the same roads meant to take us to our families.”
The clergy’s warning aligns with NTSA’s ongoing ‘Fika Salama’ campaign, which calls for stricter enforcement of traffic rules, routine vehicle checks and sobriety tests across major highways.
The Call for a Sober, Safer Christmas
Across Kenya’s pulpits this weekend, the sermons carried a common thread of peace, prudence and purpose. Church leaders have urged Kenyans to be mindful of their spending, avoid unnecessary debt and prioritize family stability over fleeting pleasure.
They also called for restraint in political rhetoric, warning that divisive politics during the festive period could undermine the unity that Christmas seeks to promote.
As the year ends, the clergy’s united front underscores a deeper reflection on the nation’s moral pulse. Their collective voice paints a picture of a society grappling with modern pressures including economic strain, moral fatigue and a creeping culture of recklessness, yet yearning for peace, purpose and stability.
“The message of Christmas,” said Bishop Odhoch, “is not in the noise, lights, or gifts but in peace — peace in our hearts, homes and highways.”
As Kenyans prepare to cross into the new year, the clergy’s warning lingers as both a sermon and a civic reminder: Let this Christmas be remembered for peace, not pain.
