Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta joined Catholic faithful on Ash Wednesday at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Nyali, Mombasa, participating in the solemn service that marks the beginning of Lent.
Observing the Lenten Season
In a statement released by his office on February 18, 2026, Kenyatta honoured the tradition of repentance and spiritual renewal:
“Former President Uhuru Kenyatta this morning joined Catholic faithful at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Nyali, Mombasa, to mark Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent.”
The statement emphasized that Ash Wednesday begins the 40-day period of prayer, fasting, and reflection leading up to Easter. Kenyatta conveyed a goodwill message, encouraging Christians to embrace the season with compassion and reflection.
“In his goodwill message, the former President extended warm wishes to Christians starting their Lenten journey, hoping the season would be filled with prayer, reflection, and compassion.”
Message to Muslims as Ramadan Begins
Kenyatta also extended greetings to Muslims in Kenya and worldwide as they embark on Ramadan, a sacred month of fasting, prayer, and community. His message highlighted the shared values of faith, discipline, and charity across both religions, underscoring Kenya’s tradition of religious harmony.
“President (Rtd) Kenyatta also wished the Muslim brothers and sisters in Kenya and around the world a blessed Ramadan, expressing hope that this sacred period would strengthen faith, deepen compassion, and foster unity among communities.”
For Muslims, Ramadan is marked by daily fasting from dawn to sunset, increased worship, and charitable acts, with families and communities gathering to break the fast in the evenings.
Conclusion
By joining Catholic faithful for Ash Wednesday and extending warm wishes to Muslims for Ramadan, Kenyatta’s message reflected Kenya’s spirit of religious coexistence and mutual respect. His participation underscored the importance of faith traditions in fostering unity, compassion, and reflection across communities.
