Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has called on leaders to be more attentive to the needs and grievances of the citizens.
Speaking during the Thanksgiving service of the newly ordained Bishop of the Archdiocese of Meru, Jackson Murugara, at St. Joseph Catholic Church on Sunday, March 23, 2025, Kenyatta emphasised the importance of leadership that is responsive to the people’s cries and challenges.
He also encouraged the congregation to pray for the country and its leaders, hoping they would open their hearts and ears to truly hear the voices and concerns of the people they serve.
“Tuendele kuombea nchi yetu ya Kenya; tuendele kuombea viongozi, kwa sababu lazima tuombe viongozi wetu, lakini pia tuendele kuomba ya kwamba viongozi wetu watafungua masikio na roho zao na wasikie kilio cha wananchi ambao wanawaongoza,” he said.
Which loosely translates to:
“Let us also continue praying for our leaders because we must pray for them. But we should also pray that our leaders open their ears and hearts to hear the cries of the citizens they lead,” he stated.
Uhuru on retirement
Kenyatta, who retired from office in 2022, reflected on life after leadership, highlighting the difference between being in power and watching from the sidelines.
He noted that some people assume leading a nation is easy, but the fourth president made it clear that it is not.
“Maisha ya mtu ambaye amestahafu ni mazuri; ukiwaumestahafu kama bado ukiwa na nguvu, huna responsibilities. Unaangalia wale wengine kwa TV ukiangalia yale wanaongelea, kwa sababu wengine wanafikiria hii makazi ni rahisi kuongoza; si kazi rahisi,” he noted.
Which loosely translates to:
“Life after retirement is good. When you retire and you still have energy but no responsibilities, you watch others on TV and see what they are discussing. Some people think leading a nation is easy, but it is not.”
Bishop Murugara’s thanksgiving mass
In addition to Uhuru, other leaders who attended the Thanksgiving mass included Meru governor Mutuma Methingia, former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya, former DCI boss George Kinoti and Meru Woman Representative Florence Kajuju among other political leaders.
The event primarily served as a mass led by the recently ordained bishop to mark the commencement of his ministration and to thank God as he prepared to take charge of the vast diocese.
Murugara was officially ordained on March 19, 2025, in a colourful ceremony held at Kinoru Stadium.
