Nyanza Council of Church Leaders issued a joint statement on Tuesday after a prayer meeting in Kisumu, December 23, 2025. /SCREENGRAB




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Church leaders in the Nyanza region have appealed to Kenyans to embrace unity and support the broad-based government, arguing that national cohesion remains critical to the country’s stability, growth and shared prosperity.

Speaking under the umbrella of the Nyanza Council of Church Leaders, the clergy said peace and unity must guide Kenya’s political and social life, particularly at a time when the country is navigating divisions following the death of veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga.

In a joint statement, the church leaders rooted their appeal in scripture, citing Matthew 5:9, which promises that peacemakers “will be called the children of God.”

They urged Kenyans to reject division and instead work together for the common good.

“We call on all Kenyans to cherish peace and unity as the foundational stones for growth and prosperity,” the clergy said, while challenging citizens to pray for national leaders and encourage them to foster peace across the country.

They further invoked the biblical call to intercede for those in authority, quoting 1 Timothy 2:1-2, which urges believers to make “petitions, prayers, intercessions and thanksgiving… for kings and all those who are in authority.”

“In accordance with the scripture, which urges that petitions, prayers, intercessions and thanksgiving be made for all people, for kings and all those who are in authority, that is in 1 Timothy 2:1,2, we offer our thanksgiving,” the statement read.

“We thank His Excellency President William Ruto for his stewardship of the nation through complex times.”

The clergy specifically commended the President’s approach to leadership, saying his conduct demonstrated a commitment to inclusive governance and national reconciliation.

“We specifically commend and bless his commitment to statesmanship, evidenced by his willingness to forge a principled pro-people partnership with the late Rt Hon Raila Odinga,” they said.

“His fidelity to this broad-based national dialogue even after our leader’s sudden passing reveals a leader attentive to the wisdom that plans.”

The church leaders said they recognised and appreciated what they described as the President’s supportive stance towards efforts aimed at fostering unity within the Luo community, noting that such engagement reflected a broader commitment to inclusive nation-building.

“We recognise and appreciate the President’s supportive stance towards our ongoing quest for Luo unity. This earnest engagement is a statement of his commitment to inclusive nation building,” the statement said.

They added that leadership grounded in reconciliation and collective progress would naturally earn public support, urging Kenyans from all political persuasions to rally behind a shared national vision.

“We encourage all the citizens of Kenya to rally behind a vision for Kenya that promises tangible growth and dignity for all, from every walk of life and every political shade,” the clergy said.

“We urge every Kenyan to be a builder and a healer. Let us reject division and embrace our shared destiny.”

According to the church leaders, the country’s ambitions can only be realised through unity, goodwill and collective effort.

“The ambitious vision for our nation holds promise, and its realisation requires our collective prayer, work and goodwill,” the statement concluded.

The remarks were delivered on Tuesday at the close of a prayer meeting convened by Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi.

The meeting was held under the stewardship of Washington Ongonyo Ngede of the Power of Jesus Around the World Church in Kisumu, who also chairs the Nyanza Council of Church Leaders.

The appeal comes against the backdrop of Raila Odinga’s death on October 15 while undergoing treatment in India, months after he entered a working partnership with President Ruto that culminated in the formation of the broad-based government.

Since his death, divisions have emerged within the opposition, even as several leaders from the Nyanza region, including CS Wandayi and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, have vowed to remain in the broad-based government and support President Ruto’s re-election bid in 2027.