Leaders reflect on the year, give Kenyans hope in Christmas messages

President William Ruto on Saturday urged wananchi to take advantage of the rains and plant more trees to protect the environment.

In his Christmas message, Dr Ruto called on Kenyans to take up his challenge as a show that they care for themselves, humanity and the earth.

"We as a generation have an obligation to stop environmental destruction, prevent the loss of biodiversity and protect the integrity of the earth ecosystem," said Ruto.

Speaking at the State Lodge in Eldoret, the president said the birth of Jesus Christ changed the world. The president was accompanied by First Lady Rachel Ruto.

Ruto said his prayer was that every Kenyan strives to live up to the spirit of this season - the spirit of goodwill among all people.

"Let us look out for each other. As we celebrate the divine gift of our Lord and Savior, let us also reflect on the deeper significance of his miraculous path and the lessons in the place and timing of his path, which is much more than a standard expectant couple," said the president.

The humility of the circumstances of the birth of Jesus is of immense significance. "She gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn." (Luke 2:7). That is what the Bible says.

"Our circumstances must never dictate our destiny, and the humbleness of our means, can never limit the possibilities of the future," said Ruto.

The president said as the world ushers in the festive season, which comes with hope for humanity, he had noted with great concern the escalation of hostilities in neighbouring South Sudan. Hostilities between the signatories to the Revitalised Agreement for the Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).

Ruto said the increasing insecurity, violence, displacement and unfolding humanitarian crisis are detrimental to the peace and stability of South Sudan and the East Africa region as a whole.

"Women and children bear the greatest brunt of the hostilities in the Upper Nile and Jonglei States and are in desperate need of food, water, shelter and medical supplies. Regrettably, the widening political division is impairing any hopes for resumption in implementation of the Revitalised Agreement for the Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS)," said Ruto. As a neighbour and guarantor of the South Sudan peace process, he on behalf of Kenya, had brought these concerns to the attention of the wider international community and called for a focus on immediate intervention geared towards de-escalation, peaceful resolution and coexistence among the parties involved.

"Deeply disturbed by the evolving situation in South Sudan, I have today, December 24th spoken with my counterpart General Salva Kiir and strongly implored him -in concert with all parties involved- to deploy their best efforts to lead the country from the brink and back to a path of durable peace as envisioned in the RARCSS. I further urge H.E General Salva Kiir Mayardit to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance to the affected communities," said Ruto.

He said conscious of the resulting humanitarian situation and in the spirit of good neighbourlines and ethos of this season, he said he had directed that a shipment of foodstuff and essential medical supplies beairlifted to Upper Nile and Jonglei States.

"I implore the international community to urgently provide all possible and relevant assistance to the Government of South Sudan to enable it address this dire situation and return to the path of the peace process," said the President.

Rachel urged Kenyans to share what they have with the people in need.

"Share now and spread joy. We also are used to give these pieces of goodwill and love by doing our part to make our shared home more livable for us and for future generations," said Mama Rachel

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi asked Kenyans to keep their hands on the deck for their lives to turn for the better. He urged people to work for a better tomorrow.

Mudavadi thanked Kenyans for the display of maturity during and after the elections this year and urged them to keep the prevailing peace.

This is our country and it is our business to make it better for ourselves and generation to come.

"I take this opportunity to wish all Kenyans a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year. Despite the difficulties we are going through now, let's not lose hope. It is important to always keep in mind that when all seems lost, the worst we can do is lose Hope. Hope is what will turn our lives for the better in the not too distant future," said Mudavadi.

The prime cabinet secretary said that in leading by example, next year he will take up some work to keep Kenya's international investment ties alive.

"I will be representing the country on behalf of H.E President William Ruto in Brazil's inauguration of a newly elected President Lula. Meanwhile, we ought to make a wish for 2023 to buttress Hope. This wish should be that we must put behind us the habit of blame games, and throwing tantrums at each other. God bless you. God bless Kenya," said Mudavadi.

Council of Governors Chairperson Anne Waiguru asked Kenyans to use the opportunity to connect with their families and friends and to build memories as united units. She also urged wananchi to find time to know the spirations of their children.

"I wish every Kenyan a Merry Christmas and I take this opportunity to tell Kenyans that spend time with your family your children your mother and father and the grandparents. Look your children in their eyes and try and find out how they have been, connect with them," Ms Waiguru.

Kalonzo said he wished Kenyans a happy Christmas to all Kenyans.

"This is a Christmas that comes after a general election, it has been a very heavy year I will ventilate on the same in the new year message. This is a time for families. we will keep vigil for the birth of Jesus Christ as we celebrate the most important happening in human history," said Kalonzo.

He asked Kenyans to remember his family.

He said he hoped for a better year next year given that 2022 had been a trying year with the worse drought in decades and high cost of living.

He thanked Kenya Airways for facilitating travels to Kenyans to the different destinations.