Hope, unity and accountability dominate New Year messages

Local Tourists and Mombasa residents celebrate new year at Jommo Kenya Public Beach in Mombasa. Thousands of guests flock to the beach to celebrate the new year. Jan.1, 2024.[Omondi Onyango,Standard] As Kenyans bid farewell to 2024 and usher in 2025, the country is filled with messages of hope, unity, and government accountability to its citizens. Across the nation, Kenyans reflected on the challenges and triumphs of the past year while looking forward to a brighter future. From political leaders to ordinary citizens, messages of peace and resilience were also shared. Led by President William Ruto, political leaders affirmed their commitment to building a stronger, united nation. In his New Year address, President Ruto acknowledged the challenges that befell the country and its people in 2024. "It is a great privilege to have this opportunity to address the people of Kenya in these final moments of 2024, and to wish everyone a happy and prosperous New Year," Ruto said. "Without hesitation, we all agree that this year has been remarkable; a year to remember for its many challenges, obstacles, and risks that tested our resolve and threatened our prosperity, security, and happiness," he continued. He added, "Equally, it has been a year of numerous opportunities, successes, and progress that enabled us to overcome these undeniable difficulties and forge ahead with heroic determination." Deputy President Kithure Kindiki shared a brief message wishing Kenyans a "happy, blessed, and joyous 2025. God bless your families, and God bless Kenya." "I would like to rally Kenyans of all walks of life to work hard, be peaceful, and keep the Kenyan spirit alive. I wish every Kenyan good health and prosperity in all their endeavours," Kindiki appealed. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi described 2025 as the year in which "Kenyans will realise the good and strong foundation that Kenya Kwanza has put in place for the great trajectory of our beloved nation." In his New Year message, former Prime Cabinet Secretary Raila Odinga said Kenyans "showcased their staying power and determination to preserve our oneness as a people, no matter the magnitude of the challenges." Raila, who is vying for the African Union chairmanship position, also termed 2024 as tough and dramatic, adding that Kenyans displayed their capacity to withstand existential problems and pull back from the brink as a nation. Acknowledging that Kenyans are likely to cross over into 2025 with the same challenges they faced in the previous year, Raila said it is up to the people to decide how to tackle these issues in the new year. "It is entirely our choice to decide whether to carry on, divided, bitter, and cursing into 2026, or to find a way of coming to the table, discussing our problems jointly and agreeing on a mutual solution that secures our country and provides a template for our beloved continent of Africa," Odinga added. Ruto said that it would be in 2025 when he would hand over the first keys to completed affordable housing units to Kenyans. "At last, the transformation you entrusted us to lead will take tangible shape, and the fruits of our collective labour will be undeniable," he said. As Kenya steps into 2025, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula extended his warm New Year wishes, highlighting a year filled with opportunities, hope, and collective growth. In his message, Wetangula reflected on the achievements and challenges of the past year, urging Kenyans to embrace the New Year with resilience, unity, and determination. He emphasised the importance of recognising both the progress made and the hurdles overcome throughout 2024. "This is a moment to reflect on the strides we've made, the challenges we've overcome, and the unity that binds us as one nation," he stated. The Speaker encouraged individuals to embrace their personal and collective roles in Kenya's growth, with a strong emphasis on values such as integrity, inclusivity, and shared prosperity. "Let this be the year we strengthen our bonds as families, as communities, and as a nation. Together, we can turn every challenge into a stepping stone and make every dream a reality," Wetangula added. Other leaders who expressed their New Year wishes included the chairperson of the Council of Governors and Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi. Chief Justice Martha Koome called for more peaceful and inclusive societies in the New Year. "Let us celebrate the spirit of people-centred justice. May fairness and kindness illuminate our paths, guiding us to create a Kenyan society where compassion and equality prevail, especially for the vulnerable and marginalised," said Koome. In her aspirations for 2025, the president of the Law Society of Kenya, Faith Odhiambo, said, "May 2025 be an opportunity to harness the qualities that we must live by to change all the things we cannot live with." Church leaders also called on Kenyans to remain hopeful in the New Year, despite the ongoing economic challenges. They also urged the government to fulfil its electoral promises and ensure greater consultation in its decision-making processes.Catholic Archbishop of Nyeri Anthony Muheria said that the church hopes youths who were abducted will be released alive while also calling out leaders to listen to Kenyans and be humble. Muheria described 2025 as a Holy Year in the Catholic Church, a year of "hope that does not disappoint." "We look back at a tough year for Kenyans and, with great hope, look forward to a year where we can truly address our problems," said Muheria. He added, "I hope Kenyans will shun corruption and compromise. I hope we can all commit to reject insults, manipulation, and lies. I hope we can try to be better people, better Christians. We have a duty to build a truly blessed Kenya," Muheria said. Provost Evans Omollo of the Anglican Church of Kenya appealed to the government to adopt a more consultative approach when implementing new policies and projects, urging that decisions should not be rushed. "We want to ask the government and leaders to slow down, embrace professional advice, and process things in a better way," Omollo said in Nairobi after a New Year service at All Saints' Cathedral Church. Omollo also asked the government to end corruption and pleaded with politicians to stop jostling for the 2027 elective positions. "I call upon the government to release abducted young people and, in the future, take them through the right judicial process. I urge our young ones to use social media properly," he added. Meanwhile, Catholic Bishop Simon Kamomoe of the Archdiocese of Nairobi extended a message of hope to the parents of abducted children, assuring them that their children would eventually be returned. He also called for mercy from the government for those involved in abductions. The bishop, speaking after Mass at the Holy Family Basilica in Nairobi, emphasised the need for both youth and adults to be mindful of morality when using social media. Parents were also urged to guide their children in navigating the digital space. Reflecting on the past year, Kamomoe urged Kenyans to give thanks for God's protection and guidance despite the various challenges faced. "We know there are many challenges economically, politically, and socially, but God has taken care of us as Kenyans and the whole world. The Catholic Church has started the Jubilee Year, which was launched by the Holy Father Pope Francis in late December," said Kamomoe. He added, "And the theme of the Jubilee year is that we are pilgrims of hope. So, what I can tell Kenyans and the entire world is that, despite all the challenges we are going through, we must have hope for better days ahead." Kamomoe said there is also a need for hope in our families, considering some are also going through economic challenges. "What we need to do is to allow God to be with us and also to journey with us," he said.

Hope, unity and accountability dominate New Year messages

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Hope, unity and accountability dominate New Year messages

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