How Uhuru, Ruto, CJ Koome will mark Christmas

President Uhuru Kenyatta

In his Christmas message, the President has adopted a family ambience, with a photo of him and First Lady Margaret taking about half the space in an advertisement running in the press this week:

“This holy and festive season reminds us of our shared humanity and the common values that unite us irrespective of colour, creed or country. The new year that the season inaugurates is an opportunity for renewal, fresh opportunities, and building on the successes of the old year. As we contend with the worst public health pandemic in a century, the profound message heralded by Christmas over 2,000 years ago remains as relevant today as it was two millennia ago. Margaret and I wish you a merry Christmas and bountiful returns, now and the new year 2022.’’

Deputy President William Ruto

Dr Ruto will spend Christmas at his Sugoi home with family, friends and close neighbours. There are no official engagements and he intends to keep a low profile over the period:

“Let us all be proud that we have touched many people’s hearts, even as we rejoice that ours have been blessed by many other people. We are reminded that the first Christmas occurred amid great hardship. Our Almighty God chose such a time to send his angel with good news of great joy to humankind and teach us that, no matter how hard things get, we can have the assurance of God’s promises. In these testing times, let us stand affirmed in the faith that our destiny is forged by our actions, and that the love we have for one another will fill each coming day with greater hope.”

Chief Justice Martha Koome

Justice Koome will spend Christmas with her family and will also use the break to visit the underprivileged: “As the country and world marks Christmas and the festivities associated with this season, the Judiciary family sends you warmth, good cheer and just cheer. We count on your support, feedback, and encouragement to continue in pursuit of a just State and society. The year 2022 will be a significant year for the growth of our democracy, given that it will be our third General Election in the post-2010 dispensation. On our part in the Judiciary, we have embarked on preparations to ensure that the courts will be ready to hear and determine any electoral disputes expeditiously and justly.” 

ODM leader Raila Odinga

The former Prime Minister will be spending Christmas at his rural home, just like he has done over the years. He travelled to Nyanza on Wednesday and he will spend time there with family and friends. Yesterday, he hosted children from various children’s homes in his Kisumu residence: “I wish to appeal to fellow citizens to take time and reflect on the impact of our own lives on our country and fellow citizens. Jesus impacted humans in ways that we refuse to forget more than 2,000 years later. Our lives certainly can’t match His, but we can make a difference just by trying. May the spirit of Utu, Undugu and Umoja guide our dealings through this festive season and be part of our national character going forward.’’

Health CS Mutahi Kagwe

The CS will be at home enjoying Christmas as he continues to monitor the Covid-19 situation in the country: “As we spend time with our loved ones this festive season let us be our brother’s keeper and observe the Covid-19 health protocols. Let us be thankful for the steps we have made to make each day better. I wish you and your family good health and a joyful holiday season. To the healthcare workers and all those working to ensure the economy remains open and our social lives continue as normally as possible, I say thank you.”

Archbishop Philip Anyolo, Nairobi Catholic Archdiocese

He will be celebrating the first Christmas as Archbishop of Nairobi after taking the reins in November: “Christmas is an invitation to all Christians to accept to be ‘formed’ in the school of Christian family values. We are called to become credible witnesses of God’s love! Let us all make it visible in our choices and attitudes, in our way of accepting people and placing ourselves at their service, and in faithful respect of God’s will and commandments.’’
“To all Kenyans, happy Christmas, and peaceful co-existence for a prosperous new year,” added the archbishop.

Eliud Kipchoge

The Olympics marathon champion and world record holder will be travelling upcountry to visit his mother. He told Kenyans to spend Christmas reflecting:

“Use the day to reflect on what has been going on all year. Keep safe, observe Ministry of Health safety protocols and, above all, get a jab.” 

Actress Sarah Hassan

Being a Muslim, it won’t be a very different day for Sarah. But she understands that it is an important celebration for a number of her fans. She will be with her family today, spending quality time and devouring sumptuous delicacies: “To everyone and to my fans, have a merry Christmas filled with love and joy; and a happy, healthy and prosperous new year.”

ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi

Mr Mudavadi yesterday asked Kenyans to be cautious even as they celebrate: “From wherever we are, I request all Kenyans to mark this festive season with utmost care and caution, fully compliant with the Covid-19 guidelines as stipulated by the Ministry of Health. Covid-19 has done a lot of damage to our families, livelihoods and economy. Let us do everything within our ability to prevent more corona-related infections and loss of lives.’’

Terence Creative, comedian

The funny man will spend Christmas half-celebrating and half-working. He travelled to Naivasha, his workplace, with his family to get the best of both engagements: ‘‘My message to Kenyans, especially the youth: times are bad but let’s try and do bizznezz legit. Also, let us not allow ourselves to be misused, especially during these times of politics. Let’s learn to differentiate that our rights are not favours. Otherwise, ngawatakia Krismas leghit na mwaka mpya wenye mafanikio.”