President William Ruto’s aide Farouk Kibet has urged Kenyans to embrace love and unity, transcending tribal and political differences.
Farouk noted that this is the only way to help realise national peace and development.
Speaking on Friday in Uasin Gishu, Farouk emphasized the importance of following the example set by church leaders who consistently preach love, peace, and unity.
"Let's borrow a leaf from our church leaders who always preach love, peace, and unity among all Kenyans," he stated.
Farouk was among the guests who attended the mass service of the newly appointed Eldoret Auxiliary Bishop John Lelei at St Mary's Catholic Church, Osorongai Parish in Turbo.
He also highlighted the detrimental effects of tribalism, particularly when perpetuated by elected leaders, and called for a shift towards nationalism and collective progress.
"Sometimes you find some leaders once elected, they start talking about issues of tribalism. This is not good. Let’s be like our church leaders who always preach love and unity among all Kenyans," he said.
Kibet also urged churches to educate their congregations on the importance of viewing each other as brothers and sisters, regardless of religious backgrounds.
"What we do in all our churches is preaching the Word of God. Our mission is always the same and we should love one another," he said.
Senator Jackson Mandago and Turbo MP Janet Sitienei who were present hailed the appointment of Bishop Lelei, saying it was the first in the county of Uasin Gishu.
Bishop Lelei is set to be ordained on May 25 at an event to be attended by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua at the Mother of Apostles Seminary grounds.
An auxiliary bishop is a bishop assigned to assist the diocesan bishop in meeting the pastoral and administrative needs of the diocese.
His appointment was officially published in L’Osservatore Romano in Rome on March 27, 2024.
Archbishop Bert van Megen who is the Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya and South Sudan, also conveyed the message of the appointment to the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) through an official communication.
Until his appointment, Lelei was serving as the Chaplain of St George’s Chaplaincy and Vicar General of the Catholic Diocese of Eldoret.
He will be an assistant to the Bishop of Eldoret Diocese, Dominic Kimengich.
Mandago thanked Kibet for taking the lead on matters of church development, saying he is a good example to be emulated.
"The Bishop's journey started a long time ago in this church and Farouk played a huge role with the help of his friends towards its completion," said Mandago.