Faithful from the Catholic Diocese of Lodwar on Thursday, November 5, joined Christians from the dioceses of Kitale and Eldoret for the Third Annual Peace Mass under the Northrift Peace Initiative in Chesogon, West Pokot County.
The Mass was presided over by the Bishop of Lodwar, John Mbinda, alongside Bishop Henry Juma Odonya of Kitale and Bishop Joseph Obanyi of Kakamega, who is also serving as the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Eldoret.
Delivering the homily, Bishop Henry urged Christians to become ambassadors of peace, calling on communities to embrace one another as brothers and sisters united by their shared identity as children of God.
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He acknowledged that communities have different cultural traditions and practices but cautioned that these differences should never become grounds for division or hostility.
The bishop observed that conflict often stems from human attitudes and actions, including hatred, selfishness, incitement and malice. He warned that when such vices take root, people's words and actions can hurt others, fuel hostility and eventually trigger conflict.
He also appealed to politicians and members of the public to avoid inflammatory statements and actions capable of inciting communities. Instead, he urged them to use their words and influence to promote harmony, unity and cooperation.
Bishop Henry further emphasised that peace is essential for development, noting that meaningful progress cannot be achieved in communities affected by persistent conflict and insecurity.
Addressing the faithful, Bishop John Mbinda echoed the call for Christians to be ambassadors of peace wherever they go. He urged them to spread messages of reconciliation while rejecting violence, incitement and revenge.
The annual Peace Mass brings together Christians and communities from across the North Rift to strengthen their shared commitment to peace, reconciliation and peaceful coexistence.