Religious Leaders Jointly Call for Peace and Justice During Lent and Ramadan Periods

By The COAST Reporter

Religious leaders have urge Christians and Muslims to use the season of Lent and the month of Ramadan to foster peace and unity among Kenyans across regions and the nation.

Celebrating this unique convergence of these holy seasons this year, the Christians and Muslims religious leaders call on believers of both faiths to pray, fast and offer generous care to less privileged of society.

“Today, we gather in a spirit of unity and mutual respect as Muslims enter the blessed month of Ramadan and Christians begin the sacred season of Lent.

This reminds us that fasting is a shared spiritual practice that unites us beyond our differences.”

In a presser at Butwani WaterFront Recreational Park – Malindi today (February 17, 2026), the clerics say that true life is sustained not by bread alone, but by every word that comes from God.

“While remaining faithful to our distinct traditions, these sacred seasons remind us that spiritual renewal must be reflected in how we treat one another and care for our nation beginning with the daily choices we make.”

The signatories of the statement are Catholic Diocese of Malindi Bishop Wilybard Lagho, Kilifi supreme council of Kenya Sheikh Musa Harun, Malindi Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya Sheikh Masoud Abubakar, Coast Interfaith Council of Clerics Trust – Malindi Rev Paul Mutunga and Council of Muslim Teachers and Preachers’ Association Ustadh Athman Said.

Fasting, according to religious leaders, should awaken shared national conscience to the suffering of vulnerable Kenyans burdened by public debt, over-taxation, and the struggle to meet basic needs.

Themed as “Building a Just, Peaceful, and United Kenya: Upholding Equity and Human Dignity”, the 2026 Lenten calls to inner healing and spiritual transformation that promotes social justice, unity, and resistance to division and extremism.

“Through the experience of hunger and thirsty, fasting creates space for God and deepens our solidarity with the poor and with Christ who Himself fasted in the wilderness,” the clerics add.

As believers, the leaders, note that fasting should go beyond food and drink to shape human moral life, and family, social, and civic responsibilities so as to build a just nation that offers equal opportunities to all.

“The Scriptures remind us that returning to God with all our hearts mean loving God and loving our neighbours.”

In a world marked by economic hardships, social division, and moral challenges, the leaders note that values nurtured by fasting would lead them to self-control over harmful behaviours, strengthening family ties, communities, and public accountability.