Christian leaders in Mombasa have urged residents to exercise moderation during the Christmas festivities, warning that excesses during the holiday season often lead to accidents and unnecessary loss of life.
Speaking after the lighting of the Governor’s Christmas tree, Reverend Father Dr. Richard Airo called on residents to be responsible in their celebrations, noting that the festive season should not turn into a period of regret.
“There are many accidents during this season, and we are asking everyone that whatever we do, we do it in moderation. Whether it is eating, drinking or socialising, let us not go beyond normal limits because we may all end up suffering,” Rev. Fr. Dr. Airo said.
Fr. Airo, who is the parish priest of St. Joseph Tudor and Director of the Interreligious Dialogue Commission in Mombasa, said the message of moderation reflects the broader Christian call for care, discipline and peace within society.
He was speaking in his capacity as chairperson of the county’s Christmas celebrations committee, which brings together Christian leaders from different denominations under an ecumenical umbrella. He said the committee’s work had been made possible through cooperation with the Mombasa County Government.
“We are blessed in Mombasa to have a governor who supports Christians,” he said, adding that such collaboration was rare among many counties. “This is not something we take lightly. It strengthens peace in a county that has people of different faiths, cultures and backgrounds.”
He also revealed that discussions were underway to expand cooperation between churches and the county government beyond the Christmas season, particularly in key social sectors.
“We agreed that we should not just be a Christmas committee,” he said. “Churches are already very active in social services, health facilities and education, and if we work together with the county government, it will be a perfect collaboration.”
Fr. Airo said Governor Abdullswamad Sheriff Nassir had expressed willingness to work closely with churches to improve service delivery and development in Mombasa.
As the festive season begins, the priest wished residents a peaceful holiday, urging them to celebrate responsibly. “I wish all the people of Mombasa a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year,” he said.