The Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Catholic Peace and Justice Commission (CPJC) and the entire Catholic faithfuls in Kenya on Saturday converged in Kisumu for the official launch of the National Lenten Campaign 2018.
The annual event in the Catholic calendar marks the beginning of the Easter festivities.
The tone of this year's campaign whose theme is 'Reconcilliation For Peaceful Coexistence and National Integration - Justice For All' was set by the opening remarks of the Arch Bishop of Kisumu, Zacheus Okoth.
Kisumu County Deputy Governor, Dr. Mathew Owili who graced the occasion on behalf of Governor Prof. Anyang Nyong'o, sent a chilling message to the religious leadership, especially the Catholic to implore upon Uhuru Kenyatta to see the need for dialogue.
"The bungled election of 2017 has seen the country end up with two presidents. Raila Amolo Odinga that we recognise as our people's President and Uhuru Kenyatta. Project Kenya has failed and can only be salvaged by meaningful dialogue and now.
"The onus is on the faith leaders to stand in the gap for Kenyans just like the biblical prophets did in the old testament, even if it meant causing fatal harm to their lives," he said.
The mass was celebrated by Archbishop Martin Kivuva of Mombasa Arch Diocese and the presiding chair of CPJC, the Bishop of Homabay Diocese Phillip Anyolo, the chairman of the Conference of Catholic Bishops in Kenya, the Bishop of Nyahururu Mbatia and a host of Catholic priests.
Owili was accompanied by the area MCA Pastor David Arao of Railways Ward and Orlale of Nyalenda B Ward.