Nation.Africa contacted leading political figures on how they will be spending their Christmas. They also shared their key messages during the festive season.
Raila Odinga, ODM leader
Raila will be in the village for the celebrations. He will spend time in his rural home until January 1. He may travel out of the country after January 2nd. (Through spokesperson Dennis Onyango).
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua
I will be spending Christmas at my rural home in Wamunyoro village in Mathira constituency, Nyeri County.
I will be in the company of my nuclear family led by my wife Dorcas and two sons and their families.
After my early morning walk in the Mt Kenya forest, I will later host the elderly relatives of my extended family from both my father's and mother's households.
We will catch up on lost time, and cherished moments and pray together. I will also share Christmas goodies with my immediate neighbours.
Kalonzo Musyoka, Wiper leader
I am here in Nairobi with my family. On Wednesday, I spent time with family and friends to celebrate my birthday at my Nairobi home. I will equally spend Christmas day with my family here in Nairobi. I wish all Kenyans Merry Christmas.
Johnson Sakaja, Nairobi Governor
This is a wonderful time to spend with family and loved ones reflecting on the year that has been and planning for 2025. Let's appreciate each other and be kind to all. Keep safe on the roads and extend a helpful hand where you can. Merry Christmas to the great people of Nairobi and Kenya.
Francis Atwoli, Cotu Secretary General
I have been in my Khwisero village for the last week, spending time with my larger family and friends. It is an opportunity to catch up with old friends and village mates to reminisce and enjoy village stories. I plan to be with the family here until the 26th, but I will usher in the New Year at my Bofa home in Kilifi.
Energy and Petroleum CS Opiyo Wandayi
I will be operating from my rural home in Ugunja, spending time with family while reconnecting with old friends. I will also use the time to contribute to charitable causes.
Gladys Wanga, Homa Bay Governor
Christmas is a time for family and sharing. I plan to spend some time with family, then will be joining Homa Bay youth for the GENOWA Governor’s Cup finals as well as the issuance of bursaries and scholarships and then Piny Luo - the Luo cultural extravaganza in Siaya.
Fatuma Achani, Kwale County Governor
I wish all Kenyans a merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. As for me, my mandate will be to stay alert to ensure that all is well, we are working closely with our security officers to ensure that there is adequate security all over Kwale. As everyone celebrates, I will be working. My work is to take care of the residents throughout. This is the time to make sure that hospitals are operating well so that in case of any incidents, the services will be available. During festivities is when, if you are not keen, employees will be late to work or fail to report completely. Mine is to ensure that essential services are available.
Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o, Kisumu Governor
Christmas is a time for family, celebration with friends, and giving thanks to God for His blessings. As we gather in churches and homes, let us reflect on the true spirit of the season—love, kindness and generosity. I urge all of us to remain resolute in our efforts to uplift the needy and enhance productivity in our local and national economies. Together, we can build a stronger, more prosperous community.
Gideon Moi, Kanu party chairman
Retreats to the expansive Kabarak family home, in Rongai, Nakuru, where he will spend Christmas with close family members. His wishes; "Merry Christmas to you all. I wish you and your loved ones a joyous Christmas and a happy new year. Let us embrace peace, love, unity and the spirit of sharing during this festive season."
Raymond Omollo, Interior and National Administration Principal Secretary
I spent Christmas Eve with the children I support through education at my village Kanyipir, Homa Bay County where I engaged a number of professionals to mentor them. While I intend to spend Christmas in my village with my close relatives and friends, I will be on the lookout to ensure that security issues are well taken care of and everybody enjoys without any worry.
I, however, encourage those who are able to share with the less fortunate people in society and make the day memorable as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
Aisha Jumwa, Former Gender Cabinet Secretary
Sharing joy, love and meals in advance with orphans from orphanage homes across the (Kilifi) county, planned by Aisha Jumwa Foundation. I wish them a merry, peaceful and magical Christmas and a blessed new year 2025.
Issa Timamy, Lamu County Governor
Dear residents of Lamu County, as we embrace this festive season, I extend my warm wishes of peace, happiness and unity to all. May this time bring blessings to our families and renewed hope for a prosperous Lamu. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
by Moses Nyamori, Victor Raballa, Mwangi Muiruri, Kassim Adinasi, Eric Matara, Wachira Mwangi, Maureen Ongala and Kalume Kazungu.