Uhuru marks Ash Wednesday in Mombasa, wishes Muslims a blessed Ramadan
By Charles Ouma, February 18, 2026Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta has marked Ash Wednesday by joining Catholic faithful at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Nyali, Mombasa.
The former Head of State worshipped at the solemn service that marks the start of Lent and honoured the tradition of repentance and spiritual renewal.
“Former President Uhuru Kenyatta this morning joined Catholic faithful at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Nyali, Mombasa, to mark Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent,” a statement released by the former president’s office on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 reads in part.
Period of prayer, fasting and reflection
The statement noted that the 40-day period is a season of prayer, fasting, and reflection leading up to Easter in the Christian calendar.
“Ash Wednesday begins the 40-day period of prayer, fasting, and reflection leading up to Easter in the Christian calendar. Kenyatta participated in the solemn service alongside congregants, honouring the tradition of repentance and spiritual renewal,” the statement added.
Uhuru delivered a goodwill message in which he conveyed his hopes that the period would be filled with prayers, compassion and reflection.
“In his goodwill message, the former President extended warm wishes to Christians starting their Lenten journey, hoping the season would be filled with prayer, reflection, and compassion,” the statement added.
Uhuru’s message to Muslims as Ramadan begins
He also wished all Muslims a blessed Ramadan as they embark on the holy month that is a key pillar of worship in Islam.
His message captured the shared values of faith, discipline, and charity among both religions and Kenya’s tradition of religious harmony and coexistence.
Uhuru conveyed his hope that the holy month dedicated to fasting, intense prayer, spiritual reflection, and community would strengthen the faith of all Muslims.
“President (Rtd) Kenyatta also wished the Muslim brothers and sisters in Kenya and around the world a blessed Ramadan, expressing hope that this sacred period would strengthen faith, deepen compassion, and foster unity among communities,” the statement added.
For observant Muslims, the ritual of daily fasting from dawn to sunset during the holy month is a period of increased worship, religious reflection and charity, with families and friends also uniting in festive gatherings around meals to break their fast.