A Catholic priest in Embu has criticized some christians including political leaders for failing to live up to their responsibility as “good shepherds,” saying many have instead exploited the people they were entrusted to serve.
Speaking during the Good Shepherd Sunday homily, Rev. Fr. Timothy Njeru, an assistant priest at Our Lady of Assumption Parish in Embu, said actions by some leaders—particularly in the political arena—portray them more as “thieves and robbers” than servants of the people.
He pointed to the rising cost of living and accused leaders of focusing on public relations campaigns instead of addressing the real challenges facing citizens.
Fr. Njeru warned that leadership is a sacred duty that requires accountability, service, and genuine concern for the welfare of others.
The priest urged Kenyans to remain vigilant and elect good leaders in the 2027 General Election, emphasizing that voters have the power to demand integrity and good governance.
Drawing from Christian teachings, Fr. Njeru said both leaders and ordinary citizens must reflect the qualities of the Good Shepherd.
He referenced a statement by the late Pope Francis that “a good shepherd must smell like the sheep,” underscoring the need for leaders to stay connected to the people they serve.
He further explained that the shepherd’s staff with a curved hook symbolizes guidance, restoration, and hope—not decoration—adding that anyone entrusted with responsibility, whether in families, churches, or government, must act with honesty and compassion.
Fr. Njeru challenged Christians to examine their own lives, questioning whether they would be comfortable having their character publicly described by their children or communities.
He cited examples of everyday moral failures, including dishonesty within families, giving an example where a woman asked her husband to borrow KSh 80, 000 for him, but the man instead borrowed KSh 100, 000 and spent the extra KSh 20, 000 without her knowledge, only for the truth to emerge later at the bank—illustrating how lack of integrity undermines trust and leadership at all levels.
“We must ask ourselves—are we good shepherds or thieves?” he posed.
He called on Christians to pray for each other, urging them to turn away from greed, selfishness, and corruption and embrace their role as faithful stewards of the people entrusted to them.