Arise Media 
BY RITA MUTHONI
A group of environmental advocates and young lawyers from Wazalendo Movement Africa has urged Kenyan churches to lead the ecological conservation address through sermons and community activities.
The group emphasized the urgent need for churches to integrate climate change and sustainability discussions alongside their spiritual missions.
Speaking during a tree-planting initiative at Embu Main Prison, Eugene Oponyo, the founder of Wazalendo Movement Africa, criticized the prioritization of political agenda over critical issues like environmental conservation in church forums.
“Environmental issues are often overlooked in our churches, yet they are pressing globally. Other than providing politicians with opportunities for self-promotion, churches should create spaces to discuss critical issues like environmental conservation,” he said.
Brian Musyoki, the movement’s Embu Chapter Chairperson, highlighted the potential impact churches could have by addressing environmental challenges.
“Churches have the power to influence millions of people every week. If environmental conservation becomes part of their message, it could spark significant action at the grassroots level,” Musyoki stated.
The group underscored the importance of partnerships between churches and environmental organizations to address deforestation, pollution, and climate change.
They also urged communities to plant trees and practice sustainable farming methods to mitigate the effects of climate change.
Additionally, the movement advocates for environmental education programs in prisons to promote sustainable practices among inmates.
Their efforts coincide with the severe impacts of climate change in Kenya, including prolonged droughts and erratic rainfall, affecting livelihoods nationwide.
The tree-planting event included the distribution of food supplies to prisoners, symbolizing shared responsibility in safeguarding both the environment and vulnerable populations.
The group called on religious and political leaders to take up the mantle of environmental stewardship, emphasizing the role of collective action in building resilience against climate challenges.
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