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Catholic Archbishop Calls for Inclusion, Dignity Restoration for Persons Living with Disabilities in Kenya

Archbishop Anthony Muheria of the Catholic Archdiocese of Nyeri. Credit: Catholic Archdiocese of Nyeri
Sabrine Amboka

By Sabrine Amboka

Nairobi, 17 December, 2025 / 3:03 pm (ACI Africa).

The Archbishop of Kenya's Catholic Archdiocese of Nyeri has called for the creation of opportunities for persons living with disabilities so that they live with dignity.

In his Monday, December 15 reflection, Archbishop Anthony Muheria called for solidarity with people living with disabilities, saying, “We are invited as Christians to spread the love of Christ... Let us work together with our brothers and sisters living with disabilities.”

“It is good for us to know and remember that our God has told us to care for those who, in one way or another, may be called vulnerable—that is, those who lack certain abilities that perhaps we possess,” Archbishop Muheria said in the reflection that was published by The Catholic Mirror of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB).

Archbishop Muheria made reference to the example set by Jesus Christ, who healed, welcomed, blessed, and cared for Simon Peter’s mother-in-law and all the sick people who were brought to him.

“Christ’s spirit was one of comforting the sick, uplifting those with disabilities, and healing them, because He had the power of God and was truly both God and man,” he emphasized.

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He called for closeness with the needy, saying, “If someone cannot see, help them where you can. If you see someone crossing the road, go and encourage them, give them your hand, and help them. You may not know them, but they are your sister, your brother.”

“If you see someone in a wheelchair struggling somewhere, go and push and assist them. This is the true meaning of divine love,” he said.

The Catholic Archbishop challenged Kenyans to learn some sign language to be able to engage with those with hearing difficulties.

“Let us ourselves make an effort to learn sign language, at least enough to say a few words to someone who cannot hear,” he said.

Archbishop Muheria commended measures the churches in Kenya are already taking in supporting those with disability, such as the use of sign language interpreters, and called for further improvements.

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He said that a lot can still be done to improve the conditions of people living with disabilities, including the construction of wheelchair ramps, handrails for the visually impaired, and other improvements to ensure safer access to church buildings.

He also encouraged greater liturgical inclusion, proposing that readers who use Braille be given opportunities to proclaim Scripture during Mass to “fully welcome them into our worship.”

The Archbishop urged the faithful not to exclude persons with disabilities from leadership roles, emphasizing that many possess gifts that can enrich Christian communities.

He challenged the faithful to embrace inclusion as an opportunity to build the Church by following Christ’s example of love, compassion, and service.

Sabrine Amboka

Sabrine Amboka is a Kenyan journalist with a passion for Catholic church communication. She holds a bachelor’s degree in mass communication from St. Paul's University in Kenya.

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