Clerics condemn abductions, killings in Christmas message

Dar es Salaam/Upcountry.  Christian clerics have warned against criminal acts such as kidnappings, disappearances, and killings in Tanzania, stating that they should not occur again next year.
The concerns were part of their Christmas message shared yesterday.
The bishops, including Dr Benson Bagonza of the Karagwe Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania, retired Catholic Bishop of Bukoba Diocese, Method Kilaini, and others.
They called for strengthening efforts to curb kidnappings, murders, and corruption to prevent such incidents.
Bishop Kilaini called on people to seek forgiveness and thank God as the new year begins.
According to the bishop, this forgiveness should especially be sought for areas where damage has occurred, citing examples of kidnappings, murders, theft, robbery and corruption.
“There are people who have been kidnapped, murdered, robbed and there have been corrupt acts, accidents that could have been avoided, and families torn apart. Not only should we ask for forgiveness, but we must take steps to ensure that these things do not happen again in the coming year. Where possible, let us heal the wounds,” he said.
He also urged the people to pray for a peaceful, stable, and fair election next year, to bring national unity rather than division.
Alongside wishing Tanzanians well for the holiday, he urged them to show love, tolerance, unity, respect and care for one another.
“Let us have peace in our hearts, in our families, and in our nation, based on respect and justice,” he wrote in his message. Bishop from the Northeast Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (KKKT), Dr Msafiri Mbilu, urged the faithful and Tanzanians to celebrate Christmas this year by repenting for their sins and abandoning everything that displeases God. “Let us celebrate Christmas by performing acts of mercy, helping those in need in our communities, such as orphans, widows, the sick and prisoners,” said Bishop Mbilu in his message.
“Let us celebrate Christmas by opposing and condemning all forms of evil in society, such as gender-based violence, murders, kidnappings, theft, and robbery,” he added. Bishop Bagonza spoke about five social issues, including kidnappings and disappearances.
“The news of poor people enriching the rich is not new to us. We have seen poor farmers enriching the rich, poor believers enriching preachers, poor boda boda riders enriching motorcycle sellers, and poor police officers enriching others,” he said.
“At the same time, we do not see the wealthy enriching the poor. What we observe is the wealthy believe they are diligent and intelligent, while the poor are seen as lazy and unintelligent. For these rich people, getting rich is all about cleverness and tricks.
“These wealthy people see the poor as lazy and lacking intelligence, but the truth is that wealth and poverty are closely connected, and often, this relationship is built on exploitation,” he explained.
Bishop of the Lutheran Church in East Africa (KKAM), Busola Olotu, called for kindness and peace, urging people to avoid abuse, violence, and hatred.
“We are all God’s servants and will account for our deeds on earth. Let us refrain from acts that harm others,” he said.
Addressing murders and disappearances, Bishop Olotu urged empathy, asking Tanzanians to imagine the pain of the victims’ families.
“Think—if it were your loved one who went missing or was killed, how would you feel? Innocent blood cries for justice, as seen in the story of Cain and Abel,” he said, quoting Genesis 4:10.
He appealed to religious leaders to continue praying for the country’s safety and for President Samia Suluhu Hassan and her team to lead with wisdom.
Bishop Emmaus Mwamakula raised six key issues, including kidnappings, unemployment, and rising living costs.
“This Christmas finds many in fear and despair due to insecurity and economic challenges. Kidnappings and murders have caused panic, while fires and building collapses highlight poor safety measures,” he said.
He also warned of counterfeit goods and unaffordable medical costs. “Lack of employment has driven young people to crime, including online fraud, while rising costs and stagnant incomes worsen the situation,” he noted.
He criticised political crimes, citing violence during elections, and called for improved education in government schools.