Former President Uhuru Kenyatta on Saturday urged the church to remain steadfast and defend the rights of Kenyans.
The former president also asked Kenyans to embrace peace and build their country.
"Let's love one another and let the church take its role to defend the rights of Kenyans," he said.
The former president said the church is critical in the social and economic development of a country, arguing the newly ordained Catholic bishops to nurture their flock.
Using the illustration of Jesus Christ's disciple Judas who later committed suicide, Uhuru said amassing wealth is not all that a soul needs.
"The job of a shepherd is not to direct, even Judas betrayed Jesus but later left all his wealth and hanged himself,'' Uhuru said.
The former President spoke during a Catholic church event to ordain two new bishops in Nairobi.
"Let's work together for the flock and bring them into your trust and greener pastures,'' Uhuru said.
He urged the bishops to remain steadfast to not only teach the flock but also stand firm.
"I pray that they will speak their mind in the interest of their people,'' Uhuru said.
"The church is the conscience of society, it is for the church to ask if we are living to that calling."
The former president asked Kenyans to embrace peace and build their country.
"I congratulate the new bishops Kamome and Ng'ang'a. We wish you every success and you are in our prayers."
