Nairobi, Kenya| The 22nd National Prayer Breakfast, held at the prestigious Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi, brought together Kenya’s top leadership, religious figures, diplomats, and international guests in a powerful moment of unity, reflection, and spiritual recommitment.
Under the theme “Rise and Rebuild,” the event underscored the importance of collective responsibility, moral leadership, and faith in addressing the nation’s challenges and advancing its socio-economic transformation.
A Gathering of Unity and Reflection
Jointly hosted by the Parliament of Kenya, the annual National Prayer Breakfast was co-patronized by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Moses Masika Wetang’ula, E.G.H, MP, and the Speaker of the Senate, Rt. Hon. Amason Jeffah Kingi, E.G.H.
The event saw the attendance of President (Dr.) William Samoei Ruto, First Lady Rachel Ruto, Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki, Members of Parliament, religious leaders, and international dignitaries, including a keynote speaker, former NFL star-turned-pastor Dr. Rickey Bolden.
The National Prayer Breakfast, a cherished tradition in Kenya, provided a sacred space for leaders and citizens to reflect on the nation’s journey, celebrate progress, and confront challenges with humility and grace.
The event featured heartfelt prayers, calls for repentance, and messages of hope, emphasizing the need for unity across generations, communities, and borders.
President Ruto Lauds Collective Efforts, Apologizes to Neighbors
In his address, President Ruto highlighted the resilience of the Kenyan people in driving economic recovery.
“Many warned me about the consequences if Kenya defaulted on its foreign obligations. But I told them I have confidence in our people. Thanks to the hard work of all Kenyans, our economy is not what it used to be,” he said.
He credited the Kenyan diaspora for injecting nearly $1 billion into the economy, describing it as a testament to divine intervention and collective effort. “God has healed our economy,” he declared.
In a rare gesture of humility, President Ruto extended apologies to neighboring countries and younger generations.
“To our neighbors from Tanzania, if we have wronged you in any way, forgive us. Our friends from Uganda, if there’s anything Kenyans have done that is not right, we apologize. To our children, if there’s any misstep, we apologize,” he said, emphasizing reconciliation as a cornerstone of regional and generational harmony.
Drawing inspiration from the biblical figure Nehemiah, Ruto likened Kenya’s progress to rebuilding with one hand while defending gains with the other.
“This progress has not come from one person but from the collective effort of leaders, health workers, MPs, and citizens,” he stated.
Deputy President Kindiki: A Nation That Prays Together Stays Together
Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki underscored the spiritual and civic significance of the event, describing it as “more than a tradition” but a “sacred space to celebrate progress, recognize sacrifice, and confront our national challenges with grace.”
He emphasized the role of the National Prayer Breakfast in fostering unity and reflection on Kenya’s shared destiny. “A nation that prays together, stays together,” Kindiki declared, urging Kenyans to reconcile, build stronger relationships, and work toward a more cohesive, equitable nation.
Kindiki also highlighted the opportunity to evaluate Kenya’s achievements, missed opportunities, and outstanding tasks in its socio-economic transformation. “May we return to our homes encouraged and renewed,” he concluded.
Parliamentary Leadership Calls for Moral Integrity and Unity
Speaker Wetang’ula delivered a stirring address, urging leaders to prioritize unity, integrity, and national renewal over personal interests.
Quoting Isaiah 54:17, “No weapon formed against you shall prosper,” he encouraged President Ruto to remain steadfast amid criticism and focus on the broader goal of national progress.
“With faith, unity, and humility, we can rebuild our nation not with stones alone, but with truth, justice, and compassion,” Wetang’ula said.
Guided by the theme “Rise and Rebuild,” Wetang’ula emphasized that rebuilding Kenya is a shared responsibility. “It is not the duty of government alone. It begins with each of us—our hearts, our values, and our sense of duty,” he stated.
He commended the event’s organizers, led by Ainabkoi MP Hon. Samuel Chepkonga and Senator Dan Maanzo, for creating a platform for spiritual reflection and national recommitment.
Senate Speaker Amason Jeffah Kingi echoed these sentiments, calling on all Kenyans to play an active role in nation-building.
“The President alone cannot rebuild the country. We all have a responsibility,” he said, urging citizens to contribute to national development with dedication and unity.
MPs Lead in Prayer, Advocate for Generational Support
Members of Parliament took center stage, leading the nation in intercessory prayers for repentance, unity, and renewal.
Samuel Chepkonga, Chairperson of the National Prayer Breakfast Organizing Committee, called on Kenyans to turn to Christ for divine intervention. “Jesus is the greatest Saviour, and we are the greatest sinners. We must at all times have great faith in the great Saviour,” he said.
Beatrice Elachi (Dagoretti North) offered a heartfelt prayer, acknowledging parental shortcomings in raising disciplined children.
She sought forgiveness for granting excessive freedom, which she linked to acts of rebellion, and referenced biblical teachings on the importance of discipline in parenting.
Similarly, Kericho County MP Beatrice Kemei invoked Psalms 127:3–5, praying for provision, peace, and self-control for parents and children nationwide.
Other lawmakers, including Senator Veronica Maina (Nominated) and Masinga MP Joshua Mwalyo, also led prayers for the nation’s healing and progress.
Guest Speaker Urges Support for Gen Z
Dr. Rickey Bolden, the event’s guest speaker, delivered a compelling message urging leaders to embrace and empower Generation Z.
“A Gen Z’s greatest frustration? Being grown and still treated like a child. We must let them stand tall,” he said, advocating for mentorship and opportunities to harness the potential of Kenya’s youth.
His message resonated with the audience, aligning with calls for generational reconciliation and inclusivity.
A Call to Rise and Rebuild
The 22nd National Prayer Breakfast reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to unity, faith, and collective responsibility.
Leaders across the political and religious spectrum emphasized the need for moral leadership, reconciliation, and active citizen participation in rebuilding the nation.
The event served as a reminder that Kenya’s progress hinges on the shared values of truth, justice, and compassion.
As Speaker Wetang’ula concluded, “This annual gathering has become more than a routine event—it is a source of divine guidance and a reaffirmation of the values that hold us together.”
With renewed hope and a unified vision, the National Prayer Breakfast set the tone for Kenya’s continued journey toward a stronger, more equitable future.
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