President William Ruto on Wednesday led the country in observing the 22nd edition of the National Prayer Breakfast at Safari Park Hotel, Nairobi. The event, attended by leaders from across political and religious divides, focused on themes of unity, forgiveness, and national healing.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, who co-patrons the annual gathering, delivered a stirring appeal to religious leaders across Kenya. He urged them to serve as unwavering beacons of peace and reconciliation.
“Preach forgiveness, promote unity, and proclaim hope for our country,” Wetang’ula said. He emphasized that the National Prayer Breakfast should go beyond symbolism, urging leaders to transcend personal interests and recommit to Godly service.
Describing the gathering as a national moment for reflection and renewal, Wetang’ula challenged all Kenyans to embrace values that unite rather than divide.
“This national prayer breakfast is not just an important gathering,” he stated. “It is a clarion call to rise above self-interest, to rebuild our nation with the stones of love and integrity, and to re-anchor our leadership in Godly service.”
Wetangula Encourages Ruto to Stay the Course Amid Criticism
Addressing President Ruto directly, Wetang’ula encouraged him to remain resilient in the face of growing political attacks and criticism. Quoting Isaiah 54:17, he said, “No weapon formed against you shall prosper.”
“God never said that weapons wouldn’t be formed,” Wetang’ula noted. “He said those weapons wouldn’t succeed. They will always be formed, but they will not prosper.”
He commended Ruto’s commitment to long-term national transformation, urging the President to stay focused on the bigger picture.
Plea for National Memory and Humour with a Message
The Speaker also cautioned the nation against what he termed “unhelpful amnesia,” warning that forgetting hard-won progress and lessons from past challenges could jeopardize national unity.
“I urge Kenyans not to suffer from unhelpful amnesia,” Weta warned.
To underscore the need for mindfulness and national memory, Wetang’ula lightened the mood with a humorous story:
“A man who was feeling unwell walked into a doctor’s office and said, ‘Doctor, I have a very serious problem.’ The doctor asked, ‘What problem?’ The man replied, ‘Every time I think of something or do something, I forget it almost immediately.’ The doctor then asked, ‘When exactly did this problem start?’ And the man said, ‘Which problem?’”
The story drew laughter from the audience but served as a poignant reminder of the importance of remembering the country’s journey, its resilience, and the values that must guide its future.
The 22nd National Prayer Breakfast ended with renewed calls for patriotism, spiritual leadership, and a united approach to building a better Kenya.
