President William Ruto and his deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, are jointly leading this year’s annual National Prayer Breakfast at the Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi amidst heightened anxiety within the government.
This public appearance marks the first meeting between the two leaders since May 19, when Deputy Gachagua bid farewell to President Ruto ahead of his historic state visit to the US.
Themed ‘Hope’, the prayer breakfast seeks to instill optimism among Kenyans amidst challenging economic conditions and internal rifts within the government, particularly between the president’s allies and the Deputy President.
Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, delivering a welcome message, emphasized the need for sustained reflection beyond the event’s confines.
“I challenge the honorable members to ensure that the uplifting and prayerful reflections of the National Prayer Breakfast transcend beyond a once-a-year engagement.
The noble intentions and patriotic ideals of this event should inspire us to be more than mere representatives but true leaders advocating for the interests of our constituents,” said Mr. Kingi, also the co-patron of the prayer breakfast.
Former Ethiopian Prime Minister Tamrat Layne is slated to deliver a keynote address at the gathering, which will witness the presence of senior government officials, including Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, ambassadors, and other dignitaries.
Addressing the audience, President Ruto touched upon his recent US trip, asserting financial responsibility. “I am very responsible.
I can’t spend Sh200 million,” he stated, revealing that the trip was co-sponsored and cost Kenya less than Sh10 million. “The debate has to end because I’m that responsible,” he concluded.
