Order, social media influence shape mood at National Prayer Breakfast

President William Ruto is leading the country this morning in marking the 22nd National Prayer Breakfast at the Safari Park Hotel, Nairobi.

Ruto and his deputy, Kithure Kindiki, arrived at the venue accompanied by their spouses, First Lady Rachel and Joyce Njagi-Kithure

Also present are National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula and his Senate counterpart Amason Kingi, members of Parliament, a host of religious leaders, and foreign envoys.

This year's event is themed “Rise and Shine” and draws inspiration from Isaiah 60:1: “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.” 

Former NFL star and renowned American motivational speaker Rickey Allen Bolden is the chief guest, heading the prayers.

The high-profile annual event, organized by Parliament, has become a platform for reflection, unity, and prayer, drawing all leaders together.

Notably, a delegation from Tanzania was invited to sing at the event despite the ongoing diplomatic tensions between the two countries.

 This year's prayer breakfast takes place as the nation grapples with economic challenges, political tensions, and rising youth rebellion.

At today’s Prayer Breakfast, leaders made a heartfelt plea for forgiveness and sought divine guidance on addressing the growing misuse of social media in the country. 

Dagoretti North MP Beatrice Elachi, who led one of the prayers, asked for wisdom and forgiveness to help leaders govern more responsibly.

“We pray for forgiveness, for we have compromised ourselves. We have left our young people vulnerable to social media and gambling. We have corrupted ourselves, becoming obsessed with materialism, and we have forgotten that you are the giver of all wealth in this world. Father, we confess as leaders that You granted us privilege, which we have taken for granted,” said Elachi.

She asked for wisdom in leadership, stating that many leaders had elevated money above integrity, even to the point of being willing to “sell the nation.”

Elachi also criticised what she described as a culture of undermining the president and failing to do what is right.

“Every year, we misuse our own resources. Forgive us so that we may change. We also pray for those in the executive branch, that they might stop undermining the president and act according to what is right.” 

Turning to the impact of social media, Elachi also expressed concern about the pervasive influence of social media on the country. 

“Our youth are feeling hopeless, and we pray that the issues stemming from social media dominance in our country are addressed. May we stand for what is best for our nation and for future generations.”