NAIROBI, Kenya — First Lady Rachel Ruto has called on Kenyans to embrace prayer, forgiveness, and reconciliation amid growing political and social divisions in the country.
Speaking during the National Prayer Breakfast Women Convocation at Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi on Wednesday, Mrs Ruto urged leaders and citizens alike to choose unity over hostility and understanding over condemnation.
The gathering brought together women parliamentarians, religious leaders, and delegates from several countries ahead of Thursday’s National Prayer Breakfast.
Rachel Ruto Urges Unity and Compassion
The First Lady said leaders often face criticism and misunderstanding even when their intentions are genuine, warning against allowing disappointment to harden hearts and deepen divisions.
“There are moments when you give your best and still find yourself criticized, excluded, or unfairly judged,” she said.
She added that reconciliation was not only a spiritual principle but also an important leadership value, especially in a society experiencing increased polarization.
“We are living in a time where division has become easy. People are divided politically, socially, and generationally. Even within families,” she said.
Women Leaders Praised for Promoting Peace
Mrs Ruto commended women leaders for remaining steadfast and promoting dialogue during periods of heightened political tension and public disagreement.
She said women have a unique role in shaping reconciliation through everyday interactions and compassionate leadership.
“Women who can correct without humiliating. Women who can rise without pulling others down,” she stated.
The First Lady also noted that President William Ruto values the role women play in leadership and national prayer initiatives.
Leaders Call for National Healing
Several leaders attending the event echoed calls for peace, unity, and national healing.
Veronica Maina revealed that there had been attempts to challenge the National Prayer Breakfast in court, but said the judiciary upheld the gathering as constitutional.
“The Lord’s prayers are unstoppable,” she said.
Vihiga Woman Representative Beatrice Adagala dismissed negative perceptions about parliamentarians, saying many leaders remain committed to faith and ethical leadership.
Senator Beth Syengo urged Kenyans to pray for peace and wisdom among national leaders while condemning growing hostility and division on social media platforms.
Appeal to Youth Over Political Tensions
Cabinet Secretary Beatrice Askul cautioned young people, particularly Gen Z, against being manipulated into violence or destruction by political interests.
The prayers also attracted delegations from several countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Uganda, Tanzania, Brazil, Indonesia, and Hungary.
