Nairobi, Kenya – Nominated Senator Crystal Asige declined to attend Wednesday’s National Prayer Breakfast, citing what she described as a personal and moral discomfort with the event’s tone and underlying message.
Taking to X, the nominated senator explained her absence from the 22nd edition of the annual interfaith gathering with a pointed message:
“No, I didn’t attend today’s National Prayer Breakfast, my spirit wouldn’t allow it. I may not be able to quote King James front to back, and I am certainly no preacher, but this one thing I do know; apologies shouldn’t come in the form of a word salad. In fact, the best apology is changed behaviour—and that is yet to be seen.”
No, I didn’t attend today’s National Prayer Breakfast, my spirit wouldn’t allow it. I may not be able to quote King James front to back, and I am certainly no preacher, but this one thing I do know; apologies shouldn’t come in the form of a word salad. In fact, the best apology
Her remarks appeared to reference recent calls for political reconciliation, including public apologies from some state officials, which critics have dismissed as performative rather than transformative.
Held at Nairobi’s Safari Park Hotel under the theme “Rise and Rebuild,” this year’s breakfast unfolded against a backdrop of economic strain, deepening political divisions, and mounting public frustration.
The event, once viewed as a solemn space for prayer and reflection, has increasingly been scrutinised for what many see as symbolic gestures lacking follow-through.
Asige’s public statement adds a rare note of dissent from within the political establishment, challenging both the sincerity and impact of the messages shared at the event.
Though she did not name specific individuals or incidents, her call for “changed behaviour” echoes wider national sentiment about the need for tangible reform over rhetoric.
The National Prayer Breakfast—now in its 22nd year—has long been a staple of Kenya’s political calendar, with roots tracing back to a private initiative in Nairobi nearly four decades ago.
Traditionally, it draws leaders from across the political and religious spectrum for a morning of speeches, prayers, and quiet diplomacy.
This year, however, the calls for unity appeared to ring hollow for some.
