Former NFL star and renowned American motivational speaker Rickey Allen Bolden is set to headline this year’s National Prayer Breakfast at Safari Park, Nairobi today.
President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga are also expected to attend the event.
The high-profile annual event organised by Parliament has grown into a significant national platform for reflection, unity and prayer, bringing together the country’s top leadership, MPs, diplomats, religious leaders and invited global guests.
This year’s edition, themed “Rise and Shine”, draws inspiration from Isaiah 60:1, “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.”
Senate Speaker Amason Kingi yesterday said the event offers more than prayers.
“Rise and Rebuild is not just a theme; it is a vision. A vision that urges us to rise above political polarisation, rebuild trust in our institutions, revive our economy and restore hope in our people. The time to rise is now,” he said.
“The future we seek is within our grasp; if we choose unity over division, hope over despair and action over apathy.”
Bolden, a former Miami Dolphins player whose promising NFL career was cut short by injury, later became a globally sought-after pastor based in Dallas, Texas.
Known for his compelling storytelling and messages of faith, leadership, and moral courage, he will deliver the keynote address.
“I am deeply honoured to be part of this important occasion,” Bolden said.
“Kenya stands at a historic juncture. This gathering is a divine opportunity to rise from complacency and shine with purpose and compassion.”
Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo, chairperson of the National Prayer Breakfast Committee, echoed the sentiment, calling the event a moment for national introspection.
“Rise and Shine captures where we are as a country; a call to unity, faith and forward-looking leadership,” he said.
“Bolden’s journey from the NFL to the pulpit is a story of resilience and purpose; qualities Kenya urgently needs today.”
Co-chairs of the Parliamentary Christian Women Caucus, Marsabit MP Naomi Waqo (Deputy Majority Whip) and Nominated Senator Veronica Maina, urged Kenyan women to take a leading role in praying for the nation’s healing and prosperity.
“We are what we are today because of the Lord,” said Waqo. “As women, we must ask ourselves: What role can we play in rebuilding our nation?”
Senator Maina stressed the spiritual power women wield.
“When women pray, things move. It is not business as usual. When women prayed in 2022, we had a peaceful election and a smooth transition,” she said.
Nigerian preacher and founder of the People of Influence Network, Apostle Igenegba, challenged Kenyan leaders to embrace a paradigm shift, make tough decisions and commit to rebuilding the nation.
Cabinet Secretary for Lands, Housing and Urban Development Alice Wahome urged women leaders to rise above party lines and work together to improve livelihoods.
Reflecting Kenya’s religious diversity, tomorrow’s event will feature prayers and scripture readings from multiple faiths.
Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan is expected to read from the Holy Quran, Sujantha Kotamraju from the Hindu Vedas, and Mbeere South MP Benard Muriuki will lead a prayer for Africa.
South Mugirango MP and National Assembly Majority Whip Silvanus Osoro will lead the parliamentary choir in the popular hymn “My Hands Are Blessed.”
The event’s interfaith and bipartisan nature has in the past served as a unifying force, offering moments of calm amid political turbulence.
INSTANT ANALYSIS
The Kenya National Prayer Breakfast is an annual non-partisan event that brings together leaders from all sectors of society to pray for the nation, seek reconciliation, and foster unity across political, religious, and ethnic lines
