As Kenya's top political figures gathered in Nairobi for this year's National Prayer Breakfast, a resurfaced photo of Atheists in Kenya Society President Harrison Mumia attending last year's edition has reignited public debate.
The photo, which shows Mumia seated among dignitaries and attentively following the proceedings, has drawn mixed reactions online due to the irony of an avowed atheist participating in a religious gathering.
Netizens, in their usual element, did not hold back with comments.
"There comes a time that every tongue must confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Praise be to our living God!!" wrote Aruni Kipkoech.
"People saying his attendance is a confirmation of his belief in God. That's a prayer breakfast. Is there a requirement that prayers will only be made to God? Is it a meeting of believers in God?" questioned Irungu Kabiti.
Eric Makarios dismissed the idea of atheism altogether, saying, "There is nothing like Atheist btw. They are people who are just trying to sway attention to themselves."
But this year, Mumia took a different stance.
In a statement posted on the Atheists in Kenya Society's official X account, Mumia openly criticized the event and called on President William Ruto to scrap it, citing misuse of public funds.
"Today, millions of taxpayers' money will be wasted on the National Prayer Breakfast," the post read. "This year's Prayer Breakfast will take place at the Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi. This event, organized by Parliament, is unnecessary and ostensibly without priority."
Mumia confirmed he attended the event last year but reiterated his position that the Prayer Breakfast should be abolished.
The National Prayer Breakfast is an annual high-profile event held between May and June.
Organized by a parliamentary prayer fellowship, it brings together political, religious, and business leaders for a moment of reflection, unity, and prayer for the nation.
The non-partisan event is often attended by the President, Deputy President, opposition leaders, and other dignitaries.
It includes speeches, scripture readings, and prayers aimed at promoting reconciliation, peace, and moral leadership across Kenya's often divided political and religious lines.
This year's breakfast was held at the Safari Park Hotel, attended by President Ruto, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, and a host of other leaders.
