Dagoretti North MP Beatrice Elachi has stirred debate on social media following her emotional prayer at this year's National Prayer Breakfast, where she lamented the state of Kenya's youth and criticised the influence of social media.
Speaking at the annual event held at Safari Park Hotel and attended by President William Ruto and other top leaders, Elachi asked God to intervene on behalf of what she described as the country's "hopeless youth" and the "spirit of social media ruining the country".
"Father, we pray that this social media, which has decided to run our country, that spirit, we want to confess that as legislators, we must sort out that sector. Father, we shall have courage to stand and believe in what is good for our country," she said.
In a passionate continuation of her prayer, Elachi turned her focus to Kenya's young people.
Dagoretti North constituency MP Beatrice Elachi leads in a prayer for confession#NationalPrayerBreakfast pic.twitter.com/9UTRYS3GBs
- KTN News (@KTNNewsKE) May 28, 2025
"We have left our young people in helplessness, in gambling, in pornography, and it is in us to change that. We became parents that were unable. We felt that it was good for our children to be who they are. Today, they have rebelled."
Social media users were quick to react.
Ngila Shadrack called out the MP: "Some prayers are noise... You can't be preaching water and you're taking wine... First change your ways as John the Baptist preached."
"What are they doing as leaders to create an enabling environment, job opportunities and a hopeful future for the young people?" asked Denis Mutoro.
Kenfrancis Myner questioned the intent of the gathering: "The ruling class pretend to set a day to pray for the nation while in reality they dine in the name of prayers."
Elachi, who recently lost her son Elvis Murakana, has been vocal about the importance of parental presence and prayer in guiding the younger generation.
"Times have changed. This generation is dealing with pressures we never faced. As parents, we need to be present, listen, and understand what they are going through," she said at her son's funeral earlier this year.
This year's Prayer Breakfast took place in a politically charged atmosphere, at a time when the country is also grappling with a struggling economy.
In the past, the Prayer Breakfast has often served as a political platform, bringing together key figures from across the political divide.
President Uhuru Kenyatta and opposition leader Raila Odinga famously exchanged hugs and apologies, reaffirming their commitment to unity after a divisive and violent election.
That moment came after Kenyatta's re-election in a prolonged and controversial poll that left at least 92 people dead, according to human rights organisations.
