President Ruto speaks at the 23rd National Prayer Breakfast at Safari Park Hotel, Nairobi [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

Multiple delegates, including top state officials, business chiefs, faith leaders, and international guests, gathered at Nairobi's Safari Park Hotel along Thika Road for the 23rd National Prayer Breakfast.

The Senate managed this year's meeting under a shared schedule with the National Assembly, aiming to address deepening divisions across the country.

According to Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, the focus on "Forgiveness and Reconciliation" serves as a direct warning to politicians.

 Chris Rwakasiisi, Senior Presidential Advisor to Uganda’s President, speaks at the 23rd National Prayer Breakfast at Safari Park Hotel, Nairobi [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

With the 2027 elections approaching fast, Kingi stressed that leaders must stop using angry language, talk to one another, and act responsibly to protect national stability before campaigns tear the country apart.

President William Ruto sought to calm the growing political anxiety, dismissing fears of instability and urging leaders to ease political tensions. He insisted that the country will hold peaceful, free, and fair polls regardless of mounting political divisions.

 Bunge Fellowship choir performs at the 23rd National Prayer Breakfast at Safari Park Hotel, Nairobi [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

Addressing fears of election-related chaos by invoking theology, Ruto noted that the election outcome remains a divine decision.

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"People are in a panic. What God has decided will happen. If God has decided Ruto will get a second term, he will. If God has decided otherwise, that is what will happen, so relax, we will move on as a country," Ruto said.

 Guests seated at the 23rd National Prayer Breakfast at Safari Park Hotel, Nairobi [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

National Assembly speaker Moses Wetang'ula pointed out that public expectations are changing rapidly.

They credited Gen Z and younger Kenyans for pushing hard for open government and honest institutions. Because of this, the general conversation shifted toward the need for caring leadership, with severe warnings against using tribalism or identity politics to build power.

The main breakfast followed a women's leadership meeting that featured First Lady Rachel Ruto. 

 Guests seated at the 23rd National Prayer Breakfast at Safari Park Hotel, Nairobi [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

Even though the meeting stands as a major symbol of peace, it faced serious pushback in the courts over its financing. 

Following challenges from activists who questioned using taxpayers' cash for religious functions, the High Court directed Parliament to make the event's spending public.

Yet, despite these arguments over state-religion boundaries, the tradition went ahead.

President Ruto guided the nation in prayer, using the moment to call for an end to political grudges, repair social wounds, and demand clean, moral leadership.