Let's reflect and examine ourselves, Kindiki tells leaders

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki during the 22nd National Prayer Breakfast at Safari Park Hotel, Nairobi. May 28th,2025 [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has called on leaders to reflect and examine themselves, to build sustainable and meaningful relationships.

Speaking at the 22nd National Prayer Breakfast on Wednesday, May 28, Kindiki said the event was an opportunity for leaders to take stock of their leadership journey.

"It's good to examine ourselves at every point, so that we are not on one continuous journey, making good speed but without the reflection to help us understand whether we are doing the right thing," he said.

The DP noted that the prayer breakfast offered a timely moment for leaders to assess the country's progress and shortcomings.

Kenya-Tanzania relations

Referencing the recent social media spat between Kenya and Tanzania following controversial remarks by Tanzanian MPs, Kindiki urged for calm and diplomatic engagement.

"We need to work on these relationships continuously. I hope that, in light of some of the exchanges we've seen from our political leaders in both countries, we can use a moment like this to help arrest the situation. It doesn't look tidy when brothers and sisters are talking at each other," said Kindiki.

The deputy president echoed the message of former NFL star and American motivational speaker Rickey Allen Bolden, who highlighted the need to build bridges across generations and borders.

"I'm pleased to see our brothers and sisters from neighboring countries in the East African Community here. The choir this year has improved from last year," he said.

He further noted the importance of building intergenerational relationships.

"That intergenerational friendship and solidarity is important. No one generation is superior or more important than the other, so I agree with the message of today's speaker- that perhaps as older people we need to treat our children who are now adults with a little more respect."

Kindiki also called on young people to reciprocate that respect by acknowledging the role of elders and embracing mentorship.

"As much as we agree with the need for us to reconcile and build relationships with our children, we respectfully request that our children also realise that there is a role we can play," he said.

This year's prayer breakfast came against the backdrop of political tension, strained diplomatic ties, and rising youth unrest.