By Peter Ochieng
First Lady Rachel Ruto on Wednesday presided over the inauguration of the women’s convocation, ahead of Thursday`s National Prayer Breakfast.
The First Lady, speaking during the event appealed to Kenyans to incorporate prayer in their daily activities, urging them to remember praying for God’s grace among leaders even as they govern the country.
“I commend the Parliamentary Christian Women Caucus for initiating the idea of the convocation. I urge you to continue promoting the initiative,” she said.
The Second Lady, Pastor Dr. Dorcas Rigathi reminded women of their key role in the success of the nation, encouraging them to strongly come out and play their roles effectively.
“The woman is at the centre of the agenda of God, without a woman many things would not have happened,” she explained.
The meeting was attended by groups of women from across the country. The First Daughter of the Republic of Uganda, Pastor Patience Museveni Rwabogo who was the keynote speaker appealed to Kenyans to stay hopeful embracing repentance and prayer for God`s intervention in challenging situations.
She said corruption is an old sin that has to be fought through repentance.
“The modern face of corruption is an old sin and as you know, demons don’t die, they just rebrand, we therefore need to repent and denounce the old sin,” said Pastor Patience, adding that many of the challenges facing most African countries were inherited from the forefathers.
National Assembly Deputy Speaker, Gladys Shollei applauded the First and Second Ladies and all the dignitaries who graced the convocation, assuring them that the initiative will be maintained.
The journey of the National Prayer Breakfast began in 1986, when a handful of individuals convened for prayer and fellowship under the leadership of former Cabinet Member Isaac Omollo Okero. Over the years, this humble gathering blossomed into a nationwide movement, attracting prominent figures like Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka, Raila Odinga, and Moses Keino.
In 2002, following the election of a new President and Parliament, various prayer breakfast groups united to organize Kenya’s inaugural National Prayer Breakfast.
Spearheaded by former Vice-President Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka, the event seeks to promote unity and reconciliation among leaders from diverse political and religious backgrounds.