Religious leaders pray for President Ruto, Parliament
Legislators in Kenya’s Senate and National Assembly experienced a paradigm shift on Wednesday when President William Ruto arrived to address the inaugural session of the 13th Parliament with religious leaders in tow.
Of the ten, five were allowed to pray for the sitting before the President made his speech. The prayer session lasted 20 minutes.
Among those who said the prayers was Sheikh Hassan Sukyan who prayed for the protection of the newly elected Head of State and his Deputy.
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Others are Nairobi Catholic Church Archbishop Philip Anyolo who prayed for the persistent drought and insecurity that has affected various families.
Next on the prayer altar was Anglican Church Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit who asked for wisdom and knowledge among the legislators.
The prayer session is a significant change from the past when similar functions would go on without spiritual intervention.
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It also points to a change in the leadership style compared to previous presidents including Uhuru Kenyatta and Mwai Kibaki (now deceased).
President Ruto and First Lady Rachel made prayers and attending church services an integral part of their campaigns ahead of the August 2022 polls.
They have followed up with the practice and recently invited religious leaders for a prayer session at State House, Nairobi.
Separately, the First Lady has hosted several religious leaders and music groups at State House.
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