By Mumo Judah, May 28, 2026, Nairobi — Safari Park Hotel
The Kenya National Prayer Breakfast at Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi today brought together leaders from Kenya and the region in a rare moment of political reflection, personal testimony, and calls for unity and reconciliation.
Ugandan politician and former minister Chris Rwakasisi reflected on Uganda’s turbulent political past and the tensions that followed the overthrow of Milton Obote’s government. He described a period marked by deep mistrust and political hostility, particularly during the rise of President Yoweri Museveni.
Rwakasisi summarized the intensity of that era, saying: “I hated him with spared hatred; Museveni hated me in equal measure.”
In a lighter moment that drew laughter from delegates, ODM party leader Oburu Oginga introduced his second wife during the event, briefly breaking the formal tone of the gathering.
Oburu later used his address to reflect on Kenya’s political journey, acknowledging past electoral disputes but emphasizing the need for unity in the present political arrangement under President William Ruto. He stressed that political competition should not translate into personal enmity. He also revisited sensitive historical tensions involving his family during the era of former President Daniel arap Moi and recalled the dangers faced by his brother, opposition leader Raila Odinga, during that period.
Oburu said: “I believe Ruto stole our election, but today we are together in the broad-based government. Political competition is not enmity.”
President William Ruto focused his remarks on leadership, faith, and accountability, reflecting on advice he once received from a bishop who cautioned him about the difficulty of fulfilling campaign promises. He said he did not take offence and maintained that his commitments were driven by conviction rather than political convenience.
Ruto said: “One bishop told me the promises I made to Kenyans during campaigns were impossible to keep… I don’t take offence with him.”
The Head of State also dismissed claims linking him to the suspension of a recent matatu strike triggered by rising fuel prices, insisting that government responses to such issues are guided by dialogue and structured engagement.
He further highlighted ongoing national infrastructure projects, including Talanta City and developments at Bomas, describing them as part of Kenya’s self-driven development agenda.
The event concluded with calls for unity, forgiveness, and reconciliation, as leaders used the platform to reflect on past political divisions while emphasizing the need for national cohesion going forward.
