National Prayer Day: Mixed reactions after Khalwale posts pictures of Raila staring during prayers

Former Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale on Saturday March 22, elicited a lot of reactions from Kenyans on Twitter after posting pictures of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga staring during prayers.

The pictures were taken during the National prayer day held at the State House in Nairobi, where Kenyan leaders and citizens gathered to pray for the country in the wake of Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Through his Twitter handle, the former Senator posted two pictures; The first photo showed Raila standing between Deputy President William Ruto and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, with his eyes opened while the others bowed down for prayers.

The second photo showed President Uhuru, DP Ruto and Raila Odinga who still had his eyes opened during a prayer session.

Khalwale posted the pictures without any caption, leaving it to the online audience to come come up with various descriptions.

However, while a section of Kenyans criticised the legislator for posting such photos, terming the act as ‘petty,’ others were torn between whether it’s right or wrong to have your eyes opened during prayers.

Amakanji Thomas says, “Doctors are busy trying to solve #CoronaCrisis wewe uko hapa una screenshot leaders praying against the menace! If Ruto depends on such brains to deliver for him then i am sorry! WE REJECTED huyu in Kakamega until when he will mature!”

Bernard Omollo added, “Doktari please you are past this cheap act bwana behave like one who has gone through some civilization.”

B. Michael said, “But when did the bullfighter start stooping this low to such simplistic and petty nonsense. Bonny, let not sycophancy reduce you to things like these. We need the Bonny who censured Kimunya, sio huyu wa screen shots.”

Lucas Nyahuru opined, “Closing your eyes or bowing doesn't mean you necessarily connect with God...be vigilant have your eyes fixed at one point..you will still reach Him.”

The Redeemed asked,” What's your point? He's deep in prayer. Ama he must close his eyes. Who is a hypocrite in this picture?”

During the prayers, President Uhuru urged Kenyans to turn to God and prayer adding that even though some people are turning to science, trusting in God has a long way to go.

“It is good to pray together as a nation…a nation prospers when a nation believes and trusts in God. There are those who say we should depend on science but even science needs God,” stated Uhuru.