Sabina Chege: Critics of breakfast prayers miss the point

President Uhuru Kenyatta (fourth left) joins Kajiado MCAs in a dance during the National Prayer Breakfast at a Nairobi hotel. [Beverlyne Musili, Standard]

The theme of “the dawn of a new Kenya” at this year’s National Prayer Breakfast at Safari Park was apt for the kind of governance that we have seen ushered under the Jubilee administration. The breakfast saw leaders from across the political divide in attendance, including DP William Ruto, former Vice President Musalia Mudavadi and President Salva Kiir of South Sudan.

It is a great reflection of the national unity that is slowly becoming the norm here. In reaching out to President Kiir, President Kenyatta gave a boost to his continued efforts to achieve peace in South Sudan and the region.

 A prayerful nation

But what is the prayer breakfast all about? The event is already in its 17th year following its inception in 2003, right after Mwai Kibaki became president.  Annually, since then, religious leaders lead prayers that inspire the entire nation to unity, action and above all repentance. The prayers address pertinent issues of the day.

This year, they asked God for forgiveness of those who have commited the “sin of thievery”. No greater sin is taking place here on such a grand scale today than theft. The modern-day version of this transgression is corruption - stealing not from a neighbour or stranger on the street, but institutionally.

The Bible says in Ephesians 4:28, “Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need”. During this time of spirituality, let us not forget that not only is corruption illegal, it is against the will of God.

One thing that should unite Kenyans of all religions and creeds is our will to do good as our faith guides us. On Friday, President Kenyatta joined Muslims at Jamia Mosque for Iftar, a strong sign of the religious tolerance by our leadership.

President Kenyatta accompanied the communal prayers at the breakfast event with words impeling Kenyan leaders to walk the talk in terms of national development, not just talk the talk. He firmly called for development programme ideas to be implemented. Wananchi are entitled to prosperity, and we all must take part in trying to achieve it. This means ethical business practices at all levels of transactions.

Praying for peace

As always, the National Prayer Breakfast came just before Madaraka Day. This is our 56th year celebrating independence and self-governance, and our country has come a far way under four presidents. This year, we have much to pray for and much to be thankful for. We have our eyes on economic prosperity, and though it has always been a work in progress, we are slowly getting there.

We prayed for unity, for harmony for when we are in harmony, all works perfectly well.

Since 2013, we have seen the gradual realisation of Vision 2030 goals. The implementation of the Big 4 agenda will also accelerate that growth and prosperity and the jobs for our youth. The new infrastructure projects erected all over the country, forms the foundations of this growth. This includes not only more housing developments, but also ICT infrastructure. This is to ensure that more Kenyans are connected to fast internet networks, and road improvements.

Just like the past regimes, the Jubilee administration is using every opportunity to make Kenya work for the people. For example, by devolving national days, the government – like in the case of Madaraka Day - has regenerated Narok town. Townspeople who have suffered from dust in the dry season and flash floods and poor drainage in the rainy season are now praising the refurbishing projects taking place. Roads have been upgraded and public areas beautified while the Narok Stadium underwent a renovation.

A new Kenya

The dawn of a new Kenya is upon us. Domestically, we have an unprecedented level of harmony between our plethora of tribes and religions, awareness of corruption is widespread and no longer tolerated.

In the international arena, Kenya is the leading African nation in terms of innovation and sustainability. Our East African neighbours look to us to foster regional stability and to demonstrate the new strength and resilience of Africa in the 21st century. As we join together as a nation to celebrate the spirit of independence, let us rejoice how far our God has brought us.

Ms Chege is Murang’a County Women Rep