DP Rigathi Gachagua faces Mt Kenya in search of 'special freedom'

Here, he says, he reconnects not just to nature, but to God and everything good and noble in the world.

"It is a symbol of resilience," he says. "When things get difficult and you come to this mountain you get encouraged that you will surmount whatever challenge in front of you."

For him, the mountain that has in the past also been used as a political metaphor, is also a symbol of the undying human spirit.

"I ask many people to come here and pray because the mountain is a symbol of resilience, struggle, and victory."

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua during a trek along Mawingu Trail on the slopes of Mt. Kenya. [DPPS]

"We have had five failed rainy seasons and our people are staring at hunger. Our animals have died. Children cannot eat. I pray that God heals our land. I pray that God forgives our sins and heals our land so that our people can enjoy the fruits of their hard work," he prays.

Still facing Mt Kenya, he continues the monologue with the deity. "I pray for the boychild. Our boys are troubled by alcoholism, unemployment and drug abuse. I pray that God touches the hearts of those who sell drugs to our children and make them stop."

The DP pauses. For a few seconds, he looks towards the skies, towards the snowcapped peaks then continues his prayer.

"I pray that you deliver Kenyan families from cancer. Families are devastated. Cancer has become a challenge for Kenyans. Families are left financially and emotionally devastated. I pray that you heal us from cancer because people are crying and in distress. Dry our tears and hear our prayers."

The end of the prayer marks the beginning of his descent.

"I know God has heard my prayer," he says.

The mountain provided solace to his parents, years ago. Today, he too has sought it out in search of freedom. A different kind of freedom. Freedom from effects of a devastating drought.

Freedom from threat of erosion of generations of young men through alcohol and drug abuse. Freedom from disease.