Ruto says he won't be distracted by rallies

At the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi on Tuesday, the President told hundreds of Christians who had turned up for national prayers that Kenya was on the right track.

"We took over the leadership of this country against all odds. The same God who put us in power will not let us fail Kenyans," he said.

Dr Ruto praised the Church for its role in maintaining stability during difficult times. He recalled threats made by his opponents during campaigns, boasting that they had the system and deep state, even scaring sections of the Church, but he said most religious leaders stood firm.

The President warned Kenyans to be wary of naysayers, saying they will not prevent the country from achieving its development goals, and that even in biblical times, people questioned the power of God and his prophets, only to regret it later.

Deep State

"Let me say without any fear or contradiction that it is not by the power of the deep state or the might of the system but it is through the power of the spirit of God that this country is going to move to the next level," said Ruto.

He said doors in the international financial systems had previously been closed for the country, but that they have now been reopened, and that his administration can now visit any financial system and make a case for Kenya.

Ruto said the country had accumulated recklessly large debts, and that since taking over, he had done everything he could to reverse the trend by spending only what was necessary.

"The bottom-up economic model that we have been discussing is biblical. We will transition from being a borrowing nation to a lending nation," Ruto said.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said the government was concerned that more than 5.3 million people were on the verge of starvation, with more than 2.5 million livestock dying as a result of the drought, and that the situation was bleak.

Gachagua said the government is doing everything possible to ensure the drought crisis is handled properly and that no more Kenyans die of hunger.

Meanwhile, Gachagua urged spiritual leaders to pray for those who provide drugs and illegal brews to youths.

"As our spiritual army, you have done your part in praying for this country; as a government, we are preparing our farms by providing fertilisers and other support needed by our farmers to ensure they are able to produce enough food," Ruto said.

The prayers began at 8am, with First Lady Rachel Ruto and Pastor Dorcas Rigathi among the first to arrive. They engaged in praise and worship for several hours before being joined by their spouses, Dr Ruto and Gachagua, who arrived at 1pm.

Bishop Mark Kariuki, Presiding Bishop of the Deliverance Church International, told the congregation that any powers sent to cause anarchy in the country would fail and that Christians were praying for the country.

In attendance were Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua, among others.

The prayers were organised by the Evangelical Alliance of Kenya.