President William Ruto on Thursday called for forgiveness, reconciliation and unity as top leaders gathered at the National Prayer Breakfast, warning against rising political divisions ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Speaking during the annual event held at Safari Park Hotel, the President, alongside First Lady Rachel Ruto, said Kenyans must embrace dialogue and restraint in order to safeguard national cohesion.
“Today Mama Rachel Ruto and I joined Kenyans during the National Prayer Breakfast, a moment to pause, reflect, and pray together as one people,” Ruto said.
He said this year’s theme carried deep national significance.
“This year’s theme, Forgiveness and Reconciliation, reminds us of the attributes that hold a nation together,” he added, noting that unity must rise above social and political differences.
The President stressed that national identity must supersede all other affiliations, saying: “Before politics and ethnicity, we are first and foremost Kenyans.”
He acknowledged the realities of a competitive democracy but cautioned against hostility.
“In a robust democracy like ours, differences are bound to arise,” he said.
However, he warned that political competition must not be allowed to undermine social cohesion. “But divergence of opinion must never degenerate into hatred, animosity and division.”
Ruto further called on Kenyans to embrace forgiveness as a foundation for progress.
“A prosperous nation is built when citizens dare to forgive and have the grace to reconcile,” he said, adding that “forgiveness is not a weakness; it is, in fact, bravery.”
He further emphasised that national healing requires a shared vision beyond divisions. “Reconciliation is our resounding testament that our shared future matters more than our divisions.”
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Senate Speaker Amason Kingi also echoed calls for restraint in political discourse, urging leaders to avoid inflammatory rhetoric and instead prioritise dialogue and national stability.
Religious leaders present reinforced the same message, urging leaders to use their platforms to promote peace, mutual respect and healing among communities.
The annual prayer gathering, which brings together top political leadership, continues to serve as a rare bipartisan platform for reflection, even as political activity begins to gather momentum nationwide.
As the event concluded, speakers collectively underscored the need for unity, with repeated appeals for forgiveness seen as central to sustaining Kenya’s stability and democratic maturity.
