By Andrew Kariuki
First Lady Rachel Ruto has urged Kenyans to remain hopeful and steadfast in prayer despite personal and national challenges, saying faith remains essential in overcoming hardship and building a better future.
Speaking during the National Prayer Breakfast Women’s Convocation held at Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi on Wednesday, Mrs Ruto called on citizens to continue praying for the country, emphasizing that prayer plays a critical role in preserving unity, strengthening resilience and shielding the nation from adversity.
“We must continue trusting in God and praying for our nation because through prayer, we are able to overcome challenges and remain hopeful for a better future,” the First Lady told participants.
The gathering, which brought together women leaders, legislators, faith leaders and invited guests ahead of Thursday’s National Prayer Breakfast, focused on the theme of prayer, reflection and reconciliation.
Mrs Ruto encouraged Kenyans not to abandon their dreams or aspirations, saying faith and persistence remain necessary whether one is pursuing personal growth, family stability or national progress.
She also highlighted the importance of spiritual resilience at a time when many families continue to face economic and social pressures.
The event featured an emotional testimony from Ugandan diplomat and academic Professor Joyce Kakuramatsi Kikafunda, whose story left many participants visibly moved.
Professor Kikafunda, Uganda’s High Commissioner to India, spoke candidly about her journey to motherhood after years of waiting, recounting how she gave birth to her first child at the age of 60 before later welcoming quadruplets two years afterward.
Addressing women facing fertility challenges and personal struggles, she urged them not to lose hope or internalize stigma tied to circumstances beyond their control.
“No one should be stigmatised because of circumstances beyond their control. We must encourage one another and continue believing that all things are possible with faith and patience,” Prof Kikafunda said.
She attributed her experience to patience, faith and persistence, encouraging women to continue believing in possibilities even during prolonged periods of disappointment.
Mrs Ruto echoed those sentiments, praising the testimony as a message of encouragement for women navigating difficult seasons in life.
The First Lady also thanked women parliamentarians involved in organising the convocation, describing the gathering as an important platform for spiritual encouragement, unity and empowerment.
She noted that the women’s convocation, now in its third year, had continued growing and expressed optimism that it would remain a lasting tradition for future generations.
Opening the forum, Senator Veronica Maina reminded attendees that the gathering was intended as a spiritual rather than political event.
“This morning, we gather together not for a political event, not for a social gathering. We gather together for a convocation, a prayer gathering to repent, seek forgiveness and reconciliation,” Senator Maina said.
She emphasized that prayer should serve as a unifying force capable of bringing leaders together in reflection, healing and collective responsibility.
The women’s convocation precedes the main National Prayer Breakfast scheduled for Thursday, where President William Ruto and national leaders are expected to join Kenyans in prayers for the country.
