Opposition leader Raila Odinga and his allies, Martha Karua, Kalonzo Musyoka, and Eugene Wamalwa, chose not to attend Wednesday’s National Prayer Breakfast held at Nairobi’s Safari Park Hotel.
This decision follows the announcement by the leaders of the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya coalition party that they would not participate in the event, considering it a dishonor to God.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the coalition expressed their conviction that the National Prayer Breakfast does not provide the appropriate environment the country needs.
They highlighted concerns about arrogance, power struggles, false hopes given to citizens, and the subsequent misinterpretation of intentions by well-known leaders from the Kenya Kwanza faction. Consequently, the coalition declined the invitation to the breakfast.
However, Azimio granted members of parliament the freedom to decide whether or not to attend the prayer session.
The theme of Wednesday’s Prayer Breakfast, led by President William Ruto, centered around reconciliation. The event was attended by First Lady Rachael Ruto, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Second Lady Dorcas Rigathi, and other government officials.
It’s truly unfortunate that my party leader Raila Odinga will not be attending. I had hoped he would have a change of heart and join us. I know Odinga as someone who always seeks reconciliation, no matter how much he is wronged. He always comes to the table to reconcile for the good of the country.”
Esther Passaris, Nairobi Woman Representative
Among the Azimio legislators present was Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris, who expressed her disappointment at Raila Odinga’s absence. Passaris acknowledged Odinga’s decision, attributing it to perceived disrespect from the Kenya Kwanza government.
“It’s truly unfortunate that my party leader Raila Odinga will not be attending. I had hoped he would have a change of heart and join us. I know Odinga as someone who always seeks reconciliation, no matter how much he is wronged. He always comes to the table to reconcile for the good of the country,” Passaris said.
“I don’t want to find myself in a situation where I would be disrespected as a leader and elder. I would rather refrain from attending and avoid tarnishing what is meant to be a prayerful day,” she added.
The ceremony took place amidst ongoing concerns about the high cost of living and debates on taxation triggered by the Finance Bill, 2023. President Ruto’s government aims to increase revenue through various levies, including a 16% Value Added Tax on fuel and a housing fund.
While the Azimio coalition has indicated their intention to resume anti-government protests if the contentious bill is not reviewed, the government remains firm in its stance. Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua asserted that the bill would pass in parliament without amendments.
President Ruto himself has stated, “We need to pass this bill for Kenya’s development. There have been suggestions that MPs should disclose how they vote when the bill is tabled, but personally, I am waiting to see any MP who would oppose it.”
The budget for 2023/2024 is scheduled to be presented before Parliament on June 15.
