President Ruto Defends Government Agenda During National Prayer Breakfast
News Updated: 28 May 2026 17:26 EAT
President William Samoei Ruto speaking during the prayer breakfast at Safari Park hotel and Resort in Nairobi Kenya
President William Ruto used the 23rd National Prayer Breakfast at Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi to deliver one of his strongest public appeals for national unity, faith and confidence in Kenya’s future, as political temperatures continue to rise ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The Head of State told leaders gathered at the event that Kenya must remain anchored on belief in God, self-confidence and patriotism. He said the country was created for greatness and urged Kenyans not to surrender to pessimism or division despite economic and political challenges.
“And we must believe in our country. The speaker has eloquently explained to us about forgiveness and reconciliation. But as I thought about this prayer breakfast, and I had a speech and I went through it last evening, after a while I said, ‘Maybe I should speak from my heart to this great nation which, by God’s grace, I am leader today.’ I say we must believe in God, and I say we must believe in ourselves, and we must believe in our country. Why believe in ourselves? The book of Psalms 139:14, David says, ‘I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.’ He says, ‘Your works are wonderful, and I know that full well.’ If there was any doubt in any one of us as to what we are, David in Psalms says we are fearfully and wonderfully made, and God does not make useless, second-rate stuff.”
Ruto further anchored his message on biblical teachings, quoting Deuteronomy 28 while arguing that Kenya possesses the capacity to prosper through hard work, discipline and unity. He said national transformation requires citizens to believe in the country’s potential rather than focus only on challenges.
The President also praised speakers at the prayer breakfast, including businessman and entrepreneur Chris Kirubi Jr., saying the forum had produced some of the most impactful conversations on leadership and perseverance. He used a light moment involving Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga to emphasise humility and leadership responsibility.
“I listened to Chris and he has spoken to us very powerfully. He misled us earlier when he said there have been many powerful speakers in this prayer breakfast and he wasn't one of them, but I think he is among the most powerful speakers we have had in this prayer breakfast. And when I listened to him for a moment, I remembered the words of my good brother Oburu when he was challenged that, ‘You see, you are walking into the shoes of a great man who was the party leader of ODM, the Right Honorable Raila Odinga.’ In his humility, Oburu Odinga said, ‘I understand that the shoes of our late party leader are big, and that is why I have come with my own shoes.’”
Ruto defended his administration’s handling of the economy and agriculture, saying prayers held during the 2022 drought period had coincided with improved rainfall and stronger food production across the country. He noted that Kenya had experienced better harvests and improved food security over the past three years.
The President recalled criticism directed at the government after leaders organised national prayers at Nyayo Stadium during the drought crisis, saying many people had dismissed the move at the time. However, he argued that Kenya later experienced favourable weather conditions and agricultural recovery.
“I remember, for example, in 2022 we had serious drought in our country, and some clergymen came and proposed to me that we need to pray. We went to Nyayo Stadium and we prayed. Many people said all manner of things. You know, ‘Look at these guys; instead of planning on how to manage the drought, they have gone to the stadium to pray,’ and the President himself is there. But I think the last three years God has been gracious to our nation. The words of Deuteronomy 28 have become true for Kenya. God has given us rain in season. Our agriculture has thrived. Our food security has improved. A bag that was 2,500 is 1,200 shillings less today.”
Ruto further highlighted the government’s affordable housing programme, saying ongoing construction projects in towns and rural areas were evidence of what his administration had achieved within a short period. He cited developments in Njoro and other parts of the country as examples of economic inclusion targeting ordinary Kenyans.
The President maintained that the government was implementing key projects without relying heavily on external borrowing. He pointed to affordable housing, Talanta City, market construction and Universal Health Coverage as initiatives being financed through domestic resources and revenue mobilisation.
“Our own resources—we haven't borrowed from IMF. We haven't borrowed from the World Bank. We have driven our housing program, for example, a project that is now 600 billion with our own money. Yes, we have mobilized our own money. We are building Talanta City not with borrowed money, but with our own money. We are building markets with our own money. We are driving Universal Health Coverage. I was in Njoro about four weeks ago—and Njoro is a very rural town with many hustlers—but you know, when I looked at Njoro, I saw our housing plan there, a housing estate right in the heart of Njoro. I was very, very proud of what God has helped us to achieve.”
Ruto also called on Kenyans not to give up during difficult moments, saying persistence and resilience were necessary for national progress. He referenced the biblical story of the persistent widow in Luke 18 to encourage citizens and leaders to remain focused on long-term goals despite criticism and resistance.
The Head of State said Kenya’s leadership journey required patience, consistency and determination, arguing that many reforms take time before their impact becomes visible. He insisted that his administration would continue pursuing its agenda despite opposition pressure.
“Finally, I am reminded about the woman in Luke 18. There was a judge. There was a woman who wanted justice from a judge. And the judge said he doesn't believe in God; he doesn't care what people think. So he wasn't moved by anything. But he crumbled on one thing: persistence. This woman kept going, kept going and asking, until this fellow said, ‘For me to have some peace, let me do what this woman wants.’ We have to persist. We have to keep at it. We cannot give up. We must not lose hope.”
Ruto concluded his address with a strong political declaration on the 2027 elections, expressing confidence that he would secure a second term in office. He dismissed claims that the country could be divided along political lines and urged Kenyans to remain calm and united.
“Ruto will get a second term. That’s what will happen and we will move on as a country. Yes, so relax, no problem. Those who believe they will divide this country, they will not. They will not succeed. They will fail and fail spectacularly. Asanteni and God bless you.”
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FELIX MAKONA
FACT FINDER AND DATA DRIVEN JOURNALIST. DATA MINING AT IT'S BEST. GET FACTS RANGING FROM MATTERS DISABILITY AND INCLUSION, POLITICS, ECONOMY, SPORTS AND GENERAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD