Raila’s Absence Sends Shockwaves: National Prayer Breakfast Lacks Key Political Figures
Raila Odinga, the leader of the opposition, and his allies Martha Karua, Kalonzo Musyoka, and Eugene Wamalwa did not attend the National Prayer Breakfast on Wednesday at the Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi.
A day earlier, the coalition party leaders of Azimio La Umoja One Kenya announced they would not attend the event and deemed it a “dishonor” to God.
“If past events where we have shared platforms with Kenya Kwanza are any indication,” the coalition said in a statement on Tuesday, “Azimio is convinced that the National Prayer Breakfast does not provide the environment the country requires.”
“Instead, the event will dishonor God and country through a display of arrogance, superiority battles, false hopes for citizens, and vitriolic post-event mischaracterization and misinterpretation of intentions by prominent Kenya Kwanza leaders.” We have therefore declined the breakfast invitation.”
However, Azimio permitted members of parliament to choose whether or not to attend the prayers.
President William Ruto led a Prayer Breakfast on Wednesday with the theme of reconciliation. First Lady Rachael Ruto, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Second Lady Dorcas Rigathi, and other government officials were present.
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Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris is among the Azimio legislators in attendance. She told journalists she wished Odinga would attend but respects his decision not to. Which she attributed to perceived disrespect by the Kenya Kwanza government.
“It is very unfortunate that my party leader, Raila Odinga, will not be attending; I had hoped he would change his mind and attend. Passaris said, “I know Odinga as the type of person who is always on the path of reconciliation, regardless of the wrongs done to him; he always comes to the table to reconcile for the good of the country.”
“As a leader and elder, I do not wish to be in a position where I am excessively disregarded. She added, “I’d rather not go there and tarnish what is meant to be a day of prayer.”
In addition, the ceremony takes place at a time when Kenyans are struggling with a high cost of living. And a taxation debate in the wake of the Finance Bill, 2023, through which President Ruto’s administration seeks to raise more revenue by increasing taxes.
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The bill proposes, among other levies, a 16 percent value-added tax on fuel and a housing fund. As the Kenya Kwanza government seeks to collect more revenue from Kenyans.
The Azimio coalition has signaled that it will resume anti-government demonstrations if the controversial bill is not revised. However, the government remains confident, with Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua stating that the bill will pass in its current form.
President Ruto has stated on the record, “We must pass this bill for Kenya to develop. There have been suggestions that MPs should reveal how they voted when the bill is introduced in parliament. But I’m still waiting to see an MP who will vote against it.
The 2023/2024 budget is scheduled to be presented to Congress on June 15.
Raila’s Absence Sends Shockwaves: National Prayer Breakfast Lacks Key Political Figures
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