The Wisdom of Second Lady Dorcas Rigathi: Uniting Kenyans Through Lessons from the Babylonians
During Wednesday’s National Prayer Breakfast at the Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi, Second Lady Dorcas Rigathi cited reconciliation and forgiveness as crucial to the nation’s well-being.
Pastor Rigathi, citing the biblical story in which Babylonians are said to have constructed a mighty city and a tower with its apex in the heavens, stated that Kenyans can learn about the power of unity from the Babylonians, even though their motives may not have been good.
“There is nothing more important than unity. God descended from heaven because these people were unified, spoke the same language and accent, and constructed a tower (Genesis 11:6). “Nothing would be impossible for them if they were doing it for the right reasons,” the Second Lady stated.
“Let us learn to speak in one language, one accent, and one accord so that the vulnerable in this country can begin to experience God’s grace through us,” she continued.
Regarding forgiveness, Rigathi stated that God will not forgive Kenyans if they do not forgive each other.
“We desire reconciliation, this country is ours, and our God has commanded that if you do not forgive one another, God the Father will not forgive you. Let us learn to be forgiving,” she said.
On Wednesday, President William Ruto led a Prayer Breakfast with the theme of reconciliation. In attendance were First Lady Rachael Ruto, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, and other government officials.
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However, opposition leader Raila Odinga and his allies Martha Karua, Kalonzo Musyoka, and Eugene Wamalwa announced they would not attend, citing the event’s “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.”
The ceremony took 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 levies and introducing new ones.
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.
ALSO READ: President Ruto Joins Diverse Leaders at National Prayer Breakfast to Unite the Nation
The Azimio coalition has signaled that it will resume anti-government protests 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.
The Wisdom of Second Lady Dorcas Rigathi: Uniting Kenyans Through Lessons from the Babylonians
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