Hello

Your subscription is almost coming to an end. Don’t miss out on the great content on Nation.Africa

Ready to continue your informative journey with us?

Hello

Your premium access has ended, but the best of Nation.Africa is still within reach. Renew now to unlock exclusive stories and in-depth features.

Reclaim your full access. Click below to renew.

Kenya’s Jubilee leaders meet for Ruto’s prayer meeting

Jubilee leaders at the start of the prayers rally for DP William Ruto in Kuresoi on Sunday Morning. PHOTO|NMG

What you need to know:

The meeting had initially been described by URP luminaries as “an only Kalenjin affair” but TNA MPs said they would attend the meeting in an effort to pre-empt a rift in the coalition

Kuresoi, Sunday. Leaders from the Jubilee coalition Sunday morning gathered in Kuresoi for a prayer meeting in support of Deputy President William Ruto.

The DP and radio journalist Joshua arap Sang are facing crimes against humanity charges at the International Criminal Court in The Hague.

The meeting has been billed as the “mother of all prayer rallies” which will combine contemporary and traditional rites. Former Cabinet minister Franklin Bett said that it was normal for the Kalenjin community to conduct such prayers when faced with great difficulties.

The meeting had initially been described by URP luminaries as “an only Kalenjin affair” but TNA MPs said they would attend the meeting in an effort to pre-empt a potential rift in the ruling Jubilee coalition. Some reports indicated that a number of cattle had been slaughtered overnight as the show of solidarity with Deputy President William Ruto and radio journalist Joshua Sang was set to rise towards a crescendo.

The latest moves have been occasioned by a judgment made a fortnight ago where judges allowed statements from witnesses who had recanted their evidence and those who had refused to testify or disappeared altogether.

The Reverend Abraham Mutai, who was among the organisers, said the theme of the meeting was drawn from II Chronicles 7:14 which states: “If my people who are called by my name shall humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and forgive their sins and heal their land.”

He said the meeting was an inter-denominational one and that church leaders from all churches had been meeting since Monday to pray for its success. Mr Mutai said the programme would begin at 9 am and would mainly be a Christian affair.

No politician would have a chance to talk until after the prayer meeting is over.

Former Cabinet minister Franklin Bett said that it was normal for the Kalenjin community to conduct such prayers when faced with great difficulties.

“You will see elders and community members doing traditional prayers. The church will be there. We all want to kneel before a God we know is fair and sincere and above all the fixing in the ICC,” said the former Roads minister. (NMG)