Bold Preacher Asks Ruto, Politicians at National Prayer Breakfast to Apologise to Gen Zs
- Kenya’s 22nd National Prayer Breakfast, themed “Rise and Build”, brought together top national and global leaders amid economic and political tensions
- Former NFL star turned pastor Rickey Bolden delivered a powerful sermon urging Kenyan leaders to rebuild broken relationships, especially with the youth
- Bolden called on leaders to apologise to Gen Z for past mistreatment, emphasising the need to respect and treat them as adults with a voice in national dialogue
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Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features for digital and print media.
Nairobi: Kenya held its 22nd National Prayer Breakfast on Wednesday, May 28, at the Safari Park Hotel, under the theme 'Rise and Build'.
Source: Facebook
The theme is drawn from Isaiah 60:1: “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.”
The national event, led by President William Ruto, brought together the country’s top leadership—including Cabinet secretaries, Members of Parliament, diplomats, religious leaders, and guests from around the world.
The gathering comes at a time when the nation is grappling with significant economic challenges, political tensions, and increasing unrest among the youth.
What message did Bolden pass to Kenyan leaders?
Former NFL star and internationally acclaimed motivational speaker Rickey Allen Bolden presided over the sermon as the keynote speaker.
Bolden, an ex-Miami Dolphins player whose football career was cut short by injury, is now a respected pastor based in Dallas, Texas, known for his powerful storytelling and inspirational messages on faith, leadership, and reconciliation.
In his address, Bolden urged Kenya’s leadership to focus on rebuilding relationships across generational lines, particularly with the youth.
Speaking passionately, he highlighted the frustrations of Gen Z, saying they crave respect, recognition, and a seat at the table.
“Gen Z have grown up. They are smarter than we are. They are no longer children. We must treat them as adults,” Bolden said, drawing from personal experiences with his five children.
Source: Facebook
He called on leaders to apologise to the youth for actions that may have alienated them, including arrests during protests and Internet shutdowns, which he described as traumatising.
"I pray the adults will apologise to our Gen Z. When we talk about rebuilding relationships, we will be beautiful. If leaders would stand up and say to our Gen Z, we had you arrested and that was traumatising and we are sorry. We shut down the Internet and we know that it is your primary source of communication, we are sorry" he said.
Bolden emphasised that while Gen Z respects authority, they do not feel respected in return—a gap he believes must be closed for Kenya to move forward in unity.
"Now we want to bring you to the table so that you can have a voice because you are no longer a child. You are an adult and we want to treat you like adults. Gen Z respects you but they do not feel respected," the preacher added.
Tanzanian, Kenyan MPs sing together amid tensions
Meanwhile, during the service, Tanzanian lawmakers joined their Kenyan counterparts in a symbolic show of unity by participating in a choir performance.
The moment of camaraderie came amid recent diplomatic tensions between Kenya and Tanzania, sparked by the deportation of Kenyan legal counsels and activists from the neighbouring country.
The gesture was seen as an effort to ease political strains and reaffirm regional cooperation. Delegates from Uganda also attended the event, highlighting the broader spirit of East African unity.
Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
