‘Forgive us, Lord’ - Elachi leads prayer against 'toxic' social media culture

MPs crossed party lines on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, to pray for peace and unity in the country and the region, asking God to intervene and bring an end to social media bullying.

In a rare gesture of earnest supplication and reverence, Kenyan MPs who prayed at the National Prayer Breakfast at Safari Park asked the Almighty God to forgive those who spread hate and division online.

The session was attended by MPs across the political divide, with some of the opposition lawmakers in attendance.

The tone for the day was set by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, who introduced the theme of the event.

 “The National Prayer Breakfast has evolved into more than just an annual tradition. This year's prayer breakfast, themed ‘Rise and Rebuild,’ calls upon all of us, as both leaders and citizens, to awaken,” Wetang’ula said.

Dagoretti North MP Beatrice Elachi was direct in her prayer, asking God to cast out the evil spirit behind the abuse of social media.

Our youth are hopeless, and we pray that the spirit of social media running our country is dealt with. May we stand for what is best for our nation and future generations,” Elachi said.

“We want to confess, as legislators, that we must indeed address that sector. We shall have the courage to stand and believe in what is good for our country. Father, forgive us.”

Tana River Senator Danson Mungatana, who represents the Senate in the Pan-African Parliament in South Africa, offered a prayer for the African continent.

“For this region, Lord, we want to pray for the issues surrounding the DRC — that You may give our leaders and everyone involved the presence of mind and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, so that the displacement of two million people may come to an end,” Mungatana prayed.

Martin Oloo, Associate Dean at the Daystar School of Law, who spoke on Citizen TV on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, said it is important to acknowledge that not everything is well.

“The theme of the National Prayer Breakfast recognises that issues have arisen, and there is a need to rebuild,” he said.

President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto graced the National Prayer Breakfast — a sacred annual ritual where the nation bows its head in reverence to seek God’s mercy and forgiveness.