This archive report was first published on 8 October 2021.
On October 7, 2021, a petition to create a public holiday for national prayers in Kenya was presented to the National Assembly, sparking a heated debate among lawmakers.
The petition, submitted by Isaac Njuguna Ng'aru, proposed setting aside a day for national prayers to address recurring challenges facing the nation, including the COVID-19 pandemic, mysterious accidents, and locust invasions.
Ng'aru cited an event in 1997 when late President Daniel Moi called the nation together for prayer at Uhuru Park, resulting in immediate rain after the prayers.
Legislators who supported the petition argued that it was timely and should be implemented, while those who opposed it said it was unnecessary.
Nominated MP David Sankok noted that Kenya is a prayerful nation and a day should be set aside just for that.
"If it must be a national holiday, let it be because if we can give God one day of our 365 days, I think it is worth it," he said.
Other lawmakers, including Dagoretti South MP John Kiarie and Mumias East MP Benjamin Washiali, also expressed support for the petition, arguing that it would provide a platform for Kenyans to turn to their God and pray for their problems to be solved.
However, Rarieda MP Otiende Omollo opposed the appeal, saying it served no logic and that the existing holidays were too many and ought to be reduced.
Tharaka MP George Gitonga also opposed the petition, saying Kenyans were entitled to pray at any given time and setting a day aside would be needless.
Speaker Justin Muturi has transmitted the petition to the departmental Committee on Administration and Security for consideration and reporting.
