A petition has landed in parliament seeking to abolish the annual National Prayer Breakfast a day after President William Ruto’s apologetic moment. During the event, he apologized to Gen Zs and neighboring countries, including Tanzania and Uganda. In a statement on Thursday, May 29, 2025, the Atheists in Kenya Society has filed a public petition to the National Assembly, compelling them to abolish the National Prayer Breakfast.
Speaking on behalf of the Atheists in Kenya Society, their President Harrison Nyende Mumia argues that the funds allocated for organizing the National Prayer Breakfast are not a constitutional responsibility to the Kenyan people.
“Our members include atheists, agnostics, humanists, free thinkers, and skeptics. Draw the attention of the House to the following: The National Prayer Breakfast, an annual event organized by Parliament, is not a constitutional responsibility to the Kenyan people,” read part of the petition.
Atheists in Kenya Petition Parliament to Abolish National Prayer Breakfast
Additionally, Mumia argues that the funds allocated for organizing the National Prayer Breakfast represent extravagant and superfluous expenditure.
Moreover, the Atheists Society stated that the issue regarding the National Prayer Breakfast, in respect of which this petition is made, is not pending before any court of law or constitutional or legal body. Therefore, it prays that Parliament abolishes the National Prayer Breakfast.
Also Read: Ruto Asks for Forgiveness from Tanzania and Uganda on Behalf of Kenyans
On Wednesday, May 28, the date of the National Prayer Breakfast, Harrison Mumia released a statement criticizing the event as an “extravagant” use of taxpayer funds and called on Parliament to cancel future editions of the breakfast.
Mumia, who attended the event in 2024, said the gathering lacked constitutional justification and failed to serve any national interest. He framed the event as emblematic of wasteful government spending that ignores pressing public needs.
President Ruto Apologizes to Gen Z and Kenya’s Neighbors
During the 2025 National Prayer Breakfast on May 28 at Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi, President William Ruto issued public apologies to both Kenyan youth (Gen Zs) and Tanzania, addressing recent tensions.
He apologized to Gen Zs for government missteps, particularly following the 2024 anti-tax protests against the Finance Bill, which led to violent crackdowns, protester deaths, and abductions.
Ruto acknowledged their frustrations, urged unity, and emphasized building relationships to move Kenya forward, though some Gen Zs dismissed the apology, demanding his resignation.
Also Read: Former American Footballer Advises Ruto on How to Handle Gen-Z
He also extended an apology to Tanzania and Uganda for any wrongs, particularly after the controversial deportation of Kenyan activists, including Boniface Mwangi and Martha Karua, from Tanzania during opposition leader Tundu Lissu’s trial.
The National Prayer Breakfast is an annual event in Kenya, traditionally held to bring together leaders from various sectors to pray for the nation, seek divine guidance, and foster unity. The prayer session is held on the last Thursday of May each year.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates
