Ex-NFL star Rickey Bolden to lead 22nd National Prayer Breakfast on Wednesday at Safari Park Hotel
Known for his compelling storytelling and messages of faith, leadership and moral courage, Bolden will deliver the keynote address at the interfaith gathering, which is expected to draw top government officials, religious leaders, diplomats and citizens from across the country.
Former National Football League (NFL) player and now Dallas-based pastor Rickey Bolden will headline Kenya’s 22nd National Prayer Breakfast on Wednesday at Safari Park Hotel, bringing his powerful story of faith and resilience to a country at a crossroads.
The annual event, which will feature a Quran reading by Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan, aims to inspire national reflection and prayer for the future.
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Bolden, a former Miami Dolphins player whose NFL career was cut short by injury, later became a globally recognised pastor and motivational speaker.
Known for his compelling storytelling and messages of faith, leadership and moral courage, Bolden will deliver the keynote address at the interfaith gathering, which is expected to draw top government officials, religious leaders, diplomats and citizens from across the country.
“I am deeply honoured to be part of this important occasion,” Bolden said ahead of his visit.
“Kenya stands at a historic juncture. This gathering is a divine opportunity to rise from complacency and shine with purpose and compassion.”
Themed “Rise and Shine,” the 2025 National Prayer Breakfast is inspired by the biblical passage Isaiah 60:1: “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.”
The event is organised annually by Kenya’s bicameral Parliament through the National Assembly and Senate.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, a co-patron of the National Prayer Breakfast, extended an open invitation to the public.
“I welcome all Kenyans to gather at Safari Park Hotel to pray for our country and themselves,” Wetang’ula said in his communication to the House.
Senate Speaker Amason Jeffah Kingi, speaking during a preparatory session on Tuesday, said the event is not only a spiritual gathering but also a national call to action.
“Rise and Rebuild is not just a theme; it is a vision. A vision that urges us to rise above political polarisation, rebuild trust in our institutions, revive our economy, and restore hope in our people. The time to rise is now,” Kingi said.
In honour of Kenya’s religious diversity, Wednesday’s programme will feature prayers and readings from multiple faiths. In addition to Yusuf Hassan’s Quran reading, Sujantha Kotamraju will read from the Hindu Vedas, while Mbeere South MP Benard Muriuki will lead a prayer for Africa.
National Assembly Majority Whip and South Mugirango MP Silvanus Osoro will lead the Parliamentary Choir in the rendition of the hymn “My Hands Are Blessed.”
Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo, Chairperson of the National Prayer Breakfast Committee, described the event as a moment for national introspection. “Rise and Shine captures where we are as a country; a call to unity, faith, and forward-looking leadership.”
“Bolden’s journey from the NFL to the pulpit is a story of resilience and purpose; qualities Kenya urgently needs today.”
The co-chairs of the Parliamentary Christian Women Caucus, Naomi Waqo, who is also the Deputy Majority Whip, and nominated Senator Veronica Maina, called on Kenyan women to rise and pray for the nation’s healing and prosperity.
“We are what we are today because of the Lord. As women, we must ask ourselves: What role can we play in rebuilding our nation?" Waqo posed.
Senator Maina emphasised the transformative power of women’s prayer, saying, “When women pray, things move. It is not business as usual. When women prayed in 2022, we had a peaceful election and a smooth transition.”
Land and Housing Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome urged women leaders to transcend political divisions and work together to uplift communities and improve livelihoods.
The interfaith and bipartisan nature of the breakfast has historically served as a moment of unity during politically turbulent times.
Last year’s edition brought together President William Ruto, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, opposition leader Raila Odinga, Chief Justice Martha Koome and other senior leaders for a joint prayer session.
Whether this year’s breakfast will attract a similarly high-powered audience remains to be seen, especially amid ongoing tensions between the government and the opposition.
This year’s gathering comes slightly over a year after nationwide Gen Z-led protests erupted in response to the 2024 Finance Bill, as frustrations over unemployment and the rising cost of living reached a boiling point.
Organisers say the theme “Rise and Shine” is timely, offering an opportunity for the nation to seek divine guidance and moral clarity.
“This is not just about politics; it’s about purpose. It’s a moment for the country to pause, pray, and reset,” Senator Maanzo said.
In addition to Bolden’s keynote, the programme will include reflections on urgent national concerns, including youth empowerment, corruption, mental health, climate change and social justice.
The breakfast will commence at 7 am and will be broadcast live across major television networks and digital platforms, enabling broad public engagement with the proceedings.
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