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Ramadan 2024: Ruto hosts Iftar dinner, urges unity of religions

President William Ruto during a joint National Executive Retreat and Parliamentary Group consultative meeting in Naivasha, Nakuru County on February 19, 2024. (Photo: PCS)

By Eastleigh Voice Reporter | Monday, April 8, 2024

In his address, President Ruto assured the gathering that Kenyans will unite, regardless of their religions, and focus on the nation's growth.

President William Ruto hosted Muslim leaders to an Iftar dinner at the State House Nairobi on Monday evening, as the Muslim community prepares to celebrate Eid al-Fitr on Wednesday, April 10, 2024.

Eid al-Fitr, "the festival of breaking the fast," marks the end of the Ramadan season of abstinence, prayer, and spiritual reflection.

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It is an official holiday in many Muslim-majority nations, and festivities traditionally last three days, although the length varies by country.

In his address, President Ruto assured the gathering that Kenyans will unite, regardless of their religions, and focus on the nation's growth.

"Our nation reveres God. We all believe in God. I urge you to pray for Kenya and its leaders because we are humans and we need God's guidance so we can do his will and ensure all Kenyans' rights are upheld," he said.

He noted that together, through prayer and other initiatives, all citizens have helped the country overcome several challenges, including a drought and an economic downturn.

Ruto further challenged Christians to be as committed to their faith as Muslims, noting that the inspiration unifies the people as they learn from each other.

"Pray for the unity of our nation," he told the gathering.

Iftar Dinner, State House, Nairobi. https://t.co/x2j5efortF
— State House Kenya (@StateHouseKenya) April 8, 2024

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua praised Muslims for their sacrifice and their consistency in their faith.

He also praised the community for its business acumen, noting that it has contributed to the growth of Kenya's economy, and for its part in keeping Kenya secure, noting that this has helped create a more conducive environment for business.

He also announced a conference in Garissa, whose date he did not specify, that will discuss issues including drug and substance abuse in the Northern parts, following "very clear" presidential instructions to rid the country of the menace.

Regional conflicts

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi asked Muslims to pray for peace in light of global conflicts, including the Russia-Ukraine war, Israel's bombardment of Gaza and violence in parts of Africa, including the Sahel region, West Africa, and nations such as Sudan, South Sudan, and Somalia.

"One thing comes out clearly: that these conflicts are hurting the Muslim community much more than we can imagine," Mudavadi noted, urging efforts to end the conflicts, such as Kenya's brokerage of peace.

"Prayers are so important, and whatever you can do as diplomats from the Muslim faith, please put your best foot forward so that we can have peace in all those regions ... so that conflict can come to an end and we can live, and get our children to school."

He regretted that these conflicts have caused the displacement of at least 98 million children, who now cannot go to school.