Rickey Bolden to headline 22nd National Prayer Breakfast in Nairobi

Former NFL player and motivational speaker Rickey Allen Bolden will headline Kenya’s 22nd National Prayer Breakfast on Wednesday, May 28, at the Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi.

The high-level event, organised by Kenya’s bicameral Parliament through the National Assembly and Senate, brings together the country’s top leadership, legislators, religious leaders, diplomats, and invited guests.

This year’s theme, "Rise and Shine", is drawn from Isaiah 60:1 and reflects a call for hope, unity, and spiritual renewal.

Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang’ula, who co-patrons the event, has invited all Kenyans to attend and take part in collective prayer.

"I welcome all Kenyans to gather at Safari Park Hotel to pray for our country and for themselves," said Wetang’ula in his address to Parliament.

Bolden, who once played for the Miami Dolphins before an injury ended his football career, later became a pastor and international speaker based in Dallas, Texas.

"I am deeply honored to be part of this important occasion," he said.

"Kenya stands at a historic juncture. This gathering is a divine opportunity to rise from complacency and shine with purpose and compassion."

Senate Speaker Amason Kingi said the breakfast is not only about prayer but a call to rebuild.

"Rise and Rebuild is not just a theme; it is a vision. A vision that urges us to rise above political polarization, rebuild trust in our institutions, revive our economy, and restore hope in our people. The time to rise is now," said Kingi.

Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo, who chairs the National Prayer Breakfast Committee, said the theme captures the mood of the nation.

"Rise and Shine captures where we are as a country; a call to unity, faith, and forward-looking leadership," said Maanzo.

"Mr. Bolden’s journey from the NFL to the pulpit is a story of resilience and purpose; qualities Kenya urgently needs today."

Marsabit Woman Representative Naomi Waqo and nominated Senator Veronica Maina, who co-chairs the Parliamentary Christian Women Caucus, urged women to take the lead in praying for the country.

"We are what we are today because of the Lord," Waqo said.

"As women, we must ask ourselves: What role can we play in rebuilding our nation?"

"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," Senator Maina added.

Nigerian preacher Apostle Isi Igenegba, who is also expected to speak, urged leaders to make tough decisions and commit to a new beginning.

Cabinet Secretary for Lands, Housing and Urban Development Alice Wahome challenged women leaders to rise above politics and improve lives across the country.

This year’s event will feature prayers from different faiths.

Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan will read from the Quran, Sujantha Kotamraju from the Hindu Vedas, and Mbeere South MP Benard Muriuki will lead a prayer for Africa.

South Mugirango MP Silvanus Osoro will lead the Parliamentary Choir in the hymn "My Hands Are Blessed."

The interfaith and bipartisan nature of the breakfast has, in previous years offered rare moments of calm, including last year’s gathering where President William Ruto, opposition leader Raila Odinga, and other senior leaders joined in collective prayer.

The event comes amid political tension, economic strain, and concerns among the youth over unemployment and cost of living. Organisers say it is a chance for the country to seek moral clarity and direction.

"This is not just about politics; it’s about purpose. It’s a moment for the country to pause, pray, and reset," said Senator Maanzo.

The breakfast begins at 7 am and will be aired live on major media platforms to allow wider participation.