US ambassador to Kenya Kyle McCarter shocked the world when he asked Kenyan leaders to use the National Prayer Breakfast to ask for forgiveness for the sin of thievery. Yes, a US ambassador wants Kenyan leaders to stop stealing public funds.
McCarter believes that the Prayers should mark a good start to take the nation on the path of prosperity the wananchi deserve.
Kenyan leaders are praying and asking for forgiveness for the sin of thievery at the 17th annual National Prayer Breakfast. What a good start to take the nation on the path of prosperity the wananchi deserve. We must all do our part. #stopthesethieves pic.twitter.com/OgLKen8LYl
— Ambassador Kyle McCarter (@USAmbKenya) May 30, 2019
Never before have we had a senior Foreign Government official go brutal on the Jubilee. Not even Barack Obama, who is considered the son of the soil. When Obama was here, he behaved like a socialite, massaging the government’s ego. But this ambassador had the balls to do the unthinkable.
President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Deputy William Ruto led Kenyan leaders to Safaripark hotel in Nairobi to mark the National Prayer breakfast. It came at the backdrop of ANC Leader Musalia Mudavadi asking the government to address the runaway corruption.
Interestingly most of the leaders who attended the meeting are the same ones who have been mentioned in corruption scandals. And a section of Kenyans believe the meeting should have been held at Kamiti Maximum Prisons because that is the only place these thieves belong.
Sin of thievery? Then the prayers should have been held at Kamiti prison not five star hotel with limited entry.
— Cyprian, Is Nyakundi (@CisNyakundi) May 30, 2019
Some people have blasted the ambassador because thieves do not deserve prayers, they need to be in prison paying for their sins.
Ambassador I hope you're engaging the power of sarcasm. Career thieves need no prayers. Their prayers are a mockery to the nation and God. Before prayer, during prayer, after prayer, these folks will remain the same. No business conducting this prayer ritual every year. Bure!!!
— Chrisogonas Mc'Odhiambo (@chrisogonas) May 30, 2019
But the ambassador said that we must appreciate all efforts that are geared towards stopping thievery. It is now an international crisis bana.
In this atmosphere we must celebrate every effort to recognize and take on thievery.
— Ambassador Kyle McCarter (@USAmbKenya) May 30, 2019
It seems Kenyans are tired of prayers. We can’t just wish that corruption will go away. The same corruption money ends up in church where the thieves are praised by the clergy. These Prayer Days have just become rituals we go through every day.
In his speech, DP William Ruto said that a thief maybe intelligent but not more than the investigator. He encouraged the investigative agencies that they have the support of the government in trying to end thievery.
A thief may be intelligent, but not more than the investigator – DP Ruto #NationalPrayerBreakfast pic.twitter.com/L1ahn7Xdyz
— Daily Nation (@dailynation) May 30, 2019
Ruto also quoted the Holy Book of Exodus which warns that we should not steal. He, however, asked Kenyans not to bear false testimony especially in the fight against corruption.
"Do not steal." – DP Ruto #NationalPrayerBreakfast #PrayerBreakfast2019 pic.twitter.com/dVXBkZWyad
— Nairobi News (@Nairobi_News) May 30, 2019
Maybe, just maybe, the ambassador’s Prayers were answered and the leaders asked for spiritual intervention in the fight against corruption. We hope to see fruits of these prayers in the coming days.