Yesterday, the country spent the better part of the morning in prayer—seeking divine intervention for myriad challenges that exist and that the leadership has had problems solving. All who spoke at the event had words that were alluring.

The sentiments spoke to the heart with a rare genuineness among the country’s leadership. 

Forgiveness, peace and reconciliation reverberated through the room with the focus being on a united nation as the elections beckon.

The sombre moment gave the country a moment to reflect on the direction it is taking against the desired one.

For believers, prayers are an intimate moment with God; an openness that’s unhindered by worldly issues. So, as leaders trooped to Safari Park hotel yesterday for the prayers they did not let the day’s politicking come between them and God. They sought forgiveness and embraced one another.

However, they were back in their element a few hours later which negates the positive energy that reverberated during the prayers.

They called for unity with one side of their mouths in the morning and lambasted each other at political rallies with the other side in the afternoon.

As the good book says the same fountain cannot give both sweet and bitter water. Therefore, it beats logic to take to the pulpit in the name of God and stand on a political podium preaching hate.

It is not in doubt we need prayers. The nation is ailing; the ties that bind us are broken and our ethos is corrupted.

The public comments that followed the broadcast of the prayers best exemplify this. Kenyans rubbished the prayers of their competitors. They wished others harm and insulted anyone who did not resonate with their sentiments. Some even made a mockery of the event.

We, however, laud the clergy for the firm stand they took as they preached and advised the leaders and country. The unity of purpose was exemplary and they should go out of their way to mend where the politicians destroy.

Indeed, politicians have made themselves small gods and have made their supporters worship them instead of the Almighty God.

 Too much authority has been given to the politicians who are largely self-centred and deceitful. It is time the Church reclaimed its position as the voice of reason and the display yesterday is a step in the right direction.

We call on politicians to practice what they preached yesterday. The Bible verses quoted should be lived by the leaders.