PHOTOS: Rachel Ruto hosts women leaders' convocation ahead of Prayer Breakfast

Kenya’s First Lady Rachel Ruto hosted a major gathering of women leaders at the Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi on Wednesday, May 27.

The 3rd National Prayer Breakfast Women Convocation focused on promoting national unity, peace, and female empowerment across the region.

The conference brought together a diverse group of prominent leaders, including lawmakers, government officials, religious leaders, and youth advocates.

Among the notable international guests was Uganda’s High Commissioner to India, Professor Joyce Kakuramatsi. Dressed in a striking yellow patterned two-piece suit, she sat next to the First Lady, who wore an elegant white lace dress.

Other key Kenyan leaders in attendance included Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris, Dagoretti North MP Beatrice Elachi, Senator Veronica Maina, Kisii Woman Representative Dorice Donya, nominated Senator Tabitha Mutinda, Busia Woman Representative Catherine Omanyo, and East African Community Cabinet Secretary Beatrice Askul Moe.

Centred on the theme of "Forgiveness and Reconciliation," the event served as a prelude to the main 23rd annual National Prayer Breakfast, which is scheduled to take place on Thursday, May 28, at the same venue.

The main ecumenical event traditionally brings together top dignitaries, led by President William Ruto, alongside members of the National Assembly and the Senate.

Established in 2003, the National Prayer Breakfast has become a cornerstone annual tradition in Kenya, held on the last Thursday of May.

It historically serves as a non-partisan platform for political rivals to bridge divides, seek reconciliation, and collectively pray for the nation during times of political transitions or crises.

Attendees at Wednesday's convocation used the platform to reflect on ways to heal political divides and foster cohesion across the country.

A major highlight of the day was the official launch of the Women Governors Caucus strategy, popularly known as the G7 to G16 initiative.

This ambitious political plan aims to significantly increase the number of female governors in Kenya from the current seven to sixteen in future elections. 

Photos by Elvis Ogina, Standard