By Diana Wenwa
Today, the Safari Park Hotel hosted the country’s annual National Prayer Breakfast, where the event’s guest speaker, former Ethiopian Prime Minister Tamrat Layne, delivered a compelling message.
In his speech, Tamrat urged Kenyans to unite and maintain hope, even in the face of adversity.
Tamrat shared a personal story from 24 years ago, recounting when he and his family spent three years in a Nairobi refugee camp.
He described this period as the darkest of their lives, as it was allegedly politically motivated imprisonment.
“Kenya became a ray of hope for my family,” he said.
“My son still remembers his Kenyan friends and how they taught him to speak Swahili,” Tamrat added.
During his speech, Tamrat recounted his harrowing experience in prison, including an attempted suicide. Escaping to Kenya provided his family with safety they desperately needed, shielding them from political persecution. Emphasizing the importance of hope, he encouraged Kenyans to remain optimistic despite the challenges they face.
Born and raised in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Tamrat became an activist in the early 1970s and served as an opposition leader for over 17 years.
His political career was inspired by university students of the time who demonstrated for greater freedom.
This year’s National Prayer Breakfast theme, “Hope,” resonated deeply with Tamrat, as hope has been a constant thing in his life’s journey.
The National Prayer Breakfast, held on the last Thursday of May each year, is a significant event that brings together national leaders.
Its purpose is to emphasize the importance of unity and reconciliation among leaders from diverse political and religious backgrounds.
The gathering highlighted the nation’s commitment to working together through prayer and mutual respect, aiming to foster a spirit of national unity.
Tamrat’s poignant reflections and call for unity and hope served as a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience that can be found when a nation comes together.