GEN-ZS long for love and acceptance – embrace them, U.S. preacher tells Kenya at prayer breakfast

Safari Park Hotel, Nairobi
Wednesday, May 28, 2025

Young people, especially Generation Z (Gen Z), are eager to be included in shaping the future, American pastor and former NFL player Rickey Allen Bolden told leaders during the 22nd National Prayer Breakfast.

 Pastor Bolden who delivered a keynote address at the annual event emphasized the need for healing across generations, calling on leaders to acknowledge past grievances and create space for young people in national conversations.

“They're dying to be loved. They're dying for a seat at the table,” he said, urging leaders to listen and engage more meaningfully with the youth.

President William Samoei Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki attended the fete, which was jointly hosted by the Parliament of Kenya.

The Speaker of the National Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Moses Masika Wetang'ula, E.G.H,MP Moses Masika and the Speaker of the Senate, Rt. Hon Amason Jeffah Kingi EGH are the co-patrons of the event.

The gathering brought together national leaders, Members of Parliament, diplomats, religious leaders, and international guests for a moment of reflection, prayer, and unity.

Speaking under the theme of reconciliation and renewal, Pastor Bolden encouraged leaders to rebuild relationships across different spheres—global, local, political, generational, and spiritual—for national transformation.

“The relationships in the diaspora help fund the project in Jerusalem,” he said, underlining the importance of international partnerships. 

He noted, however, that such global ties can only thrive if relationships at home are strong.

 “One of the tragedies could always be that you have relationships to the diaspora, but you don't have relationships here at home,” he cautioned.

Drawing on his experience in American politics, Bolden recalled an encounter where he was questioned for speaking positively about someone from a different political party. 

His response: “I'm not one of them. I'm one of His. My politics never drives my faith. My faith must always drive my politics.”

He reminded the gathering of the importance of unity and love, saying, “The people will know that you're my disciples by your love for one another.”

In conclusion, Pastor Bolden encouraged Kenyans to seek divine guidance in their efforts to renew the nation. 

“When you have the hand of the King of kings on your lives, your lives will be blessed, and Kenya will never be the same," he said.