Kenyans from different denominations in Italy for the first time gathered in large numbers at Collegio San Pietro Rome with a common agenda, to pray for an everlasting Peace in Kenya during and even after the upcoming general elections.
H.E. Mrs. Gaita ,the Kenya’s Ambassador in Rome was the guest speaker of the day that began with all singing together the famous Erick Wainaina’s song , “Daima mimi Mkenya” followed by projection of a short documentary film “Heal the Nation” prepared by John Mwangi the Secretary of the Association of Kenyans in Italy.
Five years after a disputed presidential election unleashed interethnic violence that scarred this East African nation, Kenyans are bracing for a new election amid fears of a fresh outbreak of bloodletting.
But a growing number of Kenyans are challenging that fear with hope, with thousands taking up the call to pray for peace with prayers that upcoming March 4 elections will be peaceful.
During the gathering , the preachers of the day insisted on the need to preach peace wherever they are, it is your duty to be the Ambassadors of peace, said Rev. Fr. Luca who also taught the parable of the prodigal son, with reference to the Kenya government. Pastor Bruno from CIF.Church Rome also pleaded with Kenyans to bury their ethnical differences and look at each other like brothers and sisters, after all, we remain Kenyans at the end of the day, he said.
H.E. Mrs. Gaita thanked Kenyans for having organized such a successful peace initiative and said that Peace can only prevail if it starts within us. She also urged those that do not know how to pray to recite the Kenya National Anthem every day which is a very powerful prayer and also added that , united we stand, divided we fall.
By John Mwangi
Freelance video journalist.
