President William Ruto on Monday welcomed thousands of members of the Friends Church (Quakers) to State House, Nairobi, in what organisers described as the first official meeting between a Kenyan Head of State and the Quaker community at the country’s seat of power.
More than 6,000 worshippers from across Kenya, joined by international representatives, travelled to Nairobi for the gathering. The delegation arrived aboard more than 200 buses, making it one of the largest faith-based visits ever hosted at State House.
For many in attendance, the event represented more than a ceremonial visit. Church leaders said it marked a new chapter in relations between the Government and the Friends Church, a denomination that has played a significant role in Kenya’s education, healthcare and peacebuilding efforts for decades.
Among those present was Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi, a lifelong member of the Friends Church, who welcomed the congregation and described the occasion as a milestone.
Prime Cabinet Secretary of Kenya
“It is my profound honour and privilege to welcome you all to State House, the seat of our nation’s Executive, for this significant engagement between the Presidency and the leadership of the Friends Church Kenya,” Dr Mudavadi said.
Reflecting on his own faith, Mudavadi described himself as “a proud Quaker” and spoke about the Church’s guiding values, commonly known by the acronym SPICES meaning Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community, Equality and Stewardship. He said those principles continue to shape ethical leadership and public service.
The Prime Cabinet Secretary praised the Church for its long-standing contribution to Kenyan society, pointing to its work in schools, hospitals, humanitarian programmes and peace initiatives.
“We recognise that the task of nation-building is a shared responsibility, one that calls upon government institutions, faith communities, the private sector and every citizen to work together in pursuit of a united, peaceful and prosperous Kenya,” he said.
Mudavadi said the Government considers faith-based organisations important partners in advancing national development. He noted that programmes aimed at boosting the economy, creating jobs, improving food security, expanding universal healthcare, delivering affordable housing, driving digital innovation and empowering young people would benefit from continued collaboration with religious institutions.
“As these national priorities advance, the partnership and prayers of the Church remain invaluable in fostering unity, inspiring hope and strengthening the moral foundation upon which sustainable development depends,” he said.
He also commended the Friends Church for promoting reconciliation, justice and peace while continuing to offer spiritual guidance and community support across the country.
Church leaders welcomed the engagement, saying it recognised the denomination’s contribution to Kenya’s development and reflected a willingness by the Government to work more closely with faith communities on issues affecting the nation.
The meeting ended with prayers for Kenya and renewed commitments from both sides to strengthen cooperation in education, community development, youth empowerment and peacebuilding.
Quoting Psalm 133:1, Mudavadi urged Kenyans to remain united.
“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity,” he said. “May this spirit of unity continue to guide our nation as we work together for the benefit of all Kenyans.”
The Friends Church has maintained a presence in Kenya for more than a century and is particularly influential in western Kenya, where it established some of the country’s earliest schools and health institutions. Monday’s gathering at State House is likely to be remembered as a significant moment in the relationship between the Government and one of Kenya’s oldest Christian denominations, although the long-term impact of the engagement will depend on how the commitments made translate into future cooperation.
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