Eldoret Bishops and Pastors Hold Prayer Vigil for Peace and Unity in Newly-Declared Eldoret City
In a heartfelt display of faith and unity, religious leaders in Eldoret held a prayer vigil aimed at ushering in peace, harmony, and prosperity for the newly declared Eldoret City, which has recently achieved the status of Kenya’s fifth city. The event, led by Bishop Philip Rono of the United Pentecostal Evangelistic Crusade, gathered clergy from various denominations, community members, and local leaders to invoke divine blessings upon the city and its residents.
Bishop Rono, who also serves as the chairman of the initiative to pray for Eldoret, emphasized the importance of collective prayer in fostering a spirit of cooperation among the city’s inhabitants. “We have come together to pray for peace, happiness, and unity among all the people of Eldoret,” he said. “This city represents a new beginning, and we believe that through prayer, we can cultivate an environment where all residents thrive.”
The vigil saw participation from a diverse array of religious leaders, including Bishop Bernard Yego of the African Inland Church (AIC), who echoed the sentiments of his fellow clergy. “Eldoret is not just a city; it is a city of champions and a breadbasket of the nation,” Bishop Yeof stated. “As we pray, we acknowledge the importance of Eldoret’s role in the national fabric and seek divine guidance to ensure that it remains a beacon of hope and prosperity.”
During the vigil, the clergy urged local politicians to actively support the initiative by engaging with churches and encouraging their congregations to pray for both Eldoret and the wider country. “We call upon our leaders—from the governor to Members of Parliament—to stand with us in prayer,” Bishop Rono urged. “Together, we can build a city that reflects the values of love, respect, and cooperation.”
In a powerful message of unity, Bishop Wilson Kurui, another prominent figure in the local religious community, pointed out that Eldoret is the home county of President William Ruto. “We want peace to start here in Eldoret and spread throughout the entire nation,” he said. “Our country needs healing, and it is essential that we avoid incitement. Politicians should work together in harmony, resolving their differences peacefully, as Kenya is greater than any individual or party.”
The prayer vigil served not only as a spiritual gathering but also as a rallying point for the community to come together in the face of challenges. The bishops emphasized the significance of collective efforts in ensuring the well-being of Eldoret’s residents, particularly in these turbulent times marked by political tensions and social divisions. “We must remember that we are all one family,” Bishop Yeof noted. “Divisions based on political affiliations only serve to weaken us. We must strive for unity, especially now when our city is undergoing such transformative changes.”
As a culmination of the prayer vigil, the clergy announced that November 1 would be designated as a city-wide prayer day, inviting residents from all 30 wards to come together to pray for their leaders, athletes, children, and the community at large. The organizers expressed hope that this event would not only draw high-profile dignitaries but also serve as a foundation for ongoing prayer initiatives throughout the city. “We believe that when the community unites in prayer, great things happen,” Bishop Rono affirmed.
In addition to the prayer day, the leaders discussed plans for continuous engagement with the community, emphasizing the need for regular gatherings to foster spiritual growth and communal support. They highlighted that prayer is a powerful tool for healing, restoration, and guidance, and expressed their commitment to leading the community in faith-based initiatives that promote peace and collaboration.
The event concluded with a collective prayer for the city, during which all participants held hands, creating a circle of solidarity.