The Atheists society in Kenya, led by their chairperson, Harrison Mumia, requested to be invited to the upcoming annual national breakfast. Earlier on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, Moses Wetangula, the Speaker of the National Assembly, shared key info about the occasion. He said the event is set for Safari Park on Thursday, May 30, 2024.
Wetangula also announced the theme for this year, calling it “hope.” He stressed that the prayer gathering is for everyone, regardless of their religious affiliation, and it will focus on the importance of coming together as a nation.
The Annual National Breakfast Prayer will be led by President Ruto, who has just concluded his U.S. visit.
Yet, the Atheists Society of Kenya sensed they were excluded in this national affair. They chose to pen a letter to Samuel Chepkonga, the Ainabkoi MP and Chairperson of the Prayer Breakfast Group, seeking participation in the event.
In their communication through a letter, they stated their primary objective as bifold: to bolster the divide between state affairs and religious institutions. They stressed their dedication to offering support to those who share their views, letting them know they’re not alone in a country where religion is widespread.
Harrison Mumia emphasized that they should be part of the prayer gathering since they are one of the taxpayers in the nation. The event is funded by taxpayers’ money. Mumia mentioned that they wouldn’t go if it was a church gathering.
He stressed that the prayer breakfast must solely aim to bring Kenyans together, including those who don’t believe in God.
A photo of a past National Prayer Day
Mumia warned that if Chepkonga and his team don’t include them, they’ll take legal steps. They declared they would take legal actions, alleging that the government is unfairly using taxpayers’ money to benefit a privileged few, leaving out atheists.
He stressed the importance of their attendance at the event, despite their decision not to pray. Chepkonga and his group of fellow atheists are expecting to hear back from the government by next week.
The Atheists in Kenya Society was founded on February 17, 2016 in Nairobi, Kenya. Its headquarters are in Summit House, Nairobi with Harrison Mumia acting as the founder and president.
The society has faced a lot of challenges since its establishment. At one time, Mumia reached out to Kenyans, asking for their help in covering his 1800 rent. He underlined the need for financial resources for their office operations to proceed smoothly. However, Kenyans ridiculed him and advised the society to seek God’s guidance.
