Wetang’ula Opens Muslim Prayer Room At Parliament

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula yesterday evening presided over the opening of a new Muslim prayer room at Parliament Buildings, marking a significant step in promoting religious inclusivity.

The ceremony, held at sunset before the evening call to prayer, preceded the inaugural Parliamentary Iftar Dinner, which was hosted by the two Speakers of Parliament.

The event brought together Muslim Members of Parliament, community leaders, diplomats, and parliamentary staff, reflecting a commitment to fostering unity and religious tolerance.

The Iftar dinner provided an opportunity for Muslim faithful to break their fast together during the holy month of Ramadan.

Speakers at the event commended Parliament’s recognition of Islamic traditions, emphasizing the importance of religious and cultural tolerance.

National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed welcomed the initiative, noting that Parliament’s Annual Prayer Breakfast has traditionally focused on Christian themes.

“We only seemed to participate in the eating. This recognition acknowledges us as Muslims, and we support Speaker Wetang’ula’s move to make the Iftar dinner an annual event in Parliament,” he said.

Chairperson of the Parliamentary Iftar Dinner Planning Committee, Omar Mwinyi, expressed gratitude to Speaker Wetang’ula and National Assembly Clerk Samuel Njoroge for providing a larger prayer room within Parliament to accommodate the needs of Muslim lawmakers and staff.

“This initiative is a testament to the values of inclusivity and respect for religious diversity in our institution, ensuring that all Members and staff have a conducive place for prayer and reflection,” Mwinyi said.

The event was also supported by Premier Bank, whose CEO Osman Dualle emphasized the essence of Ramadan—giving and sharing.

Wetang’ula called on leaders to rally behind the national unity agenda spearheaded by president William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

Wetang’ula said that the success on the national unity initiative is dependant on the support of all leaders irrespective of their political affiliation.

“The pact between President Ruto and former Premier Odinga is for the good of the country. If we mean well for the country we should all rally behind them for peace and prosperity of our nation,” he said.

Wetang’ula made the remarks when he together with Senate Speaker Amason Kingi hosted Muslim faithfuls for the inaugural Parliament Iftar dinner to mark the Holy month of Ramadan.

The event was held at the main Parliament Buildings.

Wetang’ula took a swipe at political leaders pouring cold water on the Ruto-Raila reunion noting that they were ignorant of the benefits the pact would bring to Kenyans.

“I strong condemn leaders who are criticizing Opposition leaders Odinga for agreeing to work with president Ruto,” he added.

He added: “I commend the ODM leader for the move because this is among many sacrifices he has made for prosperity of this nation and we should support the decision instead of dismissing it”.

The Speaker noted that hosting the iftar dinner at Parliament had reaffirmed the House’s dedication to embracing Kenya’s diverse cultural and religious identities.

The event, which provided an opportunity for members of the Muslim community to break their fast, brought together members of the Cabinet, Judiciary, diplomatic corps, Members of Parliament, and parliamentary staff.

In a bid to foster inclusivity, Parliament has now formalized the annual Parliament Iftar dinner as part of its official calendar of events.

“The initiative aligns with Parliament’s broader goal of fostering inter faith dialogue, promoting religious tolerance and strengthening national unity,” said Wetang’ula.

He expressed his gratitude to members of the Muslim community for accepting the invitation, even as he reflected on the significance of the Holy month as Ramadan which this coincides with the Christian Lenten season—both sacred periods of prayer, reflection, and devotion.

He noted that it was the collective duty of all Kenyans to protect the vulnerable and encourage responsible leadership to uphold national unity.

Leader of the Minority Party Junet Mohamed praised the move, noting that it was the first time Parliament had formally recognized Ramadan in this manner.

“This is a remarkable gesture extended to us, the Muslim faithful. I am pleased that such a celebratory initiative was introduced during your tenure. I have served in Parliament for quite some time, including in the previous House, but never before has such an event been organized to honor the Muslim community. We commend you, Mr. Speaker,” said Hon. Mohamed.

He further noted, “This is a commendable initiative that reaffirms that Muslim faithful are an integral part of Parliament.”

Hon. Mohamed underlined Parliament’s rich diversity, incorporating people from various backgrounds, professions, and levels of education.

“We have everyone in Parliament, both educated and uneducated because there are no academic qualifications required to serve. Members are elected to represent the people, which is why we are referred to as the people’s representatives,” he stated.

Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot echoed similar sentiments, hailing the PSC for fostering a culture of inclusivity.

“This event reinforces the unity and inclusion championed by our national leaders. It ensures that our Muslim brothers and sisters feel valued as part of the parliamentary community, particularly during this sacred month,” he stated.