Kenya’s First Lady, Rachel Ruto, has sparked debate after linking recent rains and food security to national prayer efforts, including weekly overnight keshas at State House, during an interview in the United States.

Invited by US First Lady Melania Trump, she has drawn mixed reactions amid ongoing drought concerns.

Speaking during the interview, the First Lady emphasised the country’s reliance on rainfall, stating, “In Kenya, we depend on rainfed agriculture. And so when it doesn’t rain, you know, it is really a big challenge to the country. And that was on the 14th of February of 2023, exactly one month later, the rain started pouring. I can tell you it has not stopped.”

She maintained that the rains marked a turning point, adding that Kenya is now food secure despite occasional dry spells in some regions.

“Sometimes you’re walking, and you see in the parks, you know, groups meeting and just praying. People have overnight prayers, like even in the State House. We have overnight prayers every Friday in the State House,” she said. 

Ruto also pointed to widespread prayer culture, including Friday overnight prayers at State House, attributing continued rainfall to faith and suggesting a broader spiritual revival.

She further predicted reduced reliance on inputs like fertiliser and recounted a 2022 experience where she prayed over borehole water, claiming it became clean.

However, her remarks contrast with data from agencies such as the World Health Organisation, which indicate Kenya is facing a severe 2026 drought, especially in ASAL regions, after two failed short rain seasons. More than two million people are affected by food insecurity and malnutrition.

Counties including Turkana County, Mandera County, and Marsabit County remain hardest hit, with acute water shortages, pasture depletion, and livestock losses. Many communities still rely on aid from partners such as the Food and Agriculture Organisation.