During a recent mass prayer session led by American evangelist Benny Hinn in Nairobi, Kenya, Charlene Ruto, daughter of Kenyan President William Ruto, made headlines for her prayer for a husband, sparking a nationwide backlash.
Charlene was among the thousands in attendance, including President Ruto and his wife, First Lady, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, and his wife, Dorcas Rigathi. When Hinn asked attendees to share their prayers, Charlene stood up, expressing her desire to pray for the calling she felt for young people.
During the prayer, Hinn asked God to give Charlene a husband who would support her in her mission to serve young people. He prayed for a partner who would stand by her side, providing strength and encouragement as she embarked on the battlefield of winning souls.
The public nature of the prayer and the focus on Charlene’s marital status quickly became a topic of discussion among Kenyans, with opinions ranging from criticism to support. Some individuals mocked the request, while others proposed marriage to Charlene via social media platforms.
Amid the mixed responses, however, some defended Charlene’s prayer, emphasizing the sanctity of marriage and expressing sympathy for her desire for companionship and support in her endeavors.
As the debate continues online, Charlene’s prayer for a husband serves as a reminder of the relationship between faith, personal aspirations and public scrutiny in Kenya’s social and political landscape.
