United in Prayer

Unity, hope, dependency and service are some of the recurring words that dominated the Interdenominational Annual Prayer Day. The University of Nairobi community gathered in Taifa Hall and online for a time of devotion and reflection on July 23, 2020. The session was led by the Catholic Chaplain, Father Peter Kaigua, Protestant Chaplain Reverend Hosea Mitei and the Muslim Chaplain, Swaleh Mohammed who read the Koran. “After hardship, a relief will come. There is a guarantee given by God that there is no hardship or difficulty that will live forever. We have never seen such a thing but the world has faced other hardships from the First World War to the Second World War to the Spanish flu which affected over 50 million people, but we are still here with enough grace,” said Chaplain Mohammed. “Three things we must have- prayer, hope and precaution.” UoN student, Dickens Wendo read the Bible, 1st Corinthians 12: 12- 20 from which Reverend Mitei drew a reflection titled in unity and service. “There is one thing that stands out at the University of Nairobi and it is inscribed in our logo, Unitate Et Labore- short but powerful statement, unity and work,” he said. “The reading from 1st Corinthians talks about the different parts of the body and how they should work so as to have a healthy human body. There are three lessons to learn here. That is unity, diversity and dependence. As a body of believers we are a unit. It would be chaotic if the parts of the body don’t function properly. As UoN we are a unit, working in different functions, and when we do, we function well.” Reverend Mitei called on the univerdity community to spur and encourage one another in this season. “Be people called to serve. Let us work together for the good of our university,” he added. “Your strength is important to cover my weakness. We are dependent. We all need each other.” During the session, representatives from UoN community led the prayers. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Stephen Kiama announced that 2020 is the year of jubilee as UoN was inaugurated 50 years ago. “Our scholars have continued to carry out research and our graduates are doing great things in the world. It is also the time to forgive one another. It is time to reflect on how to contribute more for the good of mankind. May God bless you all.” Prof. Julius Ogeng’o, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic Affairs welcomed everyone and said that devotion is an important aspect of our lives. “We seek edification and edify that which is great, we seek fortitude that our faith be increased and we remain faithful to our calling,” he said. “As a family of the University of Nairobi, we are united in prayer.”