Hundreds of worshippers from across the country who flocked to Mt Kenya to pray for peace have condemned the abduction and killing of government critics.
Speaking during a stopover at Samson Corner in Kirinyaga County on Friday, the worshippers expressed concern over the rising cases of abductions targeting the youth.
And standing in front of Mt Kenya, wearing white robes and blue and purple ribbons, they called for divine intervention to save the lives of young Kenyans.
"We are here to pray to God to help us overcome challenges facing our country, especially those of abductions. The government has denied involvement and knowledge of who is abducting and killing our children. If the government can't guarantee our security, then we must offer security for ourselves," said lawyer Ndegwa Njiru who was among the worshipers.
Led by Mzee Samuel Kamitha, the worshippers said Kenya is slowly becoming a country where the rule of law is not respected.
"We condemn the killing and abductions of the youth. Through prayers, we shall win this battle," said Mr Karanja Mwangi, a worshipper.
"This is a holy mountain where we come to meet our God. We pray seven times as we go round the mountain," said Mzee Kamitha.
Mzee Kamitha sprinkled the worshippers with holy water before they proceeded to the mountain to worship.
The worshippers, who included Muslims, Christians and traditional believers, said their annual prayers had borne fruit.
"Through prayers, many have been healed of their diseases and their businesses have flourished. Prayers have also brought peace to our country and there will be no retreat," another worshipper said.
Earlier, worshippers from different denominations took off their shoes and knelt on the roadside and in nearby bushes to pray for a safe journey to the mountain. Some broke down and prayed in tongues.
Mzee Kamitha said the journey to the prayer mountain is an annual event that attracts believers from all corners of the country.
"On this day every year, we converge at the mountain and ask God to grant us peace and protect our children from all forms of evil," he said, including prayers to save young people from drug abuse.
