Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi is set to join approximately 5,000 members of the Friends (Quakers) Church for a significant meeting with President William Ruto at State House, Nairobi, on Monday.

The gathering aims to recognize the Quaker Church’s impactful contributions to Kenya’s social fabric, education sector, and overall national development.

Musalia Mudavadi’s Role in the Quaker Community

A lifelong member of the Friends Church, Mudavadi has been instrumental in promoting unity and cooperation among the various yearly meetings within Kenya’s largest Protestant denomination. His leadership efforts have strengthened dialogue and cohesion among Quakers.

The Friends Church in Kenya

  • Kenya boasts the world’s largest Quaker population, with an estimated 150,000 adherents primarily based in Western Kenya.
  • The church’s first mission in Kenya was established in 1902 at Kaimosi, Vihiga County, laying the foundation for education, healthcare, and community development.
  • The Religious Society of Friends holds General Consultative Status at the United Nations through the Friends World Committee for Consultation (FWCC).
  • Via the Quaker United Nations Office (QUNO) in Geneva and New York, the church advocates for peace, human rights, climate sustainability, and justice reforms.
  • The Quakers were pioneers in promoting gender equality by allowing women to preach and hold leadership roles.

Educational and Social Contributions

The Friends Church has established and supported numerous institutions, including Friends Kaimosi University, Friends School Kamusinga, and several notable high schools across Western Kenya. It also played a key role in founding Alliance High School and Alliance Girls High School.

Notable Quaker Leaders

The denomination has produced prominent Kenyan figures such as Prof. Miriam Were, Higher Education Principal Secretary Beatrice Muganda Inyangala, former UNCTAD Secretary-General Mukhisa Kituyi, and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi himself.

The upcoming State House meeting is expected to underscore the church’s ongoing partnership with the government in advancing Kenya’s development agenda through faith-based initiatives focused on peace, education, and social justice.