By Afrireport 
A petitioner has moved to court seeking to compel Parliament to disclose the total expenditure incurred in organizing the annual National Prayer Breakfast, arguing that public funds must be subjected to transparency and accountability.
In the petition, the applicant contends that despite the event being presented as a spiritual and non partisan gathering, it is largely organized and facilitated by Parliament using taxpayer money.
The petitioner argues that Kenyans have a constitutional right to know how much public money is spent on the high profile event, which is attended by political leaders, diplomats, clergy and invited guests.
The National Prayer Breakfast is typically held at a luxury hotel in Nairobi and features elaborate arrangements, including security, hospitality, logistics and protocol services.
According to the petitioner, Parliament has failed to proactively disclose the full budget, procurement details, and sources of funding for the event, raising concerns about possible misuse or wastage of public resources.
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The petition further argues that the lack of transparency violates Article 201 of the Constitution, which outlines the principles of public finance, including openness, accountability, and responsible use of public funds.
The petitioner is also relying on the Access to Information Act, insisting that Parliament is legally obligated to provide such information upon request.
The applicant wants the court to issue orders compelling Parliament to publish a detailed breakdown of expenses, including venue costs, accommodation, transport, security, and any allowances paid to organizers or participants.
Additionally, the petition seeks a declaration that failure to disclose such information undermines democratic governance and weakens public trust in state institutions.
Parliament, on its part, has in the past defended the National Prayer Breakfast as a unifying event that promotes moral leadership and national cohesion.
However, critics argue that spirituality should not be used to shield public expenditure from scrutiny, especially at a time when the country is grappling with economic pressure and budget constraints.
The case now adds to growing public debate on government spending, transparency, and prioritization, with many Kenyans questioning whether such events should be funded by taxpayers or privately sponsored.
