Ruto prays at Wailing Wall
This week, President William Ruto paid a somber visit to the Western Wall of Jerusalem, also known as the Wailing Wall to Christians.
Photos circulated online showed the President praying fervently at the wall, a popular location for prayers.
The phrase “wailing Wailing Wall” was created as a result of Jews crying during prayers at the location. Jews, however, consider the term “Wailing Wall” to be offensive.
The wall is a portion of ancient limestone wall in the Old City of Jerusalem.
Online sources claim that because of the wall’s proximity to the Temple Mount, Judaism places a great deal of importance on it. Since there are various access restrictions on the Temple Mount, the Wall is the holiest location outside the original Temple Mount platform where Jews are allowed to worship since it is believed to be the location of the Holy of Holies, the most sacred spot in Judaism, which is located directly behind it.
Ruto prays at Wailing Wall
In 2017, opposition leader Raila Odinga also prayed at the Wailing Wall, which he termed as a very strong symbol of strength and unity.
I went to the Holy Land this week to give a speech on democracy, religion, and peace in Africa. I went to see the Western Wall in Jerusalem. It is believed that the Western Wall, which serves as the pulpit of the Temple of Solomon, was constructed more than 5,000 years ago. This location is holy to the three Abrahamic faiths—Judaism, Islam, and Christianity—and to me, it represents strength and unification in a very powerful way, Raila remarked.
After meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Ruto said a prayer at the wall.
Ruto and Netanyahu said there exists huge potential between Kenya and Israel.
“We must exploit these opportunities. There are a wide range of exports that deserve to reach the Israel market,” said Ruto.
He said the absence of direct flights between Kenya and Israel is a “serious impediment” that continues to hamper trade and tourism. Ruto observed that Kenya and Israel possess unique global attractions that can sustain robust growth in tourism.