Drought-hit Kenya holds prayers for rain

Kenyan President William Ruto is organizing a national prayer day to ask God to help the nation overcome problems including famine and drought.

The interreligious gathering is taking place in a stadium in Nairobi, the country's capital.

According to Kenyan officials, at least 4.3 million people in the East and Horn of Africa region are in urgent need of food aid as a result of the worst drought to hit the region in the past 40 years.

President Ruto reportedly declared on Sunday that "all Kenyans should pray for our country so that God might give favor and blessings on our nation Kenya."

However, the prayers have come under fire from many who believe the government ought to be focusing on mitigating actions rather than organizing prayers.