HDH Acharya Swamishree Purushottampriyadasji Maharaj welcomed Hon. Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, at Shree Swaminarayan Temple, Swamibapa Religious, Cultural and Education Centre on 20th November 2008.
H H Swamibapa Pipe Band gave a guard of honour to Hon. Prime Minister, Raila Odinga and together with HDH Acharya Swamishree they lit peace candles, signifying world peace. According to the tradition of Shree Swaminarayan Gadi Sansthan, Hon. Prime Minister was honoured with a turban, shawl and flower garland. On behalf of Shree Swaminarayan Gadi Sansthan, HDH Acharya Swamiashree presented him with a momento of Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa Smruti Mandir – centre for world peace. Hon. Prime Minister, Raila Odinga also presented a momento to HDH Acharya Swamishree inscribed with “karibu Kenya” meaning ‘welcome to Kenya’.
In his speech, Hon. Prime Minister Raila Odinga said that he was touched by the kindness of HDH Acharya Swamishree.
The blessings that he received from Lord Swaminarayan through HDH Acharya Swamishree in the year 2003 when he was a cabinet minister has elevated him to his current position of The Prime Minister of The Republic of Kenya. He said an individual is to be judged by his character, not colour. He appreciated the tireless efforts of Shree Swaminarayan Gadi Sansthan in activities for the welfare of humanity.
HDH Acharya Swamishree Purushottampriyadasji Maharaj in his blessings said that, Kutch Saint Jeevanpran Abji Bapashree inspired the Patels from Kutch region to venture into new horizons. Over 100 years ago, by the divine blessings of Jeevanpran Abji Bapashree, the Patels came and settled in the coastal regions of Kenya. Since then the economic trade links between Kenya and India has strenghthened. The Lord has blessed Kenya with fertile soils and natural beauties and thus agriculture forms the main backbone of Kenyan economy and is a major tourist attraction centre. The Swaminarayan Gadi Sansthan is working tirelessly towards humanity, encouraging spiritual brotherhood and world peace. Today it is My humble request to all mankind to get rid of vices like gambling, stealing, smoking and liquor. Provide education to your children and instil spiritual knowledge to produce powerful future leaders.
On behalf of Shree Swaminarayan Gadi Sansthan, HDH Acharya Swamishree handed over a fully equipped ambulance to Hon. Prime Minister Raila Odinga to give it to a charity of his choice – Langata constituency CDF.
Thousands of people had gathered to witness this occassion and had specially come for the divine darshan of HDH Acharya Swamishree Purushottampriyadasji Maharaj having heard that he had assisted the country materially and morally during the post-election crisis earlier in the year.