Pope Francis calls for servant leadership, end to graft

From left; First Lady Margret Kenyatta,deputy president William Ruto,President Uhuru Kenyatta and Pope Francis during his departure of holiness Pope Francis at Jomo Kenyatta international airport (JKIA) to Uganda on 27/11/2015. PHOTO BY EDWARD KIPLIMO.

Pope Francis left Nairobi for Entebbe Uganda late Friday afternoon at the conclusion of his three-day visit to Kenya during which he not only condoled with the poor but spoke up against corruption, human-wildlife conflicts and errant religious leaders.

His visit and his message of hope, humility, servant leadership and the place of youth in society came at a time when the country is at a crossroads battling unemployment and self-centered leadership from a host of elected officials as well as rampant corruption.

A champion for the less fortunate in society, the Pope furthered a message that is quickly becoming a trademark of his by speaking about the three ‘Ls’ of life - Labour, Land and Lodging - which he says are essential in the existence of human life.

Before his departure, he emphasised the need for proper accommodation for poor slum dwellers due to the actions of “minorities who cling to power and wealth, who selfishly squander while a growing majority is forced to flee to abandoned, filthy and run-down peripheries.”

The 266th Pope was seen off by President Uhuru Kenyatta, his wife Margaret, Water and Irrigation minister Eugene Wamalwa, Senate Speaker Ekwe Ethuro and several MPs.

Just like it happened during his arrival, dancing troupes representing different communities lined up next to the red carpet to bid the Holy Father goodbye.

However, this time, he did not break step and move closer to them as he did on Wednesday evening. At Kasarani, where he had a general address, the Pope spoke out on corruption, terming it a way of death, and not life.

“The hearts of many men and women are left wounded by corruption. Corrupt people do not live in peace,” The Pope said.

Like many who have come before him, he too was mesmerised by the beauty Kenya has to offer and advised that those in positions of authority today should do all in their power to preserve it.

“Kenya is a country blessed with natural beauty, bountiful resources and a long history. But its greatest treasure lies in its people, especially its elderly who preserve its wisdom, and its young who foretell its future,” he said. The church in Kenya has on previous occasions been accused of siding with the powers-that-be other than with the downtrodden when it mattered most.

Graft and poverty

However, his three-day visit underlined the church’s position on current matters such as graft, injustice, poverty and the environment.

For instance, some say the church hasn’t been vocal enough on governance and corruption issues and that it is slowly losing its place in society as the voice of reason. Corruption, which has for decades been part of government, has also made its way into church with the clergy on more than one occasion finding itself on the wrong side of the law and going against the teachings of the gospel.

In an era of radicalisation and inter-religious strife, he also addressed radicalisation and talked of the various terror attacks the country has suffered in the hands of radical islamist group Al Shabaab.

“Here I think of the importance of our common conviction that the God whom we seek to serve is a God of peace. His holy Name must never be used to justify hatred and violence. I know that the barbarous attacks on Westgate Mall, Garissa University College and Mandera are fresh in your minds. All too often, young people are being radicalised in the name of religion to sow discord and fear, and to tear at the very fabric of our societies,” he said.

“How important it is that we be seen as prophets of peace, peacemakers who invite others to live in peace, harmony and mutual respect. May the Almighty touch the hearts of those who engage in this violence, and grant his peace to our families and communities,” he said while at an meeting with various religious leaders from different faiths.

His plane left Nairobi for Entebbe Friday at 4:15 pm, landing in Uganda an hour later.