For the last three days, Kenyans from all walks of life, religious, ethnic and political persuasions, have united in welcoming Pope Francis to the country. Both the rich and the poor have appreciated his messages of prayer, peace, hope, joy and justice. The outpouring of emotions and renewed strength, especially among the millions of Kenyan Catholics, should herald a new beginning for the country. It should never be back to business as usual after saying goodbye to the aptly named People’s Pope. It is hugely significant that Pope Francis, the epitome of humility, chose Kenya as his first stop during his maiden trip to Africa. It is not for nothing that Kenya is the first African nation to host the Holy Father, just slightly more than two years after his coronation.
His visit, coming at a time when challenges that pull us down is threatening the peace, is more than timely. Corruption, tribalism and poverty have reached dangerous levels. Indeed, a recent opinion survey indicated that 62 per cent of Kenyans believe that the country is headed in the wrong direction. However, Pope Francis’ message of hope should restore our confidence to bravely take on the challenges we face. They can be overcome, but only if we remain steadfast and committed to engender change.
Pope Francis has implored us all to have compassion for the vulnerable in society and deliberately seek to improve living standards of the poor. He spoke against the blind accumulation of material wealth, especially at the expense of the poor. He was categorical that illegal evictions in slums is a great injustice. We have witnessed hundreds of poor people ejected from their shanties to pave way for expensive ventures, mostly meant to benefit the rich.
And as Pope Francis told us, there is a great deal to learn from some of the experiences in informal settlements. He cited the togetherness and sharing of resources among the poor in slums as opposed to the uptight and selfish attitudes displayed in affluent neighbourhoods. This is a poignant message to all Kenyans often divided along narrow lines, fueled by a selfish elite that feeds off these divisions.
Pope Francis also said no one can justify corruption because it only leads to death, inequality and suffering. When public servants line their pockets with national resources, they stifle economic expansion. It means that others are denied an opportunity to thrive. Kenyans must say No to those who seek to hold down opportunities to expand the economy through corruption.
The Pope, after being appraised of how tribalism has torn apart our nationhood, urged Kenyans to rise above anything that divides society. In a symbolic show, he urged those present at the Safaricom Stadium to join hands against and tribalism and corruption. The message is apt seeing that we will hold the General Election in less than two years. It is unfortunate that elective politics often invokes tribal instincts in a majority of Kenyans who elect candidates on account of their ethnicity rather than on their ability to serve.
Pope Francis also reminded us that disillusionment, lack of decent jobs and education have largely fueled radicalisation. We believe that this has manifested in some of the terror attacks we have witnessed. We must, therefore, constantly seek active participation of the youth in nation-building. The government, the private sector, religious organisations and all Kenyans must give the youth a decent shot at life.
Still, with all the challenges we face, Pope Francis’ visit has reminded us that Kenya is a blessed nation. It is not all doom and gloom and things can actually get better. Let us internalise this message and believe in ourselves again.
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