Kibaki calls for unity as Catholic Church raises over Sh100m for Pope Francis’ visit

Former President Mwai Kibaki receives a dummy cheque from the chairman of the dinner committee, George Muhoho before he gave his personal donation of 2.1 million towards Pope's visit. PHOTO: JENIPHER WACHIE

NAIROBI: Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta and his predecessor Mwai Kibaki led individuals and corporates in raising at least Sh100 million to help the church pay for the logistics of Pope Francis' three-day tour to the country.

At a meeting held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre on Friday night, President Kenyatta gave his personal donation of Sh10 million, while former President Mwai Kibaki, who is also the President's godfather, gave Sh2 million.

The Head of State was not present at the late-night fundraising dinner, but Kibaki stood in for him.

"This is an opportunity to appreciate our motherland and reaffirm our common destiny," said Kibaki.

The former head of state recognized the challenges facing the country but advised Kenyans not to be cowed, instead urged them to be kind to themselves and "count their blessings a little more often" as they prepare to receive the Pope.

"Let us also celebrate our resilience and tenacity and seek-against whatever odds- to create a fountain of peace, understanding and prosperity in Africa," said Kibaki who served Kenya for a decade between 2003 and 2013.

At the KICC dinner, the government, the Catholic Church, youth, women and the business community joined hands to raise the money that will be used to hire essential services needed to make it easier to host the over one million people expected in the city to attend the Pope's Mass and talk with young people.

Kibaki termed the dinner an illustration of the call to unity that the Holy Father brings us.

 "Kenya is home to several religious faiths all of which coexist and thrive within an atmosphere of tolerance, mutual and reciprocal respect as well as appreciation."

The Chairperson of the Dinner committee Dr George Muhoho said that the dinner was an embodiment of unity among the people of various institutions and sectors in the country. It brought together politicians, corporates, church and others.

"We are raising funds to supplement efforts by the Kenyan Government towards Pope's visit. I am hopeful the Pope's visit will leave Kenyans more united than before," said Dr Muhoho.

He said that Pope Francis has a message for everyone and all should listen.

His Eminence John Cardinal Njue, the Archbishop of Nairobi appreciated efforts made by everyone to make Pope Francis visit a success, saying that the church has received overwhelming support from across many sectors.

"Kenya is a privileged country to host Pope first before any other country in Africa. He will first set his feet in Kenya, then to others. This is a great honour for our country.

He said the gathering during the dinner reflected Kenya's different languages and tribes but who are united. "This is the very gathering that Pope Francis will be very happy to be part of during his visit," said Njue.

Equity bank donated Sh10 million, Corporative Bank Sh10 million, Airtel Sh10 million, Britam Sh5 million, Sameer Africa Sh5 million, Brookside Dairy Sh5 million, Kenya Commercial Bank Sh5 million among others.

Those present included former Vice President Moody Awori, priests and reverends across the country, politicians, among other guests.