President Uhuru Kenyatta pleads for Pope's prayers to fight graft

Pope Francis Wednesday evening got a rare request from President Uhuru Kenyatta who sought special prayers to help him deal with corruption in the country.

The Head of State, a Catholic, made the direct request to his spiritual father at State House Nairobi as they addressed Government officials, the clergy, military and police bosses, diplomats and businessmen who had been invited for the special reception.

The President, who has been under pressure from civil society, foreign diplomats and the Kenyans over the runaway graft in Government, admitted before the Pope that his biggest headache in leadership was lack of integrity in governance, issues with inclusivity and the fragile peace in the country.

But it is corruption that stood at the top of his mind.

“Like you, we want to combat corruption because it misdirects resources, sows hatred and divides the people. We know we must win this war. It falls on me to lead it and I ask for your prayers Holy Father as we fight this war,” said President Kenyatta.

The packed auditorium with specially invited guests cheered and clapped as that prayer request was delivered to the Pope.

Unequal society

The Head of State toward the end of his speech added: “Pray for me as I lead this nation, that God will lead me. I also ask that you pray for us that God will hear us and heal this land!” The huge dome erupted in cheers.

The running theme in the address was a call for integrity, a plea for inclusion, peaceful co-existence and respect for nature and climate change. The Pope and the President both spoke of the ills of an unequal society, the perils of a neglected environment and the threat of climate change. Kenyatta, with the Pope nodding and the audience cheering, recalled the environmental contribution Nobel Laureate Wangari Maathai made.

The President said the priority at the moment was to foster dialogue among the various faiths so as to “deepen understanding and respect.”

Pope Francis then issued a part-lecture and part-plea to the leaders who were assembled at State House to be transparent and to work on making sure the young people in the country achieved their dreams. The Pope, who will be addressing young people tomorrow at Safaricom Stadium, termed them a “valuable resource” and asked the Government to invest in them because it was the best way to ensure a great future.

The environmental protection and equal sharing of natural resources were at the top of the Pope’s mind.

“There’s a clear line between protection of nature and the building of an equitable and just order... There can be no renewal of our relationship with nature without the renewal of nature itself,” he said.

He reminded the leaders in the gathering that they had a responsibility to ensure they improved the lives of the people.

“From those to whom much is given, much will be demanded. I encourage you to work with integrity and transparency for the common good and to foster solidarity with the poor,” said the pontiff.

His speech echoed calls for justice, equity, inclusivity and inspiring young people to achieve their aspirations.

While Uhuru thanked the Church for the contribution in education and health, the pontiff noted the support the State had given to the Church.