It is true that this papal visit from 25th to 27th November 2015 held the entire Kenya, Catholics and non-Catholics into a standstill. Indeed hosting the pope was a big mind blowing event that saw energy, time and money pumped in both its preparations and celebrations. Everyone no matter the age, young and old, tribe, race, political affiliation or religion did what it took to host the present Vicar of Christ. It is reported that over 400,000 people braced that day’s down pour to participate in the Holy Mass physically at the University of Nairobi and the neighboring parks. It was, in fact, the “largest Mass ever on the Kenyan soil” admits Fr. Steven Okello, one of this event’s Coordinators.
With these magnitudes in preparations and celebrations, forgetting and dumping the papal visit into the annals of Kenyan history is a big crime. It is an event that should be relived daily!
To relive this event, let us remind ourselves of its purpose, which was printed in its agenda. Then examine if indeed we are living by its message.
In his seventy-two hour visit, the, by then seventy-eight year old pontiff met the political class led by President Uhuru Kenyatta, some government officials and a diplomatic corps. He then met with the clergy, the consecrated and religious persons. Then, finally, he met the slum dwellers and the youth. To his audience, he unceasingly addressed the message of no to corruption, equality, peace, unity, climate change, reconciliation, dialogue, social justice, hope, interreligious coexistence and tolerance.
Now. How far have we grown as individuals or as a nation three years after receiving that papal grace on our soil? Is the pope’s visit in Kenya yielding any fruit? Was it worth hosting the Roman Pontiff here three years ago?
Primo, is matters politics.
The country is still in the ferocious fight against corruption since its declaration as a national threat by the president on 23rd November 2015, just two days before the pope’s visit. Indeed, three years down the line, no one can tell exactly whether as a nation we shall overcome this monster and be declared a corrupt-free state. But in this fight, the papal voice should sound even more louder into our ears up to our consciences; “walk in integrity and transparency”, having in mind the noble philosophy of “the pursuit of the common good”.
The pursuit of the common good spirit is fundamentally reflected on the leadership style. Ours is still a lavish-styled leadership that continues to suck the resources meant for the uplift of the poor in the society. This is going on despite the model witnessed during the pontiff’s visit. One which was characterized by both humility and simplicity. As a nation, we still lack a paradigm shift from a master-leadership to a servant-leadership style. The latter is a style which, like Pope Francis did, one is able to decline a sumptuous presidential dinner and the red carpet offer and opt for a visit to the slum dwellers, to eat their dust and step on their sewage water, a spirit to share in their plight.
The pope’s visit to the Kangemi slum did not only highlight the plight of the poor in informal settlements which lacks basic amenities like water, but like the church, the state was reminded to open its door for the service of the poor.
Little would it be known that this visit to the slam would later boost the tourism industry. The latter had been slapped on the face by various travel ban advisories issued by some western nations following the rising insecurity due to the previous Al-Shabaab militant attacks that scared tourists away. The slums are known to be hide outs of smugglers, drug peddlers, and rapists, places of sexual violence, insecurity, and even home of illiterates. The presence of the pope here brought hope to these people. It also opened doors to responsible tourism. His presence simply said loudly that the slums and Kenya as a whole is safe place and can be visited. But, then, I bet, it still needs courage to walk in some parts of Kenya, am I wrong?
If you remember very well, the pope courageously insisted on the empowerment of the youth. It is to them that lies “the hope of the Kenyan society”, said the pontiff. What has then become of the state institution that empowers the youth, the Nation Youth Service, NYS? Only God knows. Going by the magnitude of the mismanagement of the resources meant to facilitate the empowerment of the youth via NYS, most of the youth not only feel betrayed but, bit by bit, also start losing faith in this institution. It is high time the NYS be saved from missing its objectives.
One are that we are doing well, and putting the papal wish into a reality is in the sustenance of the green environment. With the ban of the use of plastic bags, the eviction of Mau forest invaders, ban of charcoal production and various tree planting projects across the nation, we are really taking care of our ecosystem, our common home. Well done, let up keep the spirit.
Secondo is matters religion.
I swear it is not easy evaluating things to do with faith. But, look, so far the nation is relatively peaceful vis-à-vis the faith based conflicts. There have not been major religious attacks three years down the line after the papal visit, as it almost turned out to be our culture before this visit. In fact what the country witnessed only 24 days after this visit, on the 22 December 2015, where some Muslims saved their fellow brothers and sisters of Christian faith from Al shabaab in a bus enroute to Wajir town is a valid fruit of “forming minds and hearts in the truths and values held by our religions”, as the pope articulated while addressing the leaders of Christian, Muslim, Hindu and Traditional faiths.
Even if the NYS is messing the youth, the pope reminds the latter to rekindle its faith in Christ Jesus. He reminded the youth to find Jesus in the scriptures and the sacraments. My fellow youth, are you doing that, or you have forgotten this papal call when you met him at the Kasarani stadium?
And the clergy of our dear nation. Remember the pope referred to you as “Heralds of peace”. We hope that you haven’t forgotten that “you are peacemakers who invite others to live in peace, harmony and mutual respect”.
As the universal Church’s pastor, the pope also addressed the question of vocations in the Church. He reminded each one “not to make room for personal ambitions, for money, for worldly importance” …because “the Church is not an NGO,” rather “a mystery of Jesus who looks at each one and says: ‘follow me’”.
Indeed, pope’s visit to Kenya wasn’t because Kenya was performing well at the international level. But like the visit of Jesus, it was a call to ‘stand firm’ and ‘not to be afraid’ in the service of humanity despite very many challenges it is facing. Let us not forget this call, for Kenya is still struggling with poverty, tribalism, insecurity, corruption, lack of jobs for the youth, religious conflicts, destruction of ecosystem, poor education, etc. Like the pope, the Rosary and via cruces should build hope in us.
[This article was partly published in the Seed Magazine Jan/Feb 2019/vol. 31/no. 1 Issue 305.]
[This article was partly published in the Seed Magazine Jan/Feb 2019/vol. 31/no. 1 Issue 305.]
