Political temperature went down in the country after the coming of Pope Francis who came up with a very powerful message of Healing, Reconciliation, Forgiveness and Peace.
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Raila Odinga and Kalonzo Musyoka (opposition leaders first and second from right) during Papal Mass at Nairobi University grounds on 26 Nov 2015 |
A day before Pope’s visit, President Uhuru Kenyatta reshuffled his Cabinet. It came at a time when his government was under scrutiny and criticism over the levels of corruption that has consequently contributed to rising poverty.
Based from the past experiences, this reshuffle of the Cabinet could have attracted wide criticism targeting some of the elected members. This happened when the minds of the Kenyan people were full of expectation that the coming of the Holy Father would bring God’s blessings on this land and change. For this reason, the talk about the New Cabinet, both by the ordinary people as well as political leaders remained unnoticed. Even if it happened, it did not attract attention of the media because the arrival of the Holy Father instilled an inner spiritual expectation that his message, which is meant for all Kenyans and people of the world, would lead people to the experience of God's presence in their lives. It is that presence of God, which is characterized by recognition that we are all God’s children, worthy of the dignity of the human person and have the right to the common good of this country.
Following some of the conversations on one of the popular Radio Stations in Nairobi, some of the callers’ sentiments to the visit of Pope Francis expressed their expectations of what the Holy Father would talk about rampant corruption, ethnic conflict, terrorism and other evils affecting the Kenyan people. Others expected that the plight of poverty, especially among the vulnerable group, women, children and youth who are often subjected to exclusion from the wealth of the country would be strongly addressed.
Bu, immediately after the arrival of Pope Francis, the mood changed; everybody was keen to listen to his message, to see him and to some, even touch him if they get a chance. The prophetic presence of Pope Francis, in his simplicity and but rich with his Gospel moved everyone to feel the great sense of togetherness around him.
During the reception of the Holy Father at State House, the Holy Mass at University of Nairobi grounds and interaction with Religious Leaders and all peoples, the extra-ordinary presence of different political leaders, ordinary men and women, youth and children, is a testimony that despite our differences, we can live together as one people. This coming together of the Kenyan people around the Holy Father signifies the importance of his visit to this country, to proclaim the message of healing, reconciliation, forgiveness, peace and unity of the children of God.
It is equally amazing to follow the news and discussions on all the Radio and Television Channels in Kenya as they have been sharing their experiences of the impact of the visit of Pope Francis in their personal lives. It was interesting to hear one of the famous radio presenters saying, “it is better that Pope stays week longer because even news items in the radio, TV and Newspaper have changed from that of negative political rivalry and conflicts to that of love, tolerance, collective responsibility, peace and hope for the better future of our society.”
What we have experienced since Pope Francis arrived in Kenya reminds me of what Right Rev. Anthony Muheria of the Catholic Diocese of Kitui and Administrator of Machakos said prior to the Pope’s arrival. He said that the visit will truely inspire Kenyans to be better people. “Pope Francis’ address to the nation will have far-reaching impact in a country ravaged by corruption, negative ethnicity and divisive politics," said Bishop Muheria adding that "Pope is the voice of Christ and he will speak to the youth, the poor whom he has a soft spot for, the leaders and the whole nation, surely that is a flood of grace that will make our country change and will give us the impulse we need to really change because we need to change as a Country.” (refer AMECEA Online News of 9thOctober 2015).
This impact of the Pope’s presence and his message here in Kenya should be an inspiration that the country is not going to be the same. Just as people left their diversity and congregated as brothers and sisters around Pope Francis, they can journey together to build a prosperous nation with dignity and for the common God of all the children of God.
All this should be anchored on the message of the Holy Father that without living the fundamental values of reconciliation, forgiveness and peace, it will be difficult to remain as a united nation with common aspirations.
Even as the Pope Francis lives this country, he will continue to pray: Mungu Ibariki Kenya.