A majority of Kenyans want Pope Francis to use his visit to advise the Government on governance and social justice.
With only two days to the arrival of the pontiff, Kenyans have expressed their desire for him to advise
leaders on contentious issues slowing the Jubilee government’s progress.
According to a poll released by Infotrak yesterday, over 75 percent of Kenyans, both Catholics and non-Catholics, want the Pope to use his three-day visit to address peaceful co-existence, corruption and accountability among Kenyan leaders.
This is apart from issues of human rights, tribalism and social justice.
“Among the issues that Kenyans want the Pope to address are peaceful co-existence, good governance and human rights," states the poll.
Over 47 per cent of Kenyans want the pontiff's prime message to Kenyan leaders to be on peaceful co-existence while 28 per cent want tribalism addressed. In Kenya, the discord among political leaders has been attributed to the trickle effect of the new Constitution, which provides for elaborate freedom of expression.
This has led to many political leaders from both the Government and Opposition to use their platform to outdo each other by uttering inflammatory tribal remarks.
The poll also indicated that by 65 per cent, the Pope's message to Kenyans should focus on the same.
"However, more specifically with leaders, Kenyans want the issue of corruption addressed as indicated by 45 per cent of the respondents," reads the report.
The poll also found that Pope Francis is admired across all religions for his optimism, humility and more inclusive tone that has rubbed off on the Catholic Church, giving it a high approval rating in Kenya.
"From the respondents, the Pope appears to have a clear understanding of what makes up the church in this age. His teachings are described as very strategic, tackling sensitive issues satirically and consolidating the Catholic church as well as other denominations," said Infotrak Chief Executive Officer Angela Ambitho.
From the poll, over 85 per cent of Kenyans said the pontiff has a positive influence when it comes to leadership hence his criticism may ignite some change.
The Pope is expected in the country on Wednesday with 93 per cent of Kenyans saying they are excited.
The poll came as President Uhuru Kenyatta called on Kenyans to reinforce unity as the country prepares to host the Pope. The President said Kenyans should reconcile with each other and work for peace in the country as well as Africa.
"Kenya is a country that has strong faith and it is God who guides us," Uhuru said yesterday at the Shrine of the Sacred Heart of Jesus through the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Karen, Nairobi.
President Kenyatta spoke after taking part in a ceremony to receive a symbolic Ark of the Covenant.
The ceremony was attended by diplomats including those from Mozambique, Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo, Congo-Brazzaville and Burundi. Kenya's Ambassador to Israel Lt Gen (Rtd) Augostino Njoroge also attended the event.
"The visit by US President Barack Obama and now the Pope's visit show that Kenya is blessed and has good friends," said Vicar General Rt Rev Alfred Rotich at the service.
