How Jubilee can use Pope Francis' visit to their advantage

As the Pope wrapped up his African tour, his message was clear: African leaders need to change their hearts and concentrate on the welfare of their subjects.

That was the summary of the Pope's message to Kenya in particular. Pope Francis punctuated his speech with pragmatics and action-oriented words. He was categorical and sincere to the extent that he drew a parallel between the cancer of corruption and diabetes.

Currently, President Uhuru Kenyatta is a lamp upon a hill. He is at the helm of a nation that western nations admire. He needs to midwife the country to the desired state. East Africa looks up to Kenya in almost everything. Indeed, it is a nation destined for greatness. President Kenyatta's leadership should have ranked closely with that of such immortal names as Thomas Sankara and Patrice Lumumba.

The coming of the Pope awakens us to realise how vital Kenya is to other nations. By mere fact that the Pope began his African tour in Kenya tells a lot. That Kenya is an economic giant and melting pot of virtues. Let us get rejuvenated by the Popes call for honesty, truthfulness, love for humanity and integrity. President Kenyatta need to walk the talk to take our nation to the promise land.

Although we need leaders who articulate issues properly, good speeches and nice talks are the barest minimum. Instead, real politics revolve around governance with a human face, benevolence beyond malignancy, actions beyond words and character above reproach. The Pope implored Kenyans to unite themselves as one nation and one family of God.

Political bickering, persistent obsessions with ICC issues and party politics by our leaders have bogged down efforts to spur development in Kenya. The Jubilee government should use the Pope's visit as a turning point.