Dear Pope, these are the issues that trouble us, say Kenyan youth

Emmanuel Mwonga and Linet Wambui Njogu were picked to present messages to the Pope on behalf of the youth.

Mwonga said it took him about a month to put together the message he would present on behalf of Kenyan youth.

“It was a heavy task,” he said at the end of the meeting at Safaricom Stadium in Kasarani, in Nairobi Friday.

The 22-year-old fashion designer says it was an opportunity of a life time to meet the Pope.

Linet Wambui is a fourth year library and information sciences student at Kenyatta University.

They said they consulted friends before settling on their messages. Being members of the National Youth Council was also an added advantage as they were able to collate opinions of their colleagues.

From their presentations, the biggest challenges the youth and the country are facing are tribalism and corruption.

The social media, which has most youth stuck to their phones is also a major distraction.

Emmanuel and Linet gave the Pope an idea of what the youth think about the country.

When Linet said “sometimes, one has to pay extra cash and in kind to access services,” was a message that resonated with many.

The thousands of young people from across Kenya had come to hear from the Pope and to see him live.

Some travelled overnight to make it on time and long before 7am, most of them had arrived. Others trekked to the venue with white cards in their hands.

The atmosphere in the stadium was lively.

There was music and it was sunny, unlike on Thursday during the Papal Mass at the University of Nairobi on Thursday when it rained.

DANCING TIME

Youth from Don Bosco Church in Upper Hill, known throughout Nairobi Diocese for their lively animation of Mass provided the music as the youth gave the Mexican wave.

The entry of President Kenyatta and First Lady Margaret was greeted with cheering.

After the bishops arrived, the masters of ceremonies asked that the clerics join the young people for a dance.

Bishop Maurice Muhatia obliged and was joined by five more.

The President and the First Lady joined in a jig in the unique Kenyan style.

By the time the Pope arrived, the stadium was alive. In addition to the Mexican wave, banners were unfurled, the flags waved and the youth were asked to show the Pope some love.

The Ave Maria — a prayer to the Virgin Mary — by the Korogocho Classical Orchestra was played. The crowd fell silent when the pontiff began to speak.

When he boarded the Popemobile and driven round the stadium, he was cheered like a superstar.

Emmanuel says he is aware he is not “called” to priesthood, but as he goes back to Ekalakala Parish in Masinga, he is happy he met and addressed the Pope. So is Linet.