EDITORIAL: What Kenyans can learn from Pope Francis

Pope Francis was laid to rest on Saturday.

Leaders from across the world, including Kenya’s President Ruto, Speaker Moses Wetang’ula and Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi, were there to honour him.

But beyond the ceremonies, there is a bigger lesson Kenyans must not miss.

Although he served a rich institution, Pope Francis himself was not rich.

He never chased flashy things. Yet he influenced millions, shaped minds, and built a legacy that stretched across the world. He showed that it is character, not possessions, that defines true leadership.

Today in Kenya, there is an endless race for material things.

More acres of land. Fatter offshore bank accounts. But where does it all end? In death. No matter how much you gather, you leave it behind.

Meanwhile, the real picture back home is grim. According to the Global Hunger Index 2025 report, Kenya is among 42 countries facing alarming hunger levels.

The overall poverty rate was nearly 40 per cent in 2022, meaning over 20 million Kenyans could not meet their basic needs. Severe poverty here is driven by economic inequality, government corruption and health problems.

And speaking of corruption, Transparency International ranked Kenya 121st globally in their February 2025 report. That is where greed has gotten us.

Pope Francis showed another way: a life of modesty and unwavering integrity. He stood for truth even when it was hard. That’s the kind of life that echoes beyond the grave.