On his last day in the Kenya, Pope Francis sent out a strong message condemning land grabbers in the Country whom he termed as “Faceless Private Developers.”
Speaking during Mass at St John the Worker Catholic Church in Kangemi, the Holy Father noted that the greed by the selfish minorities had occasioned suffering among the poor.
"The minorities selfishly squander while a growing majority is forced to flee to abandoned, filthy and run-down peripheries," said Pope Francis.
The Pope went further to mention that he was aware that the “faceless developers” had even attempted to take over school playgrounds for the children.
His Holiness challenged those in power to come up with initiatives that would resolve the huge indifference between the poor and rich noting that God gave the earth for the sustenance of all humans, without exclusion or favouritism.
"I ask God that the authorities may embark, together with you, upon the path of social inclusion, education, sport, community action, and the protection of families, for this is the only guarantee of peace…..this situation of indifference by poor neighbourhoods is aggravated when violence spreads and criminal organizations, serving economic or political interests, use children and young people as “canon fodder” for their ruthless business affairs."
The most notable land scandal involving school playgrounds, is the Lang'ata Primary school scandal where Weston Hotel linked to Deputy President William Ruto, was accused of attempting to grab the land.
The dispute hit local and international headlines after school children were involved in violent protest against the grabbing, with police using teargas on the minors.
This prompted the Government to intervene with the land in dispute being handed back to the school.
