Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta on Friday, April 25, 2025, attended the requiem mass of the late Pope Francis at the Holy Family Minor Basilica in Nairobi.
Uhuru, who arrived in the country from Uganda on Thursday night, was accompanied by other senior leaders in government, including Chief Justice Martha Koome and Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu.
Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka also attended the service.
“We gather here today as people of different backgrounds and religions to remember and to celebrate the life of a man who truly walked in the path of Jesus. A man who, despite his high position, did not walk in and amongst the high and mighty in the world but rather, like Jesus, chose to walk among the poor and those in need. A true example of what we all call servant leadership, he chose to serve and not to be served,” Uhuru said.
“He was able to extend beyond his religion; he was able to see us all as humanity. He didn’t pick and choose. Even the most vulnerable and the most outcast, he was able to ensure they were given solace and comfort.”
Uhuru revealed that his two meetings with the pontiff had exposed him to Pope Francis’s humility and character.
Anyolo praises Pope
During the mass, the Archbishop of the Nairobi diocese, Philip Anyolo, hailed Pope Francis as a unifying figure who touched the hearts and souls of millions around the world with his charitable service.
“It is with profound humility and heartfelt gratitude that I welcome you all to this solemn occasion as we gather to celebrate the requiem mass of our dearly beloved holy father Pope Francis,” Anyolo said.
“We are united here today, drawn from diverse backgrounds and from many nations by a shared love and deep reverence for a shepherd who walked humbly with his God and who led the church with courage, compassion, and unwavering conviction.”
Prophetic voice
Anyolo equally noted that the Pope’s words resonated with the lowly in the world and were a voice for the voiceless and the marginalized.
“His Holiness Pope Francis was not only the vicar of Christ but also a prophetic voice in our time. One who unceasingly reminded us that the measure of the greatness of a society is found in the way it treats those most in need,” Anyolo remarked.
“His words and his witness profoundly touched hearts across the world, especially among the poor, the marginalized, the young, and the elderly, calling each of us to embrace the gospel with authenticity and love.”
Funeral service
The mass came after several leaders signed a condolence book at the residence of Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Matheus Maria van Megen on Thursday, April 24, 2025.
National Assembly speaker Moses Wetang’ula is set to represent President William Ruto at St. Peter’s Square Basilica in Rome, where the funeral ceremony of Pope Francis will take place.
Already, over 130 senior leaders in the world have expressed an interest in attending the ceremony, which will also feature at least 50 heads of state.
World leaders, including US President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, are also expected to attend the ceremony alongside 10 other royal families across Europe.