Pope’s visit: State keen to avoid another Kidero grass fiasco
Contractors putting up the papal altar and podiums at University of Nairobi, St Mary’s School and Kangemi Catholic Parish have until November 10 to complete their work.
Cabinet Secretary for Land, Housing and Urban Development Fred Matiangi said once done, the infrastructure will be handed over to the Catholic Church ahead of Pope Francis’ visit on November 25 to 27.
“I am here with other government officers to inspect work progress. We are doing well and hope by November 10 everything will be ready,” said Dr Matiangi at the University of Nairobi grounds on Monday.
He went on: “This visit to these sites is a demonstration that the government is serious and committed to this historic visit.”
The CS added that said even after the pope leaves, the structures will remain for remembrance.
DISCLOSE MONEY SPENT
However, he declined to disclose how much money was set aside for construction of the altar and podiums, but said contributions for the works were coming from Kenyans and other well-wishers.
Another advance team from the Vatican will this week visit to inspect and check on the progress of the preparations.
The Catholic Church has indicated that it will require more than Sh100 million.
Bishop Alfred Rotich, chairman of Popes visit secretariat, Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops, said Kenyans can make their contributions to the Mpesa paybill number 405060 for support towards preparation of the visit and the special papal legacy projects to be initiated.
Each Catholic parish in Kenya is only allowed to send three buses of pilgrims for the main mass on November 26.
According to State House spokesperson Manoah Esipisu, the government and the Catholic Church will provide weekly updates on plans touching the papal visit.
The Pope will arrive on November 25 and will be greeted by a Kenyan family, and received by President Kenyatta and the Archbishop of Nairobi, John Cardinal Njue.
RELIGIOUS TOLERANCE
He will then head to State House for bilateral talks with President Kenyatta before addressing the country.
They will discuss peace, inclusivity and religious tolerance, the fight against poverty and climate change, among others.
On November 26, Pope Francis will have an Inter-Religious meeting at the Nuncio (his representative in Kenya) and then head to the University of Nairobi to celebrate Mass.
He will later address the Catholic community at St Mary’s and members of the diplomatic corps at the UN in Gigiri.
On November 27 he will address the youth at Kasarani Stadium.
