Pope Francis arrives in Nairobi for Africa tour
Pope Francis has arrived in Kenya for his three-day visit. The plane carrying the pope touched down at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport at 4.50 pm where he was received by President Uhuru Kenyatta and First Lady Margaret Kenyatta alongside other government officials.
Top leaders of the Catholic Church in Kenya led by John Cardinal Njue, Archbishop Zacchaeus Okoth and Bishop Cornelius Korir.
Pope Francis was treated to an African reception with ululations, song and dance as he greeted the delegation at the airport.
Entertainment groups among them cultural dancers and catholic choirs broke into songs and dance echoing the words “Karibu Kenya.”
After the brief reception the pope signed a visitor’s book writing, “With prayer, love and gratitude for your care of travelers.”
STATE RECEPTION
The Pope was then driven out of the airport aboard a humble vehicle with windows rolled down to allow him a full view of crowds along Mombasa road.
On arrival at State House Nairobi, the Pope was again welcomed by President Kenyatta and accorded a State reception where both the Vatican anthem and the Kenyan national anthem were played.
He was accorded honours of a head of State with a 21 gun salute.
President Kenyatta later introduced him to his cabinet including his deputy William Ruto.
Pope Francis also planted a tree with the help of President Kenyatta before the two leaders went in for bilateral talks at State House.