KENYA: Pope Arrives for his Three Day Visit

NAIROBI NOVEMBER 25, 2015 (CISA) – Pope Francis has arrived in Kenya for his three-day visit.

The Alitalia flight carrying the Pope touched down 4:30pm at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and at 4:50 pm the pontiff was received by President Uhuru Kenyatta and First Lady Margaret Kenyatta.

He was later introduced to a number of government officials including Deputy President William Ruto and Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero.

Catholic archbishops and bishops from Kenya and the AMECEA region were also on hand to welcome the pontiff.

A group of traditional dancers and a Catholic choir entertained the pope who waved in  acknowledgment to their lively performance.

Esther Njoki Ndiangui a member of St. Augustine Ruai choir from St. Peter’s Catholic Parish from the Archdioceses of Nairobi was among the entertainers and said she was very happy to see the Pope.

“I was even unable to sing when I saw him board off the plane. I was feeling like jumping off to go and shake his hands. I expect the Pope to talk about peace, forgiveness and reconciliation,” she told CISA.

The Pope later left the airport for State House, Nairobi where he  addressed about 2,000 invited guests and the Nation.

He had earlier in the day sent a goodwill message wishing Kenyans God’s blessings, in a tweet that was posted midway on his flight from Rome to Nairobi.

“Mungu abariki Kenya! God bless Kenya!” read the tweet posted on his official Twitter page, @Pontifex.

The Holy Father is expected to preside over a public Mass tomorrow November 26, a day that has been declared a national holiday with millions of faithful expected to attend.

The Popes five-day visit will also see him go to Uganda and Central African Republic.

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