{UAH} Papal welcome in Nairobi maps Africa all over the globe!

In spite of stiff security measures in Nairobi the Pope has been received

very triumphantly in Kenya and therefore in Africa! All medias agree on this!

Right from the airport up to State House and then to the Nunciature it has been

a bright African welcome that already anticipates that other welcome in Uganda which is going to quake the whole world!.

Dancing mingled with African songs and sharp ululations characterized the very warmly welcome at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport where the delightful presence of Uhuru Kenyatta his cabinet and religious leaders added flavour to the welcome ceremony.. Masai dancers also appear to have moved the Pope who after having boarded  a small car was driven in a convoy to State House. Very great crowds cheered him especially in downtown Nairobi. At State House he was cheered and

ululated by the 3000 official state visitors, among whom two former presidents,

H.E. Daniel Arap Moi and H.E. Emilio Mwai Kibaki, and diplomats, religious leaders, etc..  At the same time a 21-gun salute sounded to welcome the great world leader.

The anthems were also played and there was a parade conducted by the Kenyan army in form of a state guard of honour. After planting a tree in the Presidents garden  the two leaders withdrew for a private series of talks that lasted over 30 minutes.

Then on returning to the great tent in the garden, the two leaders gave their very touching speeches which were applauded not only by the 3000 dignitaries but also by the great crowds gathered in the nearby streets.

President Uhuru Kenyatta immediately reminded the Pope of the excitement and joy his presence in Kenya touches to every individual Kenyan's heart. He outlined the evils his government is bent on fighting, including corruption,etc.. He commended the good role played by the Church in developing Kenya and he affirmed before the Holy Pontiff that he had been educated in  Catholic schools in Kenya. And he pointed to the interreligious dialogue as something Kenya is proud of. He then invited the Pope to speak.

Pope Freancis appreciated the very warm welcome given to him by the people of Kenya and commended the President for the good speech. He appreciated the effort for the fruitful dialogue in the country's society.  He touched on the youth describing them as a great resource for the country and asked for their integration is society. He commented on Kenya's natural beauty as something underlying African values and requested for the good transmission of this beauty to future generations. He condemned violence and noted how it stems from despair,etc.

He finally called for solidarity among the nation's peoples, integrity in society, equal distribution of resources, and respect for the aspiration of the youth and the poor.

At the end of his speech the Pope was given a long standing ovation from the great assembly.

Tommorow Thursday November 26, declared public holiday in Kenya, he will meet the various religious leaders at the Nunciature, address the UNEP on environment, and then preside over an open-air Mass that is expected to be attended by one and a half million people. Over 4000 buses will bring pilgrims from all over Kenya. And 9000 priests, religious, from all over Kenya and Tanzania, together with 60 cardinals and archbishops and bishops will also attend this great Mass.

In France TV again featured Archbishop J.B. Odama's flash on the Papal visit to Uganda and how it's going to boost morale for the Holy Martyrs of Uganda and how the Pope may also say something about wars, violence , and terrorism.

The Archbishop again reminded that the visit isn't only for Catholics but to the entire population of the land.

While Uganda is naturally expected to stage a record show, Kenyans have been reported twittering statements pointing to their pride as a nation that has been the very first one to welcome popular Pope Francis. Many messages have noted that Kenya deserved that honour because it was a great country, and not a small one like Uganda! Anyway, in any case, Ugandans are ready to tutor their Kenyan counterparts on this, come this Friday!

 

Dr G.H. Kkolokolo ( Paris / France )

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