Former President Uhuru Kenyatta recounted an unbelievable encounter with the late Pope Francis — one that saw him escorted out of his own meeting, by none other than the Pope himself!
During an emotionally charged requiem mass at Holy Family Basilica on Friday, April 25, Uhuru dropped the bombshell: after a high-level private talk with the pontiff, things took a wildly unexpected turn. Uhuru had agreed to let a mysterious third party — whose name he kept under wraps — join him for a brief audience with His Holiness. But the moment this unnamed guest walked in, Pope Francis dropped a curveball.
“We were seated in silence when the Pope turned to me and said, ‘I thought he wanted to talk to me.’ And just like that… I was shown the door!” Uhuru recounted, still seemingly stunned by the memory.
Yes — the Head of the Catholic Church politely booted the Kenyan Head of State from the very room where their historic meeting had taken place.
“This was the first time I, as President, was asked to leave my own meeting. I was utterly shocked,” Uhuru said, prompting gasps and laughter from the audience.
But what could have been seen as a diplomatic disaster, Uhuru instead described as a reflection of Pope Francis’ legendary humility — a man of deep personal attention, who even followed up on the unnamed individual long after leaving Kenya.
“He led over a billion people but still made time for the one. That is true shepherdhood,” Uhuru said, praising the late Pope’s boundless compassion.
🕊️ Farewell to a Giant
The surprising story comes in the wake of global mourning after Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at 7:35 a.m., following a lengthy battle with double pneumonia. The 88-year-old spiritual leader took his final breath at his Vatican residence, Casa Santa Marta.
The world now prepares to say goodbye to one of the most revered figures of the modern era. A grand burial mass is scheduled for Saturday, April 26, at the iconic St. Peter’s Square, where global leaders — including U.S. President Donald Trump, Prince William, and French President Emmanuel Macron — will be in attendance.
🇰🇪 Kenya will be represented by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, personally appointed by President William Ruto to lead the nation’s delegation to the Vatican. Wetang’ula, flanked by fellow lawmakers, delivered heartfelt condolences at the Apostolic Nunciature in Nairobi before jetting off for the service.
Also expected at the historic farewell: UN Secretary-General António Guterres, Argentine President Javier Milei, and Dutch King Willem-Alexander, among others.
