Over 1 million Kenyans expected to grace papal mass
Pope Francis acknowledges faithful as he parades on his way to celebrate Mass on September 27, 2015, in Philadelphia. Preparations are under way in anticipation for Pope Francis’ three-day visit to Kenya in November. PHOTO | MATT ROURKE | AFP
More than a million Catholic faithful are expected to attend a Mass presided over by Pope Francis during his visit in Kenya.
About 10,000 police officers are expected to provide security during the three-day papal visit next month. Hundreds of National Youth Service (NYS) personnel will also be deployed to control crowds.
State House said the Mass, to be held at the University of Nairobi on November 26, is expected to draw faithful from the East African region.
The event poses a “logistical challenge”, State House admitted, noting that unlike during US President Barack Obama visit, people were expected to flock into the city.
During President Obama’s visit in July, many Kenyans stayed away from the city centre to avoid inconveniences due to road closures.
“There will be a challenge because of the high number of people coming into the city but the traffic department will give statements on how that will be handled,” said Mr Esipisu adding that there would be enough security.
“Those who are concerned (with security) are ready as millions will be visiting the country, security will be ensured in the city,” added the Statehouse spokesman.
Mr Esipisu and David Omwoyo, the executive secretary for social communications at the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops, were addressing the media at a Nairobi hotel while giving an appraisal on the papal visit.
“Remember Kenya has 14 million Catholics and four million of them are in Nairobi,” he said of the expected high number of Christians expected to attend the mass.
Mr Esipisu, however, said no decision has been made yet to close any roads in the city.
He said more information would be offered on the same as the visit draws closer as “things might change”.
RECEIVED BY PRESIDENT KENYATTA
Pope Francis is expected to arrive in the country on November 25 and will be received by President Uhuru Kenyatta.
The head of the Catholic Church will then receive a 21-gun salute and inspect a guard of honour before holding talks with Mr Kenyatta and other senior government officials.
Mr Esipisu revealed that Pope Francis would give a televised address to the nation from State House the same day.
Before holding the Mass the following day on November 26, he will meet diverse religious leaders representing various religions and denominations at a venue yet to be disclosed.
The pope will also make a visit to the Unep headquarters at Gigiri, added Mr Esipisu.
During his last day of the visit, Pope Francis will hold a youth meeting at the stadium at Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani, where an estimated 200,000 young people are expected to attend.
He will later jet out to Uganda for a similar visit.
