President Uhuru Kenyatta wrote to Pope Francis to thank him for planning to visit Kenya in November, as part of the Pope's maiden tour of Africa.
In the letter, Uhuru expressed his delight over the Pope's pastoral visit, calling it the best news he had ever received. He noted that the visit would help promote national healing, dialogue, and peaceful coexistence, particularly in the face of extremism and radical criminality.
Context of the Visit ¶
According to State House Spokesman Manoah Esipisu, Pope Francis' choice of Kenya as his first stop in Africa is highly significant. The Pope will also visit Uganda and the Central African Republic during his trip.
A source indicated that Uhuru was more enthusiastic about the Pope's visit than about US President Barack Obama's planned visit in July. When the Pope confirmed his visit, Uhuru appeared happier than when he received news of Obama's upcoming visit.
