How Kenyans braved rain, mud for a glimpse of Pope Francis’ Mass in Nairobi
Crowds began streaming into the venue long before dawn, with many spending the entire night in the cold, unrelenting downpour.
In November 2015, torrential rain did not dampen the spirit of thousands of Kenyans who braved the elements to attend Pope Francis’s open-air Mass at the University of Nairobi grounds.
The event, part of his three-day tour of Kenya, remains one of the most memorable moments of his papacy in Africa. It marked a deep spiritual connection between the pontiff and the Kenyan faithful.
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As news of Pope Francis’s death broke on Monday, at age 88, after months of battling double pneumonia and mild kidney failure, many Kenyans reminisced back on his visit, recalling how they got soaked in the rain but found warmth in his message of hope, justice and reconciliation.
On November 26, 2015, crowds began streaming into the venue long before dawn, with many spending the entire night in the cold, unrelenting downpour. Despite the weather, excitement surged through the crowd as they waved flags, sang, and danced in anticipation of the Mass.
The Mass, held on muddy grounds under grey skies, brought together thousands from all corners of Kenya and neighbouring countries such as Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Security was tight, but the Pope, ever humble, joked: “I’m more worried about the mosquitoes.”
Members of the clergy arrive for a mass by Pope Francis in Kenya's capital Nairobi, November 26, 2015. (Photo: REUTERS/Thomas Mukoya)
Clad in a simple robe designed to resemble traditional Maasai beadwork, Pope Francis delivered a powerful sermon calling on young Kenyans to take charge of their future.
“Our faith in God’s word calls us to support families in their mission in society, to accept children as a blessing for our world, and to defend the dignity of each man and woman, for all of us are brothers and sisters in the one human family,” he said.
He urged the youth to become agents of change, saying, “The youth should reject everything that leads to prejudice and discrimination... shape a society which is ever more just, inclusive and respectful of human dignity.”
The pontiff also called for peace and interfaith harmony in the face of rising militant violence.
“God’s name must never be used to justify hatred and violence,” he said.
“We are also called to resist practices which foster arrogance in men, hurt or demean women, and threaten the life of the innocent unborn.”
Pope Francis waves to the faithful as he arrives for a Papal mass in Kenya's capital Nairobi, November 26, 2015. (Photo: REUTERS/Thomas Mukoya)
He also met with leaders from various religious and Christian denominations, urging them to be “prophets of peace” in a world marred by conflict.
Online, Kenyans shared their reflections on the momentous day using the hashtag #PapalMass.
“It reminded us of the beauty of simplicity and the power of ritual. The songs rang true to the Kenyan heart,” tweeted Gachiru.
At the time, former President Uhuru Kenyatta, himself a Catholic, hosted the pontiff and appealed for prayers in Kenya’s fight against corruption. About 30 per cent of Kenyans identify as Catholics.
Pope Francis’s visit also included a stop in Kangemi, one of Nairobi’s most impoverished neighbourhoods, where he spent time listening to residents’ struggles and offering words of encouragement. He later addressed the United Nations Environment Programme headquarters in Gigiri, calling for sustainable development and greater environmental responsibility.
The 2015 papal visit was the first by a Pope to Kenya in two decades, following Pope John Paul II’s last visit in 1995. It was also Pope Francis’s first trip to Africa.
Though soaked, muddy and cold, Kenyans who attended the Mass remember it as a moment of divine grace.
A man sells pictures of Pope Francis during a mass led by Pope Francis, as rain falls in Kenya's capital Nairobi, November 26, 2015. (Photo: REUTERS/Goran Tomasevic)
“It was awesome despite my muddy shoes and all the shoving #PapalMass @Pontifex Karibu Kenya tena na tena,” Penny Gitau tweeted then.
Another X user, Bimasawa, added: “Pope's visit in Kenya is truly a blessing, a great Mass and a great sermon. Deep words to the church.”
Jubilee Party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni also mourned his passing, saying: “His visit to Kenya in 2015 left a lasting impact, especially his heartfelt words in Kangemi and Kasarani. He walked with us, listened and reminded us to care for the poor, our environment and one another. He led not from a throne, but from the streets. Not with power, but with presence.”
Bumula MP Wanami Wamboka added: “As a nation, Kenya was privileged to play host to the Pope in 2015 in his global tours to not only spread the gospel but also hope and peace. May he rest in peace, and may his legacy and memory continue to shine upon all of us.”
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