President Uhuru Kenyatta has called on Kenyans to embrace unity and reconciliation as the country prepares to host Pope Francis this week.
Speaking during a ceremony to receive a replica of the Ark of the Covenant from Israel at the Shrine of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Karen, Nairobi, President Kenyatta said that Kenya is a country guided by God and expressed optimism that the pope’s visit would reinforce the county’s faith.
He further called on Kenyans to put the interest of the country first and work towards building peace in Kenya and in Africa.The replica is one of seven others donated by Israel to all the continents, with Kenya being its custodian in Africa.
Speaking at the event, the vicar general of the shrine, Fredrick Otieno, thanked President Kenyatta for being a close friend of the Church.He said the pope’s visit was a blessing for Kenya and an indication of the friendships that Kenya has created in the last few years.
“The visit by US President Barack Obama and the pope’s visit show that Kenya is blessed and has good friends,” said the Vicar General.
Envoys, including the ambassadors of Mozambique, Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo, Congo-Brazzaville and Burundi attended the ceremony.