Former President Uhuru Kenyatta shared his memories of the late Pope Francis during a requiem mass at the Holy Family Basilica in Nairobi. Kenyatta recalled an incident during the Pope's visit to Kenya in 2015, highlighting the Pope's humility and servant leadership. He spoke of a request from an unnamed individual for a private meeting with the Pope in his office at State House, a venue previously used for meetings with other world leaders such as Obama.

Kenyatta recounted inviting the individual into his office, only to be asked to leave by Pope Francis, who wanted a private conversation. Kenyatta humorously noted that it was the first time another head of state had essentially asked him to leave his own office. He emphasized that despite leading over a billion people, the Pope's willingness to follow up with the individual after his visit demonstrated remarkable humility and served as a valuable lesson.

Karen Nyamu also mourned Pope Francis, praising him for his outspoken and liberal views on various issues. She noted the criticism he faced for suggesting that Russia was provoked by NATO and for his refusal to name Vladimir Putin as the aggressor in the Ukraine-Russia war. Nyamu lauded the Pope's visits to marginalized countries and war-stricken regions, such as Ukraine and Gaza, and his support for the LGBTQ+ community.

During the requiem mass, Kenyatta eulogized Pope Francis as a humble servant leader who exemplified the teachings of Jesus Christ. He reflected on his personal encounters with the Pope, describing them as deeply moving, and noted the Pope's preference for humility over grandeur despite leading the world’s largest Christian denomination.

Kenyatta reminisced about the challenges of balancing religious and diplomatic formalities during the papal visit but noted that the Pope's easy-going persona diffused any tension. He reiterated the story of the requested audience with Pope Francis in his office, where the Pope's directness caught him off guard, leading to the humorous moment of being asked to leave his own office.

Chief Justice Martha Koome, representing the Judiciary, urged Kenyans to emulate the Pope’s dedication to service and work ethic. She encouraged reflection on whether individuals are sowing seeds of love, peace, and unity, or their opposites.

Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88 following heart failure, was honored at the requiem mass attended by prominent clergy and leaders, including Archbishop Philip Anyolo of Nairobi, Cardinal John Njue, Archbishop Martin Kivuva of Mombasa, Chief Justice Martha Koome, and various political figures. He was laid to rest at St Peter’s Square, Basilica in the Vatican.