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Former President Uhuru Kenyatta fondly recalled a memorable and humorous moment involving the late Pope Francis during his 2015 visit to Kenya, sharing how the Pope once asked him to leave his own office at State House.
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Speaking during a requiem Mass for the late Pontiff at the Holy Family Basilica in Nairobi on April 25, Uhuru used the story to highlight the Pope’s remarkable humility and kindness.
“He actually kicked me out of my own office—and that was something else,” Uhuru said, prompting laughter from the congregation.
He recounted that after a private diplomatic meeting with Pope Francis in his office, he informed the Pontiff that someone had requested a brief audience with him. After the individual was ushered in, the room fell silent.
“We were alone in my office—a room where I’ve hosted many world leaders, including President Obama. After our conversation, I mentioned that someone would like to speak with him,” he explained.
The guest came in and sat down silently. After a moment, Pope Francis turned to Uhuru and said, “I thought you said he wanted to speak with me?” That was when Uhuru realized it was his cue to step out.
“It was the first time I had ever been asked to leave a meeting in my own office,” he said with a smile.
Uhuru praised the Pope’s compassionate nature, noting that even after returning to Rome, Pope Francis continued to inquire about the individual he met that day.
“For someone leading more than a billion people around the world to remember and follow up on one person he briefly encountered in Nairobi—it says so much about his heart,” Uhuru said.
He concluded by describing Pope Francis as a leader defined by humility, selflessness, and deep compassion.
“I can truly say I witnessed firsthand the depth of his humanity and care for others.”
