Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang’ula and ODM leader Raila Odinga visited the Apostolic Nuncio’s residence on Thursday to mourn the passing of Pope Francis, a figure both leaders described as a global moral compass.
Their presence at the Vatican’s diplomatic mission was more than ceremonial. It marked Kenya’s highest-level political tribute yet to the late Pope, whose advocacy for justice, peace, and equality had left a lasting imprint far beyond the Catholic Church.
Wetang’ula, a committed Catholic, described the Pope as “a man who dedicated his life to humanity and peaceful coexistence.” Recalling a moment in Parliament, he quoted Francis: “The world is like a public hospital that heals wounds but wounds hearts.” He added, “He stood for building bridges between people and communities, not barricading walls.”
The Speaker will represent President William Ruto at Saturday’s funeral in Vatican Square a gesture he called an honor on behalf of all Kenyans. “As the Catholic family, we cherished him. The first Pope from outside Europe and coming from Africa, it felt like he was closer to us.”
Raila Odinga, too, paid tribute to the Pope’s enduring role as a global conscience. “He was a very gentle person… the voice of reason. He spoke for the downtrodden and the weakest, and against injustice,” Raila said.
Thursday’s visit may have lasted only moments, but in the quiet halls of the Nuncio’s residence, it carried the weight of a nation in mourning and a rare reminder of the values that can bring even political rivals together.
