In pictures: Kenya holds requiem mass for Pope Francis

Ex-President Uhuru Kenyatta, Ex-Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka, Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu and Chief Justice Martha Koome attend the requiem mass for Pope Francis at the Holy Family Minor Basilica on April 25, 2025. [ Elvis Ogina, Standard]

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta is among several leaders attending a requiem mass in honor of Pope Francis at Holy Family Basilica in Nairobi.

The service is being presided over by Archbishop Bert Van Megen, the Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya, who was appointed by the late Pope.

Archbishop Bert Van Megen, the Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya, arrives for the requiem mass. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

Also in attendance is Chief Justice Martha Koome, Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa, and NARC-Kenya leader Martha Karua, key church leaders including Cardinal John Njue, and Archbishop Philip Anyolo.

Archbishop Bert Van Megen: Some priests are wondering why we are wearing white instead of violet. Since we are still in the Easter period, we continue using the same liturgy. In our Church, we are not personalistic - we do not adjust things for a person; rather, the person… pic.twitter.com/94NACm7bRB — KTN News (@KTNNewsKE) April 25, 2025

At least two other requiem masses were held yesterday in memory of the Pontiff—at Sacred Heart of Jesus Cathedral in Murang’a and in the Catholic Diocese of Nyahururu, Nyeri County.

PLP party Leader Martha Karua, former Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna follow the  proceedings. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

Catholics across Kenya have been holding daily prayers following the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday, April 21, at the age of 88.

According to official Vatican reports, the Pope died of a cerebral stroke that led to heart failure.

Today marks the final day of a three-day period of public mourning, during which the Pope's body has lain in state in an open coffin at St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.

Archbishop of Nairobi Philip Anyolo arrives for Pope Francis' requiem mass at the Holy Family Minor Basilica on April 25, 2025. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

The Vatican on Friday said over 128,000 people have already paid their respects to Pope Francis.

The coffin is scheduled to be sealed this evening ahead of Saturday’s funeral, which will be attended by at least 50 heads of state, including US President Donald Trump, and Ukraine’s Volodymr Zelensky.