May 7, 1980: POPE John Paul II pays tribute to the “beautiful heritage” left to Kenya by the late President Mzee Jomo Kenyatta. In a brief address at State House where he met President Moi in the afternoon the Pope described the welcome he had received in Kenya as being in keeping with traditional African hospitality. In a tribute to the late Mzee Kenyatta, the Pope recalled that following the Mzee’s death in August 1978, President Moi had described him as my father, My teacher and my leader. The Pope added : During the early years of this nation, he achieved unity, created a spirit of brotherhood, and instilled the determination to go on building the nation through the common efforts of all. The Pope had an exhausting schedule on the second day of historic three day visit. He conducted an open air mass at Uhuru Park which drew a big crowd; had a private meeting with President Moi at State House and addressed Catholic Bishops. Here, President Moi presents the Pope with an ivory gong. The President cheerfully shows the pontiff how the gong works at State House, Nairobi.

Photo|Nation Syndication