BY RAMADHAN RAJAB
November 26, 2015
Pope Francis avoided bullet proof 'popemobiles' in his choice of the means of transport from the JKIA in Nairobi on Wednesday.
Instead of the luxury cars associated with personalities of his cadre, the Pope rode in a Honda Ballade but he was in a motorcade of expensive vehicles.
The Sh1.5 million compact saloon car he used is a preserve of middle class citizens in many African countries, but the Mercedes Benzs and Landcruisers that surrounded him are a show of wealth.
Even in the United States in September, Francis launched his first visit with a characteristic gesture of humility.
After a red carpet welcome by President Barack Obama at an air base near the capital, the 78-year-old Argentine headed off to Washington not in a limousine as is customary but in a modest Fiat.
Schoolchildren cheered the pontiff as his Alitalia plane landed, chanting "We love Francis, yes we do. We love Francis, how about you?"
Francis's flight down the stairs of the 'Shepherd One' Alitalia aircraft in which he landed in Nairobi at 4.32pm was also odd.
The Pope, who arrived 30 minutes early, disembarked without stopping to wave at hosts and opted to greet a few people including President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Francis was greeted with song and dance as he was being received at the JKIA, by senior government officials and religious leaders.
He was guided to the Presidential pavilion where he signed the visitors book and wrote: “Prayerful gratitude for your care of travellers.”
The Pope has started his first tour of Africa in Kenya and will also visit Uganda and the Central African Republic, where violence is spiraling.
From the airport, he headed to State House where Italy and Kenya's national anthem tunes were played.
He was then accorded a 21-gun salute and instead of inspecting a guard of honour, the Kenya Defence Forces staged a march.
He planted a tree outside State House in line with his quest for environmental conservation and engaged his hosts in talks.
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