Covering Pope Francis: The unforgettable journalistic assignment

By Wanderi Kamau

When news broke in mid-2015 that Pope Francis would be visiting Kenya, the entire nation buzzed with anticipation.

It was no ordinary announcement. For a country where the Catholic Church commands a large following, the visit of the head of the global Church carried deep spiritual and national significance.

As a journalist with Taifa Leo newspaper at the time, I was thrilled when my news editor informed me that I would be among the team dispatched to cover the historic visit. It would later turn out to be one of the most memorable assignments of my career.

The Pope’s visit, scheduled for November 25 to 27, 2015, was part of his maiden trip to Africa. The moment the dates were confirmed, the newsroom sprang into action, setting up a comprehensive coverage plan.

I was to be stationed with two other colleagues—photojournalist Evans Habil and fellow reporter Eunice Kilonzo from Daily Nation. Together, we were to provide full coverage for the Nation Media Group, with me focusing on the Kiswahili audience through Taifa Leo.

On the afternoon of November 25, we made our way to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), where the Pope’s aircraft was expected to touch down. The atmosphere at the airport was electric—security was tight, and crowds had already started forming along key roads hoping to catch a glimpse of the pontiff.

When the Pope finally disembarked, dressed in his signature white cassock and smiling warmly, the crowd erupted in cheers. It was a humbling moment to witness the reception of such a global spiritual leader right on Kenyan soil.

Logistical challenge

Covering the event was a logistical challenge, but also incredibly fulfilling. We moved swiftly from one location to another, capturing each moment as it unfolded. I provided real-time updates to the Taifa Leo newsdesk via WhatsApp—a relatively new approach in Kenyan newsrooms at the time.

The writer covering Pope Francis when he led a mass at the University of Nairobi grounds. Photo/Wanderi Kamau.

Instant messaging apps were just beginning to find their place in journalism, and our team was among the early adopters. The immediacy it provided was invaluable; it allowed us to keep readers informed almost instantaneously.

The following day, the Pope held a mass at the University of Nairobi grounds. A special monument had been erected there specifically for the occasion. To this day, the structure still stands—a testament to the significance of that moment. Thousands gathered from across the country to attend the open-air mass.

The atmosphere was reverent and celebratory, with hymns and prayers echoing through the campus. It was powerful to see such a massive, united congregation of people from all walks of life, all drawn together by faith.

Jubilant crowds at Kasarani

Later that day, Pope Francis addressed an even larger crowd at the Moi Sports Centre in Kasarani. The stadium was packed to capacity, with both the young and old eager to listen to his message. What struck me most about the pontiff was his simplicity and openness. He moved with ease among the people, smiling, waving, and occasionally stopping to interact directly with individuals. He was not aloof or guarded—his demeanor was that of a humble servant leader.

Another significant moment came when he met with Kenya’s past and present leaders—retired Presidents Daniel arap Moi and Mwai Kibaki, as well as then-President Uhuru Kenyatta. The photos from that day told their own stories: of generational leadership, of faith meeting governance, of a rare moment in history when spiritual and political leadership converged for a common cause.

As a journalist, you cover many stories. Some are routine, others dramatic, and a few unforgettable. This assignment was the latter. It demanded long hours, swift coordination, and constant alertness, but the reward was the opportunity to witness a once-in-a-lifetime event. It was not just about reporting news—it was about documenting history.

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Looking back, what makes the memory even more vivid is how the coverage brought together a team of professionals working seamlessly across different platforms.

Evans Habil captured powerful visuals, Eunice Kilonzo provided rich narratives for Daily Nation, and I focused on delivering timely updates and stories for Taifa Leo. The synergy was remarkable.

Ten years later, the images, sounds, and emotions of those three days in November remain etched in my mind.

Covering Pope Francis’s visit was not just a journalistic assignment—it was a personal encounter with history, faith, and the power of human connection.

May he rest in eternal peace.