Pope Leo and other prominent figures who visited Kenya before becoming world leaders
Just a day after Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected Pope Leo XIV, many Kenyans are reflecting on what now appears to be a remarkable pattern—Kenya’s connection to powerful global figures before they ascend to leadership.
The newly elected pope, who visited the country just months before his elevation, now joins a growing list of global leaders whose journey to greatness passed through Kenya.
His visit in December 2024 went largely unnoticed.
As a cardinal, he quietly presided over the dedication of the Chapel of Our Mother of Good Counsel in Nairobi on December 10, 2024, in a modest ceremony attended by only a few.
He also visited Laikipia and several parishes within Nairobi during his stay, engaging with local clergy and the faithful in simple, heartfelt encounters.
The photos from that time show a humble man, accompanied by a small group, dressed in simple robes—nothing like the pomp and protocol that accompanied Pope Francis’ historic 2015 visit.
But with news of his election to the papacy, Kenyans have been quick to retrieve those overlooked moments.
Social media platforms are now awash with pictures and clips from his time in Kenya.
The realisation that the new head of the Catholic Church was recently walking among them has sparked pride and awe, with many interpreting it as yet another sign of Kenya’s spiritual significance.
It’s not the first time Kenya has found itself linked to monumental global transitions.
Barack Obama
Take, for instance, Barack Obama.
Long before he became the 44th President of the United States and the first African-American to hold that office, Obama spent considerable time in Kenya.
Though he had familial ties to the country, it was during his tenure as a senator that he made several visits, engaging with communities and learning from the nation.
Years later, his election sent waves of celebration across Kenya, where many felt a deep connection to his story.
Then there is the case of Princess Elizabeth. In 1952, the young royal was on a tour of Kenya when she received news that her father, King George VI, had died.
The serene landscapes of Nyeri, where she stayed at the Treetops Hotel, became the unexpected backdrop to her transformation into Queen Elizabeth II.
The place has since become an iconic landmark, symbolising the intersection between Kenya and global monarchy.
King Charles III
Prince Charles, now King Charles III, also maintained a notable connection to Kenya. He visited the country several times before ascending the throne in September 2022.
Notably, he travelled to Kenya in 1971 with his sister, Princess Anne, on an official tour, which included a charity polo event.
He returned again in 1987, both visits taking place during his time as the Prince of Wales.
Though not always headline-grabbing, these visits further reinforce the idea that Kenya has quietly played host to many before they rose to global prominence.
Now, with Pope Leo XIV’s journey echoing a similar narrative, Kenyans are asking a profound question: What is it about our country that seems to precede global greatness?
