Kenya, like the whole world, mourns the death of Pope Francis.
The memory, for tens of thousands of Kenyans, goes back to just under ten years ago, to 25 November 2015 when the Pontiff's historic visit to Kenya took place.
It was two very intense days, including meetings with the authorities, an interfaith mission and a mass on the university campus, in heavy rain, which had not demotivated thousands of students.
One of the most touching moments was Bergoglio's visit to the poor neighbourhood of Kangemi, where he met the underprivileged of the slum, before spending time with young people in Kasarani Stadium and finally being received by the country's bishops. The Kenyan government had declared the second day a national holiday, with public offices, shops and schools remaining closed.
In his speeches, the Pontiff had recalled how corruption is a scourge that affects and is linked to all the other negativities of mankind: from war to hunger, from violence to terrorism. 
Pope Francis had lashed out powerfully against those in Africa who make faith a stronghold and fight battles under this banner. 
An anecdote about his humanity and sympathy was told to us by the Bishop of Maralal, Virgilio Pante. In May of that same year, Pante had presented the Vatican with a special mitre, brought from the Samburu region.
‘Holy Father, you said that a shepherd must smell of sheep, so I brought you this gift from my land. Try to smell it,' Pante told him, with his proverbial wit and spontaneity.
The Pope thanked, put his nose close to his headgear and exclaimed: ‘But this is not sheep!’
The Bishop promptly replied.
‘You are right, Pontiff, in fact, it is made of Samburu goatskin.’
That November 2015, in Nairobi: waiting for Jorge Mario Bergoglio at Jomo Kenyatta Airport were all the bishops of Kenya on parade.
When the Pope approached Bishop Pante, he seemed to recognise him.
‘Holy Father, have you perhaps forgotten my gift from a few months ago?’
‘Of course not...and tomorrow I will wear it for Holy Mass.’
Pante clapped a hand on his shoulder, as one does with old friends.
‘Bravo, promoted!’
This too was Pope Francis.