Attendants at the village of Mary Mother of God Shrine in Subukia, Nakuru County are amazed at the number of people visiting the facility for prayers over the last couple of days saying it is historic.
They said a majority of faithful visiting the shrine have been forced to sleep in tents erected to help accommodate the large number of people awaiting their turn to pray and draw water from the “holy tap”.
According to Father Morris Kaunda, the number has increased as a result of the Papal visit, with many people saying they want the head of the Catholic Church to find them cleansed.
"People are coming from all parts of the county to pray and draw the “holy water” awaiting the arrival of the holy father. This is a holy place and we are always ready to welcome everybody from all walks of life," he noted.
The shrine which seats on a 400-acre of land, is used by Catholic pilgrims for prayers.
The Pope is expected in the country on Wednesday evening for a two-day visit and according to Fr Kaunda, screens will be mounted at the shrine for live coverage of the events for those who will not make it to Nairobi.