Faithfuls of the Legio Maria religious sect on Monday thronged the Kisumu International Airport to welcome their 'Pope', Raphael Titus.
The sect leaders led by Kisumu Archbishop Moses Aduol caused a stir at the airport as they received Titus who was returning from a one-month religious pilgrimage in East Africa in pomp and color.
He is the fourth spiritual leader of the sect.
Most of the followers led by Aduol who is also a senior police officer knelt before him, touched his feet and kissed his hands.
This raised eyebrows among city residents, most of whom found the act weird and unprecedented, leading to a lot of talk and discussion.
"In our culture, the kissing of a revered leader’s feet and hands is unheard of,” Elvis Owino, a resident, told the Standard.
According to the believers, Titus who is also known as 'Papa Tito' will be in the county for three days to 'pray for the sick and vulnerable'.
The sect was founded by two Roman Catholics; Simeo Ondeto and catechist Gaudencia Aoko in 1963, Ondetto died in 1992.
It currently brags of a membership of about 3 million followers.
The sect emphasizes gift of the holy spirits and incorporates among others, speaking in tongues.