Here is what you need to know to keep up to speed with today’s happenings.

Ruto to host Drama Festival

President William Ruto will host the Kenya National Drama Festival State Concert at State House, Nakuru, on Wednesday, April 16, 2025. The event will feature performances by winners of the 2025 Kenya National Schools Drama and Film Festival. The concert will begin at 10:00 am.

This year’s festival captured significant public attention, largely due to the controversy sparked by Butere Girls High School’s play, Echoes of War.

The politically charged play explored themes such as tribalism, ethnicity, and inequality.

It was written and directed by former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malalah.

Parliamentary sessions resume

The National Assembly and Senate are set to resume their sessions on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at 9:30 am, following adjournment on Tuesday evening.

On Tuesday, the National Assembly handled several matters, including the approval of the Cancer Prevention and Control (Amendment) No. 2 Bill, (National Assembly Bill No. 45 of 2022) with amendments. Members also approved the appointment of several Principal Secretaries.

Meanwhile, the Senate conducted the second reading of the Provision of Sanitary Towels Bill (Senate Bills No. 7 of 2024). The Bill, sponsored by Senator Gloria Orwoba and others, aims to ensure the provision of quality, free, and sufficient sanitary towels in all public institutions.

Court hearings on corruption cases

Benjamin Obuya Njoga, former Deputy Commissioner General of Prisons, and 13 others face charges of abuse of office, fraudulent acquisition of public property, and money laundering. The charges stem from allegations of a conspiracy involving senior officials at the State Department for Correctional Services and private individuals to fraudulently acquire Ksh302 million. The hearing will take place at the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court on Wednesday, April 16, 2025.

Arnold Karani Njiru and five others are charged with conspiracy to commit corruption, financial misconduct, and fraudulent payments for services not rendered. The case involves the alleged embezzlement of Ksh19.2 million from the Laikipia East NG-CDF during the 2016/2017 financial year for the construction of a non-existent Thome-Tharua road. The hearing is set for the Anti-Corruption Court in Nyahururu.