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

Pope Francis’ body viewing

Pope Francis’ body will be laid in state at St. Peter’s Basilica beginning Wednesday, April 23, 2025, to allow the public to pay their last respects.

The procession is set to commence at 9:00 am with a prayer service at the Chapel of Domus Sanctae Marthae, led by Cardinal Kevin Farrell.

The coffin will then be taken through Vatican grounds and into the Basilica, where the public viewing will start after a short prayer service.

The funeral will take place on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 10:00 am in St. Peter’s Square. It will be led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals. The ceremony will include traditional Catholic farewell rites.

Honouring his wish for simplicity, Pope Francis will be buried at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, not in the usual Vatican tombs. He chose this place out of devotion to the Virgin Mary. He also asked for a modest funeral, including a single wooden coffin.

A nine-day mourning period, called the Novendiale, will follow, with daily prayers and Masses held in his memory.

Pope Francis passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 after suffering a stroke.

Ruto in China

President William Ruto landed in China on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, for his four-day state visit.

According to a statement released by State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed, the president is scheduled to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss key issues related to economic growth, development, and international collaboration.

In addition, he will preside over the Kenya-China Business Forum, which will bring together more than 100 companies from both nations to explore fresh prospects in trade, investment, digital innovation, and industrial advancement.

“As part of efforts to boost Kenya’s agricultural exports, he will inaugurate the Kenya Tea Holding Centre in Fujian Province. Situated in one of China’s key tea regions, the centre will enhance the visibility and market access of Kenyan tea, support smallholder farmers, and strengthen Kenya’s trade footprint in Asia,” the statement explained.

Waititu’s bond application

Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu is set to know his fate on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, as the High Court rules on whether he will be allowed to amend his fresh application for bond.

Waititu, who has been in prison since February following his conviction in a corruption case, is seeking to be released on bond pending the hearing and determination of his appeal.

The former governor was sentenced to 12 years in prison or a fine of Ksh53 million after the magistrate’s court found him guilty of corruption-related charges. Justice Lucy Njuguna had rejected his first bid for bond on March 3, 2025.

Following the setback, he has since submitted a new application before the same judge. His legal team, headed by lawyer Kibe Mungai, is seeking to revise the initial request. However, the Director of Public Prosecutions is challenging the fresh attempt.

The court is expected to deliver its ruling on the amendment request. Should the judge allow the application to be amended, the court will then issue directions on how the bond matter will proceed. This would pave the way for Waititu to argue his case for release as his appeal is heard.