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

Catholics to continue to pay tribute

Thousands of Catholics are expected to gather at St Peter’s Basilica in Rome to pay their last tributes to the late Pope Francis, who died on April 21, 2025.

The pontiff’s body was brought to lie in state at the Basilica on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, where at least 90,000 have attended the viewing ceremony, with thousands more expected as the viewing ends today.

So far, at least 50 heads of state have confirmed attending the pontiff’s burial ceremony in Rome out of 130 foreign leaders who have indicated their intention to be present during the funeral.

The Pope’s casket is expected to be sealed today, Friday, April 25, 2025, as it awaits the pontiff’s final journey, which is slated for Saturday.

Ruto in China

President William Ruto is expected to continue with his inaugural state visit to China today, after he secured deals worth Ksh137 billion to finance transport, health, digital and educational infrastructure during his roundtable with Chinese government officials and investors.

Ruto is expected to visit Fujian Province- a vibrant manufacturing hub in South-East China, as he seeks to secure more funding and jobs during his visit.

“On Friday, President Ruto will visit Fujian Province, a key manufacturing powerhouse in south-eastern China known for its vibrant industrial base and rich tea heritage. During this visit, he will engage with leading Chinese manufacturers, particularly in the e-mobility and tea sectors, among other industries, to pitch investment opportunities in Kenya’s growing manufacturing ecosystem,” a statement from government spokesperson Hussein Mohamed on Thursday notes.

Harambee Starlets to face Cameroon

 Kenya’s Junior Starlets are bracing for a do-or-die clash in Yaoundé today, when they face Cameroon in a high-stakes FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup qualifier, just days after suffering their first defeat in seven matches.  

With a ticket to Morocco hanging in the balance, the young side, buoyed by government support and a promise of reward, is out to overturn the 1-0 home loss and script history on foreign soil. 

Junior Starlets have been brilliant throughout the qualification campaign, displaying bravery on the pitch since last year.  

The loss on Sunday at Nyayo Stadium was a major blow in their quest for back-to-back World Cup qualification.