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

Pope’s burial

The late Pope Francis will be laid to rest.

The funeral Mass for Pope Francis will be held on Saturday, April 26, at 10:00 am in St Peter’s Square, marking the beginning of the Novemdiales—an ancient nine-day tradition of mourning and Masses for the repose of a pope’s soul.

According to Vatican News, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, presided over the Rite of Sealing of the Coffin at 8:00 PM on April 25.

The liturgical rite was attended by several cardinals and senior Vatican officials, marking the end of the public viewing at St Peter’s Basilica, where tens of thousands paid their respects.

President William Ruto is among 11 African heads of state attending Pope Francis’ funeral. Others are Joao Lourenco (Angola) and Mozambique’s Daniel Chapo.

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula is also attending the funeral. Wetang’ula arrived at St Peters’ Square on Friday, April 25.

“This afternoon, I arrived at St Peter’s Square, Vatican City, for the burial of His Holiness Pope Francis, taking place this Saturday. Alongside millions of faithful across the world, I paid my respects and offered a solemn prayer for the soul of the late Holy Father. May his teachings and tireless call for unity among nations continue to echo across generations. I was received by members of the Kenyan diaspora in Italy and was accompanied by Hon. Paul Katana (Kaloleni), among others,” Wetang’ula wrote on X.

London Marathon preps

Final preparations for the London Marathon, set for Sunday, April 27, 2025, are expected to take place.

Kenya’s Eliud Kipchoge is returning to the London course, hoping to beat his younger rivals and etch his name in history books. Six men with sub-2:04 personal bests are going to race, meaning the event will be a very competitive one.

The event will also see Vivian Cheruiyot and Joyciline Jepkosgei carry Kenya’s flag as two of the three fastest women in history renew their rivalry.

Dutch star Sifan Hassan and Ethiopia’s Tigist Assefa are also expected to light up the race.

Reactions to Kihika’s return

Nakuru County Governor Susan Kihika is back in the country after more than five months abroad, with her return expected to continue attracting mixed reactions.

Kihika, who welcomed her twin babies while in the United States, hosted colleagues who she said had come to officially welcome her and the children back home.

“Truly blessed and overwhelmed with gratitude. Was deeply humbled and honored to receive a warm visit from my dear friends who came to welcome me home and celebrate the arrival of my twin babies,” said Kihika in a post on Facebook.

Adding: “Your love, prayers, and presence mean the world to me and my family. Thank you for standing with me in this special season of double blessings.”