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

Chebukati’s burial

The former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairperson Wafula Chebukati will be laid to rest today, Saturday, March 8, 2025, at his rural home in Sabata village in Kiminini, Trans Nzoia County.

The government has issued strict guidelines to ensure a peaceful and dignified send-off for the deceased.

Trans Nzoia County Commissioner Gideon Oyagi, while addressing the press on Thursday, March 6, warned that security agents would be on high alert to stop any potential disruptions.

Oyagi cautioned that security officers will not permit the assembly of groups of people in a manner suggesting political interests, adding that no form of mischief will be allowed.

Those planning to attend the burial should not wear political party regalia, as the event is a burial and not a political gathering.

“We will not allow people dressed in political party regalia to attend the event on that day. Whether it is a shirt or a cap, it will not be permitted. I say this because the event is not a political gathering,” Oyagi declared.

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has asked politicians planning to ferry goons to the funeral to cease with immediate effect.

The governor said he was aware that some politicians from the county, with help from outsiders, want to disrupt Chebukati’s funeral and then blame it on him.

“For those coming from outside this county, you should come in as visitors, mourn one of us, and go back to where they came from in a peaceful manner,’’ Natembeya said.

International Women’s Day

The world is today marking International Women’s Day. The day, observed on March 8, is about challenges, backlashes against gender equality, and cause for celebrations around the world.

According to the United Nations (UN), this year’s theme is For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.

Luminaries and top UN officials shared the podium in the General Assembly Hall at UN Headquarters in New York on Friday, March 7, ahead of the event.

In his opening statement, Assembly President Yang set the tone for the day, emphasising that the journey is far from over.

“Gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls remain among the highest priorities of my presidency. Over the past five decades, we have made notable strides in advancing gender equality. The commemoration of International Women’s Day this year—the thirtieth anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and the twenty-fifth anniversary of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325—offers a moment to reflect on progress and honour accomplishments. It also offers an opportunity to rally greater support for gender equality and women’s empowerment. Because gender equality remains still out of reach. The journey is far from over, and much remains to be done,” he said.

Gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls remain among the highest priorities of my presidency.

Over the past five decades, we have made notable strides in advancing gender equality.

The commemoration of International Women’s Day this year—the thirtieth… pic.twitter.com/64BV2jPiK2

— UN GA President (@UN_PGA) March 7, 2025

Reactions to Ruto-Raila pact

President William Ruto and Raila Odinga on Friday, March 7, 2025, signed an agreement framework that will see the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party work together in government.

The agreement titled ‘Understanding to resolve the social and political challenges facing Kenyans’ will see the two parties address 10 issues which are facing Kenyans.

The agreement will see the government fast-track the full implementation of the NADCO report, push inclusivity in all public life, protect and strengthen devolution, promote and protect the livelihoods of young people, leadership and integrity, protect the right to peaceful assembly and protest, address national debt, fight against corruption, stop wastage of public resources and promote government efficiency and protect the sovereignty of the people, the rule of law and constitutionalism.

However, the pact has continued to attract mixed reactions, with a section of political leaders from the opposition condemning it. Wioer leader Kalonzo Musyoka is among the leaders that have termed the pact as betrayal to Kenyans.

Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has also called out Ruto and Raila ov er their pact, warning against the implementation of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report. Today, more reactions on the pact are expected.