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

President Ruto’s engagement with Ukambani leaders

President William Ruto is, on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, expected to host a high-level consultative meeting with Ukambani leaders at State House, where he will engage in discussions concerning a range of pressing issues that continue to affect the expansive region.

The Head of State had earlier confirmed the importance of this meeting on May 14, 2025, during a similar dialogue with representatives from the same region, also held at State House.

The forthcoming engagement is designed to foster direct consultation, and the president has extended a blanket invitation to all elected leaders and regional political figures, most of whom overwhelmingly supported him during the 2022 general elections.

Among the principal matters to be addressed is the long-anticipated tarmacking of the forty-two-kilometre Kibwezi–Ukia Road, a development promise which President William Ruto had solemnly committed to prioritise during his presidential campaign in 2022.

The meeting is expected to dominate national headlines, especially in light of recent political tensions sparked by Ukambani political kingpin Kalonzo Musyoka’s fiery opposition to President Ruto, an opposition that has also gained backing from several politicians in the region who have openly criticised the Head of State.

President Ruto has strategically scheduled the meeting for Wednesday, May 21, as part of a broader political manoeuvre aimed at clearing the path and softening the ground ahead of his planned physical development tour of the Ukambani region.

The president is also expected to unveil the exact dates of his Ukambani tour after announcing on May 14, 2025, that he was postponing it for a few days to allow ongoing talks with leaders in the region.

The postponement was confirmed by Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua.

“Following a highly successful consultative meeting with President @WilliamsRuto and senior government leaders from Ukambani, it was agreed that a broader engagement with Ukambani leaders should be held at State House before the planned development tour of the region,” Mutua said.

Following a highly successful consultative meeting with H.E. President Dr. @WilliamsRuto and senior government leaders from Ukambani, it was agreed that a broader engagement with Ukambani leaders should be held at State House before the planned development tour of the region. pic.twitter.com/UgVkbINO7e

— Dr. Alfred N. Mutua (@DrAlfredMutua) May 13, 2025

Tanzania to unveil hackers

Authorities in Tanzania are expected to unveil further insights into whether they have successfully apprehended cybercriminals who infiltrated the nation’s police official X (formerly Twitter) accounts, which the government managed to reclaim on the evening of Tuesday, May 20, 2025.

The incident, which temporarily disabled the accounts, occurred amid an escalating digital row between Kenyan and Tanzanian netizens. The online tensions were sparked by Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu’s stern rebuke of Kenyan leaders, whom she accused of attempting to interfere in Tanzania’s sovereign legal affairs.

In response to the hacking episode, the Tanzanian government issued a strongly worded statement, affirming that it would leave no stone unturned in its quest to bring the perpetrators to justice—regardless of their national origin.

POLISI YAWASAKA WALIOSAMBAZA TAARIFA ZA UPOTOSHAJI MTANDAO X (TWEETER) pic.twitter.com/znlVTbrrvi

— Police Force TZ (@tanpol) May 20, 2025

This issue has garnered immense public interest within Kenya, particularly due to the controversial nature of President Suluhu’s warning, which prompted a surge of social media reactions and sharp exchanges.

Kenyans are eagerly awaiting disclosure of the identities of the suspects, whether they are Kenyan or Tanzanian nationals, and the specific punitive actions that will be undertaken.

The compromised X account, which boasts over 480,000 followers, disseminated inflammatory misinformation, including a fabricated report of President Suluhu’s death, and even conducted a live broadcast shortly before authorities regained control.

Natembeya’s response over graft case

Trans Nzoia County Governor George Natembeya is, on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, expected to speak for the first time following his arrest and subsequent release on the evening of Tuesday, May 20, 2025.

His case continues to provoke impassioned discourse across political lines and is likely to remain in the spotlight, especially as a growing number of opposition leaders have voiced their condemnation of his arrest.

Governor Natembeya was granted bail by the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court, with the conditions being a Ksh1 million bond accompanied by one surety or, alternatively, a cash bail of Ksh500,000 with two verifiable contact persons.

Anti-Corruption Chief Magistrate Charles Ondieki presided over the case and issued a directive barring Natembeya from accessing his office for a period of sixty days—a ruling that is poised to spark extensive political debate and elicit sharp reactions that will undoubtedly dominate headlines throughout Wednesday, May 21, 2025.

The governor appeared in court on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, where he entered a plea of not guilty in response to graft-related charges.

According to the charge sheet, Natembeya has been accused of engaging in a conflict of interest, in violation of Section 42(3) as read with Section 48 of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act of 2003.

World Day for Cultural Diversity

The World Day for Cultural Diversity, observed annually on May 21, is set to be commemorated across the globe on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, with renewed emphasis on the value of multiculturalism, dialogue, and social cohesion.

This internationally recognised day serves as a tribute to the richness of global cultures and highlights the indispensable role of intercultural dialogue in fostering peace and promoting sustainable development.

In Kenya, the celebration is expected to carry added significance, as the nation has recently intensified its commitment to recognising and embracing its rich mosaic of communities, a commitment underscored by the recent acknowledgement of a total of forty distinct ethnic groups.

Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2002, the day aims to reinforce the understanding that cultural diversity is not merely a social asset but a transformative force that drives positive change and supports the achievement of global development objectives.

The significance of this observance extends beyond ethnic and tribal considerations by also reaffirming the central role of cultural diversity in advancing inclusivity, empowerment, and social progress.

Planned events marking the occasion will include cultural showcases, artistic performances, interactive exhibitions, and in-depth discussions aimed at promoting mutual respect and deeper intercultural understanding.