February 24, 2025: Top news events to look out for today
By Cy Muganda, February 24, 2025Here is what you need to know to keep up to speed with today’s happenings.
SHA services suspension takes effect
Private hospitals under the Rural & Urban Private Hospitals Association Of Kenya (RUPHA) begin their suspension of Social Health Authority (SHA) and Medical Administrator Kenya Limited (MAKL) services today, Monday, February 24, 2025, due to a Ksh30 billion debt owed by the government.
According to guidelines issued to member hospitals by the body on Sunday, February 23, 2025, emergency care will continue to be provided, with patients being stabilized before referral.
RUPHA further revealed that those admitted before February 24, 2025, will continue receiving care until discharge, while scheduled outpatient appointments made before February 24, 2025, will also be honoured.
“Patients shall be informed that SHA and/or MAKL services are unavailable and be given the following options; Cash payments for those who can afford to continue receiving care or referral to any hospitals that may continue accepting MAKL/SHA coverage,” RUPHA stated.
“No new SHA or MAKL-funded admissions shall be accepted from 24th February 2025, unless SHA or MAKL provide an upfront payment guarantee. Any newly admitted patients must be covered under alternative payment mechanisms” RUPHA added.
Reactions to Gachagua’s warning against Ruto visiting Meru
More reactions are expected following former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s fiery warning to President William Ruto against visiting Meru County if Chief Justice Martha Koome is removed.
Speaking at AIPCA Antubetwe Kiongo Church in Igembe North on Sunday, February 23, 2025, Gachagua warned of demonstrations if Koome is ousted.
“The people of Meru have been taken for granted for too long. It must stop. The president has already removed me, sacked Mithika Linturi, and now he is plotting to remove Martha Koome through backdoor deals in court. He is bribing people to oust her,” Gachagua stated.
“If you remove Martha Koome, don’t set foot in Meru. You removed Rigathi Gachagua, and the people of Mt. Kenya remained silent. You thought they were cowards. We are telling you, Mr President, if you oust Koome, stay in Nairobi—don’t step here in Meru again!” he added.
In response, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen on February 23, 2025, condemned Gachagua’s remarks, calling them a dangerous tribal rhetoric.
“Why are some leaders now defending judges based on their tribe instead of their ability to serve? Judicial appointments should be about competence, not ethnicity,” Murkomen argued.
He further stressed the importance of upholding the rule of law, maintaining that judicial officers must be judged based on their professional track record rather than ethnic or political considerations.
“Every judge in this country holds office because of their competence, not their tribe. It is dangerous to insist that a judge must stay in office simply because of their ethnic background,” he said.
Health updates on Pope Francis
The Vatican is expected to issue an update on Pope Francis’ health following his hospitalization on February 14, 2025.
In a message on February 23, 2025, the Pope asked Catholics to pray for him as he continues receiving treatment for double pneumonia.
For the second consecutive Sunday, he was unable to personally deliver the traditional Angelus prayer.
This comes after the Vatican revealed on February 22, 2025, that the 88-year-old pontiff’s condition remains critical.
In his message, Pope Francis expressed gratitude to medical professionals and well-wishers.
“In recent days, I have received many messages of affection, and I have been particularly touched by letters and drawings from children,” he wrote.
“Thank you for your closeness and for the prayers of comfort from all over the world. I entrust you all to the intercession of Mary, and I ask you to pray for me,” he added.