February 25, 2025: Top news events to look out for today
By Cy Muganda, February 25, 2025Here is what you need to know to keep up to speed with today’s happenings.
Reactions following Raila-Ruto joint presser
Reactions are expected following the joint press conference held by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and President William Ruto after Raila’s defeat in the race for the African Union Commission chairmanship.
Speaking from State House in Mombasa on February 24, 2025, Ruto praised Raila for his commitment and highlighted that Raila’s campaign significantly enhanced Kenya’s prominence in African leadership.
“Raila Odinga rolled out a formidable and effective campaign for the position of African Union Commission chairperson across the continent. He was present and available for the busy schedules and appointments in nearly all capitals of Africa,” Ruto stated.
Despite the loss, Ruto reaffirmed Kenya’s dedication to playing an essential role in African unity and development, while Raila acknowledged the president’s support during the campaign.
Regarding his political future, Raila expressed his willingness to serve both continental and national interests, promising to announce his next steps after thorough consultations.
“I am available to help the continent of Africa but more importantly, I am also available for Kenya. I will consult widely and in due course announce the way forward shortly. Watch this space, I will be talking again,” Raila stated.
Their display of unity is expected to elicit responses from legislators and opposition members as discussions continue regarding Kenya’s political future.
Parliament resumes
Legislators are set to return to both houses of Parliament today as the Senate and National Assembly resume their sessions.
Their last session took place on February 20, 2025.
SHA suspension
More updates are expected as hospitals under the Rural & Urban Private Hospitals Association of Kenya (RUPHA) continue their suspension of Social Health Authority (SHA) and Medical Administrator Kenya Limited (MAKL) services for the second day.
The suspension, which started on Monday, February 24, 2025, stems from unresolved payment issues totalling Ksh30 billion.
In a media interview on February 24, 2025, SHA Chairperson Mohammed Abdi stated that the only outstanding payments are those related to the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).
He noted that SHA has already settled all claims—amounting to Ksh17.5 billion from October 2024 to January 2025.
Abdi explained that SHA has inherited NHIF’s liabilities and sustainability challenges, which necessitate monthly disbursements due to pending bills.
He assured that SHA is actively working to maintain cash flow to health facilities while addressing healthcare providers’ concerns.
He also urged RUPHA to reconsider the suspension and to engage in further discussions to resolve any outstanding issues.
“Under the claims that we have received from SHIF, which under SHA is Ksh 17.5 billion, and we have paid it all, that is from October 2024 to January 2025. Meaning, despite our contract with the providers saying we will settle claims within the 90-day period, we have been able to do so on a monthly basis,” Abdi stated.
Updates on Pope Francis’ health
The Vatican is expected to issue an update on Pope Francis’ health following his hospitalization at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on February 14, 2025.
In a statement on Monday, February 25, 2025, the Vatican reported that Pope Francis is in good spirits, eating normally, and continuing to receive treatment.
The Monday morning statement reported that the Pope had a restful night and is responding well to treatment.
This update follows previous concerns over the weekend when the Vatican described his condition as critical due to a mild kidney problem.