January 24, 2025: Top news events to look out for today
Here is what you need to know to get up to speed with today’s happenings.
Grace Mulei’s fate
Following the arrest of Grace Njoki Mulei, a patient who recently stormed Ministry of Health offices over Social Health Authority challenges, Kenyans will be keen to know her fate.
Mulei, a 61-year-old patient, visited the Ministry of Health offices on January 15, 2025, to protest SHA inequalities and inefficiencies.
She was however rounded up and apprehended at Ladnan Hospital in Eastleigh by individuals identifying themselves as Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officers on Thursday evening January 23, 2025.
Following her arrest various groups demanded her release. The Kenya Medical Association, the Law Society of Kenya, and the Police Reforms Working Group are among those who condemned the incident calling for her release.
“Every individual, regardless of their advocacy or opinions, deserves the right to health without fear of intimidation, harassment, or arrest,” the statement read.
On Friday, January 24, 2025, she expected to be arraigned in court and charges revealed. Various organisations and lawyers are expected to represent her in court if she will be arraigned.
ARREST OF A SUSPECT FOR CREATING DISTURBANCE
— DCI KENYA (@DCI_Kenya) January 23, 2025
A suspect has been arrested following reports of a disturbance at the Ministry of Health Boardroom at the Capital Hill Police Station.
The suspect, Grace Njoki Mulei, was tracked down to Hombe Road, off Juja Road, and successfully… pic.twitter.com/m9kdStteke
Ruto to wind up western tour
President William Ruto’s tour in the Western region is expected to enter its final stretch on Friday, January 24, 2025.
The Head of State is expected to wind up the five-day visit by launching various regional projects including the Chepkule Market in Bungoma and Bumala Market in Busia.
Besides launching projects, Ruto is expected to continue responding to some of his critics including the Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua who went live on TikTok and accused his former boss of incompetence.
Gachagua added that Ruto had lost Mt Kenya regions no matter how many appointments he allocated to the region. The former DP is expected to continue hosting leaders at his Wamunyoro residence as Ruto tours Western Kenya.
On Thursday, January 23, 2025, the Head of State visited and launched the Allupe Dam in Busia County before engaging in the last-mile electricity connection exercise in Nambale.
He was also in Webuye East and Webuye West, as well as Kimilili in Bungoma County, to oversee last-mile electricity connections in various households.
On Thursday, he criticised Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyokas who questioned the money used to give cane farmers bonuses. Ruto insisted that the bonuses resulted from proper management and decision-making.
Tob Cohen’s murder case
Following the arrest of Sarah Wairimu on Thursday, January 23, 2025, the Tob Cohen murder case is expected to resume.
According to the Director of Public Prosecutions, (DPP), new material was received prompting their latest move.
“The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions remains committed to executing its mandate as per the rule of law, with due regard to the public interest, administration of justice, and prevention of abuse of legal process,” part of the statement shared by ODPP on Thursday, January 23, 2025, read in part.
PRESS STATEMENT
— Office of The Director Of Public Prosecutions (@ODPP_KE) January 23, 2025
1.The Director of Public Prosecutions, (DPP) today directed Sarah Kohen Wairimu be charged with murder contrary to Section 203 as read with 204 of the Penal Code.
2.This is after overwhelming evidence show Ms. Wairimu murdered her husband namely Tob Chichou… pic.twitter.com/pKwmHBzCgg
Reactions to Koome’s security withdrawal
More reactions from Kenyans and the political class are expected to continue trickling in after Chief Justice Martha Koome claimed that her security had been withdrawn.
Koome claimed in a letter on Thursday, January 23, 2025, addressed to Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Police IG Douglas Kanja, expressing profound concern over the development.
According to Koome, the decision is not only an insult to the Judiciary’s independence but also poses a threat to the safety of judicial officers across the country.
The claim is expected to generate more reactions, considering that CJ Koome had been under intense pressure to step down.
Raila AUC Campaign
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga is expected to continue pitching camp in the northern part of the continent as he continues his vote-hunting mission.
Raila’s journey to the north followed a series of engagements in the South where he met several leaders with whom he shared his vision.
The former Prime Minister is running for the African Union Commission chairmanship seat and the poll is expected to be held in February 2025.
On Thursday, January 23, 2025, Raila met with Mohamed Ben Ayed, Secretary of State to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Migration, and Tunisians Abroad of the Republic of Tunisia. He shared with the leader his agenda and plans to put the continent on a transformation trajectory if elected to succeed the incumbent chairperson Musa Faki.
H.E Mr. Mohamed Ben Ayed, Secretary of State to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Migration, and Tunisians Abroad of the Republic of Tunisia, has today graciously hosted me in Tunis.
— Raila Odinga (@RailaOdinga) January 23, 2025
During our meeting, I shared my vision for Africa and outlined my plans to strengthen and enhance… pic.twitter.com/4NMVNdnlYK