Top 5 Today: Uhuru Backs Trump’s Aid Freeze Order and Other Headlines
Here are the top news stories in Kenya as of January 31, 2025:
Speaking at the East Africa Region Global Health Security Summit in Mombasa on January 29, 2025, Kenyatta emphasized that African countries should not depend on external assistance and should instead focus on utilizing their own resources effectively.
“I saw some people the other day crying that Trump has removed funding, he is not giving us any more money. Why are you crying? It is not your government; it is not your country. You don’t pay taxes in America. This is a wake-up call for you to say, ‘okay, what are we going to do to help ourselves?’
Kenyatta’s remarks come in the wake of President Trump’s executive order reevaluating and realigning U.S. foreign aid, which has led to the suspension of assistance funded through the State Department and USAID pending review.
This perspective has garnered international attention, with figures like Elon Musk, head of Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), expressing support. Musk commented on social media, “Good for him!” in response to Kenyatta’s statements.
Legal Reforms on Mental Health
In a landmark decision, early this month, Kenya’s High Court declared laws criminalizing attempted suicide unconstitutional. The court ruled that penalizing individuals with mental health issues violates constitutional rights, emphasizing the need for medical treatment over punishment. This decision is expected to encourage more open discussions on mental health and reduce associated stigmas.
In the ruling Justice Mugambi stated that Section 226 of the Penal Code violated constitutional rights by criminalizing mental health issues.
“It is my finding that applying the purpose and effect principle of constitutional interpretation, section 226 of the penal code offends article 27 of the constitution by criminalising a mental health issue thereby endorsing discrimination on the basis of health, which is unconstitutional. It also indignifies and disgraces victims of suicide ideation in the eyes of the community for actions that are beyond their mental control,” Mugambi ruled.
In the past, attempted suicide attracted 2 years behind bars, thereby endorsing discrimination based on health status.
Nelson Makanda Elected IEBC Panel Chair
Dr. Nelson Makanda has been elected as the Chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Selection Panel. The panel also elected Lindah Kiome as the Vice Chairperson.
Dr. Makanda is a theologian and leader, currently serves as the General Secretary and CEO of the Evangelical Alliance of Kenya. He holds a PhD in Biblical Studies from Africa International University and has previously held positions such as Deputy General Secretary of the National Council of Churches in Kenya and associate pastor at Nairobi Baptist Church.
The panel was appointed by President William Ruto and sworn in on January 27, 2025. The panel has set a timeline of 85 days or less to complete the recruitment process, which includes inviting applications, shortlisting candidates, conducting interviews, and submitting the names of qualified candidates to the President for appointment. He assured the public of the panel’s dedication to a fair and transparent process.
Babu Owino Detained in Tanzania
Embakasi East MP, Babu Owino, recently recounted an incident where he was detained upon arrival at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam. According to Owino, Tanzanian immigration officials informed him that he was on Interpol’s Wanted List, leading to his detention for approximately three hours. He expressed confusion over this development, stating that he had never committed any crime in Tanzania.
The controversial lawmaker also mentioned that he is barred from entering Uganda, a situation he attributes to his vocal support for the country’s opposition. Despite these restrictions, he downplayed their significance, asserting that he has no pressing need to visit either country and emphasizing that there is much to explore within Kenya.
“I went to Tanzania. Do you know what happened when I arrived at Dar es Salaam Airport? When I presented my passport for clearance at immigration, they wrote, “Interpol Wanted List.” I was not allowed to enter Tanzania. I was detained there for three hours because they claimed I was on Tanzania’s Interpol Wanted List,” Babu claimed.
Kenya Airways To Expand UK Flights
Starting July 2, 2025, Kenya Airways will launch a new route from London Gatwick to Nairobi, operating three times a week. This addition complements their existing London Heathrow to Nairobi service, increasing weekly connections between the UK and Kenya to ten.
The flights, lasting under nine hours, offer one-way fares starting at £360 for economy class. Kenya remains a popular destination for its safaris, tropical beaches, and rich cultural heritage.
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