The Conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

The Conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) The conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is one of the world's most complex and protracted crises, involving a mix of historical, political, economic, and social factors.  Here is an overview of what is known about the conflict in recent years:  The roots of the conflict date back to the colonial era, post-independence instability, and the aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan genocide.  The First Congo War (1996–1997) and the Second Congo War (1998–2003) involved several African nations and armed groups, resulting in millions of deaths, mostly from disease and starvation.  The Second Congo War, often referred to as the "Great War of Africa," drew in nine African countries and numerous rebel groups, resulting in widespread devastation. The current conflict dynamic affects eastern DRC (particularly North Kivu, South Kivu and Ituri) and remains the epicenter of violence, with over 120 armed groups in the region.  Major armed groups include:  M23 (March 23 Movement). A rebel group that re-emerged in 2021 and is allegedly supported by Rwanda, although Rwanda denies this. Allied Democratic Forces (ADF). A militant Ugandan Islamist group responsible for numerous attacks on civilians. Codeco: A militia group operating primarily in Italy and involved in ethnic violence.  The conflict is fueled by competition for land, ethnic tensions and control of mineral resources (e.g. gold, coltan, cobalt). The conflict has caused one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, with over 6 million people internally displaced and millions more in need of assistance. Sexual violence, recruitment of child soldiers and mass killings are widespread. The DRC hosted one of the largest UN peacekeeping missions (MONUSCO), but its effectiveness has been questioned. Neighbouring countries, particularly Rwanda and Uganda, have been accused of supporting rebel groups, although they deny these allegations. The DRC government has accused Rwanda of supporting M23, which has led to diplomatic tensions. International actors, including the UN, African Union and Western nations, have tried to mediate, but progress has been limited. The DRC is rich in natural resources, but the exploitation of these resources often fuels conflict. Illegal mining and trade in minerals finance armed groups.  Corruption and weak governance exacerbate the situation, as state institutions cannot effectively control the area or provide security.  Recent developments (as of 2023-2024). The resurgence of M23 has led to increased violence in North Kivu, displacing hundreds of thousands. The DRC government has declared states of emergency in affected regions and launched military operations against armed groups. Regional diplomatic successes such as the Nairobi Process and the Luanda Roadmap aim to stabilize the region, but have had limited success.  Peace will be difficult, with weak governance and corruption hampering state-building efforts. The proliferation of armed groups and their shifting alliances complicate peace negotiations. The international community's focus on the DRC has waned, reducing funding and attention for humanitarian and peacekeeping efforts.  What might the future hold?  Without addressing the root causes of the conflict - such as governance, resource use and regional interference - the crisis is likely to persist. Strengthening state institutions, promoting economic development and ensuring accountability for human rights abuses are critical to long-term stability. The situation remains fluid and the conflict continues to evolve, with significant implications for the region and beyond.

Time for Kenyan youths to stop abusing leaders

the Star, Kenya, wrote an aricle " Time for Kenyan youths to stop abusing leaders' and a criticsj from me. There should be limits to freedom of speech, and how far can you go? Freedom of speech is a fundamental right enshrined in the 2010 Kenyan Constitution that allows individuals to share their thoughts, opinions and information. This right is crucial for a vibrant democracy. Yet recent trends among Kenyan youth, particularly on social media, reveal worrying cases of its abuse. Posts mocking public officials, spreading hate speech or sharing offensive content are becoming alarmingly frequent. It cannot be seen as quite so one-sided. This "making fun" of public officials is an expression of how the youth feel, how they view these public officials. Some posts are borderline, not funny at all, some can be dispensed with, but nevertheless it is an expression of the mood of the population, and that must not be suppressed. It is a democracy, as it is called, and an official must be able to take criticism.    A particularly worrying trend is the depiction of leaders as silhouettes or cartoon characters in a dehumanizing and disrespectful manner. This is true, because many officials are just puppets. Here is just one example. Last year, President Ruto brought I think five MPs from the opposition into his government. It is inevitable that there will be big question marks. These five MPs have dehumanized themselves, you don't need youth for that, you need shillings.    Such actions exceed the limits of constructive criticism and often violate legal provisions.   While freedom of expression is protected, it must be exercised with responsibility and respect.  To ensure that this right does not lead to harmful behavior with serious consequences in the real world, respect for leaders and others is essential. In recent months there have been kidnappings, some murders. Were these kidnappings carried out with respect? Some people lost their lives. Not to mention the many deaths at the demonstrations last year. Did these people die with respect? So far, no one has asked about respect for the demonstrators, but that is far from the case. Who kidnapped the boys? This question will never be answered. Who gave the order? There will be no answer here either. The Kenyan constitution guarantees everyone the right to freedom of expression in Article 33(1), including the freedom to seek, receive and impart information or ideas. This provision is crucial to fostering an open, democratic society where individuals can participate in discussions that shape the future of the nation.  However, this freedom is not absolute. Article 33(2) specifically prohibits speech that includes hate speech, discrimination, incitement to violence or war propaganda. Social media provides a platform for young people to participate in national discourse, but it also facilitates the unchecked spread of hate speech, malicious content and blatant disrespect towards public figures. For example, posts that depict politicians in an offensive manner, such as the President in a coffin, can have far-reaching consequences. Such content not only undermines public order but also violates the law, including the provisions of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrime Act. While some may view these posts as an expression of frustration, they can result in legal consequences, including charges of hate speech, defamation or endangering national security. Freedom of expression is not just about the right to speak – it also includes the duty to exercise that right responsibly. Respect is fundamental in any dialogue, especially when addressing people in positions of power or authority. Kenyan society is deeply rooted in traditional values ​​and has always placed great emphasis on respect for leaders, elders and public figures. Disrespectful comments, even if they are meant to be satirical or critical, can escalate tensions and deepen divisions. The younger generation must understand that when exercising freedom of expression, one must be aware of its impact on others. Respect is a cornerstone of social harmony. Ignoring it only leads to conflict. Parents, educators and community leaders need to reflect on where societal values ​​have eroded and take steps to instill respect and dignity in communication.   Traditional values ​​of many Kenyan communities include humility, patience and dignity in public discourse.   These values ​​can serve as a moral compass for young people to navigate the complexities of modern communication.   By incorporating these principles into online and offline interactions, young people can express themselves responsibly while promoting peace and understanding. Essentially, it can be said that if politics behaved in such a way that "everything was running smoothly", then there would be no disrespectful comments. In other words, if politics abides by the rules, then there will be no such actions. But they do exist! The question that still needs to be answered is who is to blame? The young? The old? The disabled? The sick? No, none of these are guilty, the guilty are those who made this criticism, whether appropriate, excessive, ridiculous or gruesome, possible in the first place. And that is precisely what is not questioned in this article.

Djibouti's Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf has he withdrawn from the race.

Djibouti's Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, who is running for the chairmanship of the African Union Commission (AUC), has denied claims that he has withdrawn from the race. Born on September 2, 1965, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf is a prominent Djiboutian diplomat who has served as Foreign Minister since 2005. He has a solid educational background in foreign languages ​​and business administration from institutions such as Lumiere University and the University of Liverpool.  Rumors emerged that he had withdrawn from the race for the AUC chairmanship and instead agreed to support Raila Odinga's candidacy. There were also false allegations that he dropped out of the race through bribery. The rumors I have heard are something else. It was said that President William Ruto gave Mahmoud Ali Youssouf some small change to make Mahmoud drop out of the candidacy.  On Thursday, Ali Youssouf made it clear that he is still firmly in the race.   The minister is the main opponent of the Kenyan candidate Raila Amollo Odinga.  

Mpox cases in Kenya

Five new Mpox cases have been reported in Kenya, the Ministry of Health announced.  The cases were reported in Kericho (1 case) and Taita Teveta (1 case) on January 17, 2025. The most recent cases, as reported on January 21, 2025, are Busia (2 cases) and Kilifi (1 case). The total number of Mpox cases in Kenya is currently 36 in 12 counties. The highest number of cases by county is Nakuru (10), Mombasa (8) and Busia (3). Cases were also reported in Nairobi, Kajiado, Bungoma, Taita Taveta, Kericho and Kilifi with two cases each, and one case each from Makueni, Kiambu and Uasin Gishu.  

"Molo-President's" death

Molo activist Richard Raymond Otieno has been beautifully reported to have been murdered. Raymond, a vocal human rights activist, died outside his house when he was attacked by unknown assailants. Speaking to Citizen TV, Margaret Mwihaki, who is now mourning the loss of her husband, recounted the tragic events of the vocal activist's death. Mwihaki recounted how her husband called and asked to open the gate as he was on his way home after a football match. However, when Mwihaki reached the gate, it was already open, so she went back inside the house to wait for her beloved husband. A few minutes after she reached her bedroom, she heard screams from outside; when Mwihaki and her neighbours stepped out, they found Raymond lying in a pool of blood. Raymond was lying on the floor with deep cuts on his head. Unfortunately, the outspoken human rights activist succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital. The widow also revealed that Raymond had expressed fear of being followed by three people and recalled an attack last November by people he believed to have links to a local politician. “On Thursday, he came home and told me, ‘On my way home, I saw some people almost at the gate, three of them behind me, and they seemed suspicious.’ He said, ‘It’s not good from now on,’” Mwihaki recounted. After his body was discovered, locals protested, demanding justice and accountability from authorities, who have been accused of delaying investigations. The incident has sparked widespread outrage and calls for action against political violence in Kenya. Meanwhile, ex-Vice President Rigathi Gachagua has condemned the gruesome murder of the political activist and human rights activist from Molo. In a statement, Gachagua indirectly linked the Kenya Kwanza government to Raymond’s death. According to Gachagua, the murder of the vocal activist from Molo was meant to instill fear among critics of President William Ruto’s government. The former Vice President conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the family and described Raymond’s death as a great loss to the struggle for human rights. He called on the government to ensure that the human rights defender's killers are arrested and brought to justice.

@Breakingnewskenya

Nairobi has been ranked among the top five cities in Africa

Tourism Minister Rebecca Miano celebrated the achievement on social media and called on Kenyans to maintain peace and patriotism so that the city retains its ranking. “Nairobi has been awarded the fifth best city in Africa in Trip Advisor’s Travelers Choice Awards. May we continue to maintain peace, patriotism, prosperity and kindness. Kenya is our home and a dream destination for the world,” Miano’s statement said. Considered a milestone in pan-African urban research, this comprehensive assessment went beyond traditional yardsticks and evaluated cities from all angles. The rankings were based on nearly 2,000 responses collected through a comprehensive survey that used a multi-dimensional approach to assess urban attractiveness. The study’s methodology included 26 sub-criteria grouped into five core categories that reflect the realities of modern city life across the continent. The five categories were quality of life, infrastructure and housing, employment and economic opportunities, essential services and foreign direct investment (FDI) from 2019 to 2023. How did Nairobi come to be chosen as the 5th best city? That was a TripAdvisor survey. It highlights Nairobi as the safari capital.  What isn't mentioned here is that there is Kibera and that is the largest slum in Nairobi, Kenya. It is also considered one of the largest slums in Africa. It covers an area of ​​about 2.5 square kilometers (about 1 square mile) and is considered the largest slum area in Nairobi and all of Africa. The 2009 Kenyan Population and Housing Census reported a population of 170,070, but estimates vary considerably, with some sources giving figures ranging from 500,000 to over 1 million residents, depending on which definitions are used for the boundaries. Marrakesh, known as the "Red City" of Morocco, was ranked Africa's best city. Port Louis in Mauritius, which came in second. The Tanzanian island of Zanzibar, came in third. Nairobi's ranking came months after The Africa Report, in partnership with Jeune Afrique, published its first list of Africa's 30 most attractive cities. In the ranking, Nairobi was ranked sixth in Africa.  Cape Town and Johannesburg in South Africa, Kigali in Rwanda and Casablanca and Rabat in Morocco rank ahead of Kenya's capital.

Fisherman killed by a Hippo

There has been a calamity in Naivasha. Naivasha is a town in Nakuru County, Kenya, 92.8 km northwest of Nairobi. It has a population of about 198,444 according to the 2019 census and is located on the shores of Lake Naivasha, which influences its name which is derived from the Maasai word for "that which rises". Naivasha is known for its agriculture, particularly floriculture, and serves as a popular tourist destination with attractions such as Hell's Gate National Park and Crescent Island Game Park. Following the tragic death of a local fisherman, grief and anger are expressed by the residents of Kihoto. A fisherman was killed by a hippo. The fisherman was tragically killed by a hippo while reportedly trying to flee from the coast guard.  Armed with drums and sticks, the local fishermen threw caution to the wind and ventured deep into the water to recover Maina's remains. What happened? A fellow fisherman gave an account. The fisherman left home as usual to provide for his family, using only a fishing rod and a hook deep in the water. The fellow fisherman, describing the horrific events, said they were only laying their usual traps. He said they were attacked by the coast guard and forced to flee for fear of arrest. He fled from the police, walking straight to his death. "As we were trying to set the traps, coast guard officers showed up and we started to flee towards the water. When we got there, my colleague went in and got to a place with hippos who attacked and killed him. After that, the officer who had been chasing us left and they left," Muriuki said. The fisherman's body was later recovered from the lake with the assistance of the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and the police. This was the fisherman's last day.

Molo-President mordered in Nakuru

A section of residents of Elburgon in Nakuru County protested against the killing of youth leader and outspoken government critic Richard Raymond Otieno, who was a vocal critic of local government officials, raising doubts about the motives behind his murder. He is not the first to die and will not be the last. His untimely death has left the community shocked and saddened by unknown persons. Officially, it is always unknown persons. Otieno, who is also known as the “Molo President”, was found dead in Molo after reportedly being attacked by unknown persons with an axe. Molo is a town in Nakuru County, Kenya with a population of about 156,732 as of 2019. It is one of the 11 constituencies in the county and is known for its agricultural productivity, especially in potato farming. Molo is the second largest producer in Kenya. The town is located along the Mau Forest and has a cooler climate conducive to agriculture. Molo also hosts the Molo Earth Market, which promotes local foods and traditions. Recently, protests erupted following the death of activist Richard Otieno, drawing attention to the ongoing social problems in the area. His body was discovered outside the gate of his rented apartment. Close associates claim he has been receiving death threats from unknown assailants in recent days. Police said they are investigating the murder.

Everything in Kenya is a double-edged sword.

Aden Duale, Minister of Environment and Forestry, has strongly criticised former President Uhuru Kenyatta for inciting Kenyan youth. The minister claimed that Uhuru's views were aimed at fomenting social unrest and plunging the country into chaos. It would be too easy to say that this is not true.  Duale urged young Kenyans to ignore Uhuru's advice.  He wanted the ex-president to help reform the country and lead it towards prosperity. Prosperity looks different. Prices are rising, many can no longer afford to live. I know from personal experience that many Kenyans want to leave the country. "Regardless of our political beliefs and differences, we would like to call on all politicians not to encourage our youth - the future of the country - to violence, civil disobedience, lawlessness or other despicable acts that violate the legal system of our country," Duale said. Uhuru warned the youth not to sit back because what is theirs will be taken away from them. And that is true. But it must also be said that he had previously prevented youth-led uprisings against the ruling government. Everything in Kenya is a double-edged sword.

Cabinet of Millionaires, Kenya

The newspaper "Tuko" writes today that Kenyans are shocked by Uhuru Kenyatta's call for Generation Z to continue to put pressure on Ruto's government. Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has called on Generation Z not to give up in their fight against corrupt governance. He also stressed that young people should not be afraid to give up their quest for good governance. Kenyans are certainly not shocked, they are more surprised to hear such a statement from the former president. As far as I have been told, censorship is to be introduced to prevent people from writing badly about President Ruto. Not long ago, Uhuru had a comedian arrested because he was criticizing Uhuru's policies, which is not allowed. Essentially the same as here. Our President Von der Bellen (VdB) also reported a journalist because he did not agree with him. The judge must have been a little more understanding than VdB and acquitted him. And "The Star" goes one step further.  The cabinet secretaries in President William Ruto's government have a combined net worth of more than 18 billion shillings. The ordinary citizen is asking himself, what can I expect from such a government?  On Friday, three cabinet members were sworn in, and the financial strength of the team became clear.  The professional politicians who have served the country in various capacities in the past are the wealthier men.  Agriculture Minister Mutahi Kagwe, his ICT colleague William Kabogo and Lee Kinyanjui, who is taking over the trade office, have a combined net worth of 4 billion shillings. Kabogo, a former Juja MP and Kiambu governor, said he was worth 3 billion shillings. Kagwe, a former ICT minister and later health minister, estimated his total wealth at about Sh846 million. Kinyanjui, on the other hand, reported a net worth of Sh471 million. Cabinet secretaries who took office in August after the Generation Z protests reported a total net worth of Sh10 billion. Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi, whose position was not changed in the changes, had declared a net worth of Sh4 billion for 2022.  Also on the list of billionaires is Hassan Joho, the minister of mines and maritime affairs, who reported his wealth at Sh2.3 billion. Ministers with other larger portfolios include Aden Duale of the Ministry of Environment (Sh980 million), Julius Ogamba of the Ministry of Education (Sh790 million), Kipchumba Murkomen of the Ministry of Interior (Sh620 million) and Wycliffe Oparanya of the Cooperatives with Sh600 million. Public service member Justin Muturi had declared assets of Sh801 million to MPs when he voted in August last year, including land, properties and Sacco shares. Joho told MPs his wealth came from developed and undeveloped properties, and listed houses in Mombasa, Vipingo, Malindi and Nairobi. He owns shares in properties, valuables and cash in the bank - and all that does not include his family's assets. This is truly a cabinet of millionaires.

Marburg Virus outbreak in Tanzania

Everybody is on high alkert! Marburg Virus outbreak in Tanzania. The Marburg virus disease (MVD) is a severe, often fatal illness caused by the Marburg virus, transmitted from fruit bats to humans and through human-to-human contact. The case fatality rate ranges from 23% to 90% depending on the outbreak and patient care quality. Symptoms begin abruptly with fever, severe headache, and muscle pain, progressing to hemorrhagic manifestations. There are currently no approved vaccines or antiviral treatments, but supportive care can improve survival rates. Preventive measures focus on avoiding contact with infected animals and practicing strict hygiene in healthcare settings. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has put Kenya and five other countries on high alert after the death of Eight people in the Kagera region, in Tanzania. In a statement on January 15, the WHO issued the alert in neighbouring countries including; Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Mozambique. “So far, we are aware of nine suspected cases including eight deaths across two districts in Tanzania,” WHO said.

One cabinet member resigned in Kenya

Today, January 14, 2025, only one Cabinet member, Dr. Peter Mbae, the Head of Government Delivery Services, has resigned, citing unresolved issues and unfavourable working conditions in his office3. There are ongoing discussions about possible resignations of other Cabinet members, but no official announcements have been made yet7

The worst performing currencies in Africa

Some African countries have strengthened their currencies while others have faced deterioration in exchange rates in 2024. The worst performing currencies were the Nigerian Naira, Malawian Kwacha and Rwandan Franc, which experienced significant depreciation of about 104%, 67% and 19% respectively. The NGN (Numeric Naira) has been under significant pressure and has depreciated sharply against the US dollar. This is due to a combination of factors including falling oil revenues, high inflation and a growing current account deficit. The MWK (Malawian Kwacha) has also depreciated against the US dollar. This is mainly due to the global factors affecting emerging market currencies as well as domestic factors such as rising inflation and a growing current account deficit. The RWF (Rwandan Franc) has been relatively stable compared to other currencies in the region. However, it has lost some value against the US dollar. This is mainly due to global factors affecting emerging market currencies.

Abduction case on trial in Kenya

Judge Bahati Mwamuye ordered Danstan Omari to leave his court after the city attorney tried to interrupt when another lawyer had just stood up. Omari is representing Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen, who is listed as the fifth defendant in the case. Among the defendants are senior officials such as the Inspector General of Police, the National Police Service and the Criminal Investigation Department. They are being blamed for the alleged abduction of six people who have spoken out against the government online.  He intervened after LSK lawyer Evans Ogada made an oral application to adjourn the hearing until Police General Douglas Kanja appears in court. The court had ordered that Kanja must be present in person at the hearing. The Supreme Court has mandated these defendants to ensure the immediate release of the abductees and to appear in court to explain their actions. The judge asked Omari not to interrupt until his colleague had finished his presentation. @the star

Food insecurity in Kenya

The early warning system estimates that between October last year and May, between 2.5 and 2.99 million people will need food assistance. Food shortages are expected to peak in February, before the onset of the prolonged rains from March to May. The food crisis is expected to last at least until May, particularly in pastoral areas of Turkana, Marsabit and Garissa districts. This is largely due to the short, below-average rainfall between October and December. Food insecurity is a major problem in Kenya, affecting millions of people.     Millions of Kenyans are affected by food insecurity, although estimates vary by source and period.  For example, a 2023 Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report found that more than 5.4 million people were acutely food insecure between March and June this year. The causes are always the same. Climate change, or droughts, floods and unpredictable weather conditions, are affecting agricultural production and livelihoods. It plays a major role here. Many Kenyans live in poverty and do not have the economic means to have consistent access to sufficient and nutritious food. Conflicts and natural disasters can displace people from their homes and affect food production and distribution. Unequal access to resources, including land and water, can exacerbate food insecurity, especially for marginalized groups. Rising food prices, economic crises and job losses can reduce people's ability to acquire food. The consequences of these problems listed above are that food insecurity can lead to malnutrition, especially among children, with serious consequences for their physical and cognitive development. Malnutrition can then weaken the immune system and make people more susceptible to disease. All of this is related to the so-called poverty trap, because... Food insecurity can trap people in a cycle of poverty, as they may be forced to sell assets or borrow money to buy food, further depleting their resources. Food shortages and high food prices can lead to social unrest and instability.

Will there be an investigation in Kenya?

On Monday, four Kenyans who were allegedly kidnapped and held in unknown locations for half a month were released. The four are cartoonist Gideon Kibet alias Kibet Bull, his brother Ronny Kiplangat, college student Billy Mwangi, content creator Bernard Kavuli and Peter Muteti. Kibet, who was abducted from downtown Nairobi, was found in Luanda, 383 kilometers away. Mwangi, who was abducted in the town of Embu, walked home while Kiplangat, who was captured in Kikuyu, was released in Machakos. Kavuli, who was abused and driven away in Ngong, was found in Kitale while Muteti, who disappeared in Uthiru, was abandoned by his abductors in downtown Nairobi. “You cannot be released by kidnappers and still go to any disco in Luanda. That is impossible."  And you have been gone for 15 days and you still look clean and relaxed dancing matanga in a disco," he questioned in reference to Kibet's alleged abduction. Chairman of the National Assembly's Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations Nelson Koech has questioned the recent wave of abductions after four alleged abductees were released. Koech, an ally of President William Ruto, however, called for a public inquiry into the abduction cases. "I would like to call on the Director of Criminal Investigation to go further and invite and interrogate these young men who were released yesterday to find out what happened," he stated. The newspaper Kenyans writes that and it is nice to question it. what does the "alleged" kidnappings mean? even if a member of the government said, and seriously, that these young people had "kidnapped" themselves, which more likely indicates government involvement, is a diversionary tactic. the police are having a hard time, documents have leaked out that prove that the police's statements do not correspond to the facts.

Demos against abductions in Nairobi, Kenya

Since June last year, at least 82 cases of kidnapping have been reported in the country, of which 29 are still unsolved, according to the Kenya Human Rights Commission. Recent kidnapping victims include Steve Mbisi of Machakos, Billy Mwangi (Embu), Peter Muteti (Nairobi), Bernard Kavuli (Nairobi), Gideon Kibet alias Kibet Bull (Nairobi) and Rony Kiplang'at (Kiambu). According to activists, with the increasing cases of kidnapping and ongoing extrajudicial killings, it is difficult for them to remain silent on the issue and they have no choice but to take to the streets. According to Hussein Khalid, CEO of Vocal Africa, Kenyans have the right to take to the streets and protest against the increasing cases of kidnapping. He added that the police should exercise restraint and give Kenyans an opportunity to demand an end to the atrocities.  "Article 37 of the Constitution is very clear: we are not asking the police to give them the right to protest. We are asking the police to enable Kenyans to exercise their constitutional rights," Khalid explained in a telephone interview. And these criminal activities are spreading even further. The political dispute between former Vice President Rigathi Gachagua and his former boss, President William Ruto, has taken a new turn. Gachagua has called on the International Criminal Court (ICC) to launch an investigation into the alleged resurgence of a criminal gang that he claims is sponsored by the government. Following their mysterious disappearance, 22-year-old Peter Muteti and 24-year-old Billy Mwangi were finally found alive after more than 15 days of searching. Although their abductors have not yet been identified, Mwangi and Muteti were found alive on January 6 when good Samaritans handed them over to their parents. The family of Muteti, who was also kidnapped in December last year, also confirmed that he was found alive. The latest development came after two weeks of intensified searches following their disappearance on December 21 last year under mysterious circumstances. According to reports, Peter Muteti was abducted at about 9am in Uthiru area of ​​Nairobi by four armed men who dragged him into a Toyota Prado. Family members who spoke to the press at the time claimed that their loved ones might have been abducted because of his controversial social media post. Kidnapping: Ichunga, Anthony Kimani Ichung'wah is a prominent Kenyan politician and has been the Member of Parliament for Kikuyu Constituency since 2013. He has held a variety of offices including Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Public Investment and Chairman of the Committee on Budget and Appropriations, and Natembeya, George Natembeya is the current Governor of Trans Nzoia County. He assumed office in October 2022 after winning the August elections. Previously, he served as the Rift Valley Regional Commissioner, where he built a reputation for effectively addressing security issues. Natembeya holds a Masters degree in Anthropology from the University of Nairobi and is deeply committed to community development and human dignity empowerment. He was recently in the news for defending himself against allegations related to kidnappings during his tenure as regional commissioner, asserting his integrity and holding political leaders to account, blaming each other before Ruto.  The youth whose body was found was the victim of a lynching attack, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said. John Muchiri Muthoni's lifeless body was found and showed clear signs of being attacked before his death. At the time, activist Hussein Khalid revealed that the deceased's girlfriend had received an anonymous call informing her of the whereabouts of Muchiri's body. After his death, the public turned accusatory eyes on the security agencies in the wake of a wave of kidnappings that have rocked the country since early December. I would think so too though. The police commissioner was appointed by President Ruto, so a good friend of his.  The youth, whose body was found along Banana-Kiambu road in Kiambu district, was the victim of a lynching attack, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said. John Muchiri Muthoni's lifeless body was found in Kawaida area on Saturday, January 4, and showed clear signs of being assaulted before his death. Following his death, the public turned accusatory eyes on the security agencies in the wake of a wave of kidnappings that have rocked the country since early December. Billy Mwangi was locked in a dark room, whipped and given portioned meals, MP Mukunji said. Charles Owino, 19, was shot in the head during anti-government protests near Nairobi in July, an autopsy report revealed. However, Kenyan police have registered his death as a road accident, his brother said, referring to the mortuary log book he was shown after visually identifying Owino's body. Reuters has not seen a copy of the log book entry. In another case, police said 21-year-old Shaquille Obienge died in a road accident, his father told Reuters, also citing an entry in the morgue log. It somehow reminds us of times gone by. In Nazi concentration camps, alkes died of pneumonia. It sounds like it. The death of a third protester, 24-year-old Kepher Odiwuor Ouma, was attributed to "fake justice," his family said, citing the morgue log, which had his name on it. However, two eyewitnesses told Reuters that Ouma was picked up by police during a demonstration on July 3 and beaten unconscious. The battered body of the fourth protester, Denzel Omondi, was found in a puddle of water on July 6, nine days after his disappearance. The autopsy found that he had died by drowning. The National Police Service did not respond to questions about the specific cases investigated by Reuters. The question still remains unanswered: who gave the order for this action? It can be assumed that in Kenya, as in all other countries, no one goes around kidnapping young people, killing them, or releasing them after a few days. Everyone can rule that out for themselves. There is a system behind these kidnappings. It works very simply. All of these young people have one thing in common: they are critics of President Ruto. It can be assumed that Ruto gave this order, which was intended to intimidate Gen Z. But, as with former Vice President Gachagua, whom he removed from office and wanted to get rid of in this way, which did not lead to success, because now Gachagua is an enemy of Ruto and that does not do him any good, the same is true of these kidnappings, which took place completely without legal basis. All of this raises a single, overarching question: IS THIS KENYA STILL A DEMOCRACY?  Significantly, there is an interview in a newspaper on the internet where an old man was asked what he thought of President Ruto. The answer is indicative of what is going on in this country right now. He actually said that Ruto is the new Hitler or Idi Amin! And that says it all. @kenyans @the Standard  @Nation @Reuters

Kithure Kindiki was abused

Vice President Kithure Kindiki was reportedly manhandled at State House by Farouk Kibet, President William Ruto's personal assistant, to put it bluntly, he slapped him.  Farouk Teigut Kibet is a prominent political strategist in Kenya and closely associated with Vice President William Ruto. Born in Uasin Gishu County in the late 1960s, he began his political career in the 1990s as a youth leader of KANU. Known for his loyalty and strategic insight, Kibet was instrumental in guiding Ruto's political engagements. He has been involved in various controversies including allegations related to the National Youth Service scandal. He is also known for his contributions to the community, particularly for establishing over 100 churches. Established in 1964, the National Youth Service (NYS) in Kenya aims to train youths for national service and vocational skills. Originally inspired by Israeli models, it was upgraded from a state agency to a semi-autonomous corporation in 2019 under the NYS Act 2018. NYS provides paramilitary training and engages youths in community service projects that require a minimum service of six months. Enrollment is voluntary for 18-22 year olds and the training is free and covers various fields such as agriculture and engineering.  That Kibet was involved in the establishment of 100 churches should not be surprising, as the church in Kenya is quite a lucrative business that rakes in a lot of money.  According to a blogger, Farouk beat Kindiki when he complained about frequent arrests and kidnappings of innocent Kenyan youths, especially in his backyard. Kindiki wondered how he was going to defend the government while young Kenyans were being kidnapped from his backyard. As far as is know, Kindiki has tendered his resignation. Actually, Kindiki was the preferred candidate for Ruto's election as president. Kindiki is from Meru and the votes are small, so Ruto chose Gachagua, who comes from the Mount Kenya region and that is where the most votes are. Gachagua was removed from office by Ruto and Kindiki was appointed Vice President. Ruto did not even wait for the Senate to agree, his word is law! The whole incident just shows how this government works, what it thinks and what it does. It shows quite openly this swamp that needs to be drained. @kenyan-post