Peace at last in Senegal

Peace at last in Senegal The conflict in the Casamance region in southern Senegal between the Senegalese government and the Movement of Democratic Forces of Casamance (MFDC) began in 1982. The MFDC fought for the independence of Casamance, a region culturally and geographically separated from the rest of Senegal. The conflict was marked by sporadic outbreaks of violence, displacement and long periods of instability. This conflict lasted for about 40 years. The intensity of the conflict varied over the years and there were peace efforts and ceasefires on and off. The Senegalese government and the Movement of Democratic Forces of Casamance (MFDC) have signed a peace agreement brokered by Guinea-Bissau's President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, ending one of Africa's oldest conflicts that lasted four decades, state media reported. "We were able to take part in the conclusion of this important agreement, which represents a very big step towards a definitive peace in Casamance," the state-run Agence de Presse Senegalaise quoted Senegal's Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko as saying at a joint press conference on Sunday in the Palace of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau, which was also attended by the President of the host country Umaro Sissoco Embalo and Prime Minister Rui Duarte Barros.

@trt africa

SADC have appointed former heads of state and government - Uhuru Kenyatta

The East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) have appointed former heads of state and government - Uhuru Kenyatta (Kenya), Olusegun Obasanjo (Nigeria) and Hailemariam Desalegn of Ethiopia - as joint mediators of peace efforts in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Uhuru Kenyatta, the former president of Kenya, was appointed as mediator in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) by his successor William Ruto in 2022. Kenyatta took on this role as part of regional efforts to promote peace and stability in the DRC, a country that has been plagued by conflict and political tensions for years. Despite the efforts, the talks have failed to produce any results and may have been a publicity campaign for President Tshisekedi. There were reports that the talks with the M23 were not invited. In return, Uhuru Kennyatta announced that the M23 should lay down their arms and surrender. This cannot be called mediation. Kenyatta's appointment as mediator came in the context of the East African Community (EAC), which is actively working to resolve conflicts in the region. His task was to mediate between the various actors in the DRC, including government troops, rebel groups and civil society organizations. The aim was to promote dialogue and find sustainable solutions to the ongoing conflicts. The DRC is rich in natural resources, but the exploitation of these resources has often led to violence and instability. Kenyatta's experience as a long-serving politician and former head of state made him a suitable figure for this mediator role. However, the situation in the DRC remains complex and efforts to achieve peace continue to require international support and cooperation. This is now intended to bring together the Nairobi and Luanda peace processes in a coordinated framework. The Nairobi peace process sought to eliminate all armed groups in eastern DRC, including local and foreign militias, and promoted dialogue between the government and these groups on demobilization and reintegration. Despite initial hopes, the process has been slow to progress. Key groups such as the M23 rebels have often been excluded from negotiations, resulting in a lack of progress.  You cannot have negotiations if one party is excluded.  The Luanda process focused on de-escalating tensions between DRC and Rwanda, as well as resolving the security crisis in the east of the country, particularly related to the M23 rebellion. The process suffered setbacks, notably the cancellation of a crucial summit in December 2024, which was seen as a sign of failure. Rwanda is often accused of torpedoing the peace process. The decision was taken during a joint summit of Heads of State and Government chaired by Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who also holds the SADC Chair, and President William Ruto, Chairman of the EAC. The summit was held on 8 February 2025 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Following this initiative, the Chiefs of Defence Forces of the EAC met in Nairobi on 21 February 2025 to assess the security situation and consider possible interventions.

President Tshisekedi cancels visit to Germany

President Tshisekedi cancels visit to Germany The President of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Felix Tshisekedi had to cancel his visit to Germany The M23 rebels are taking over key regions in the east of the country. President Tshisekedi was in Munich, Germany and attended the security conference that began on Friday, February 1.  A statement from the President's office in Kinshasa DRC said that President Tshisekedi would use the meeting, which he is expected to use to discuss the conflict in the DRC, calling for the involvement of the international community. However, the Kinshasa Palace said that the President has decided to return home to deal with the situation. Tshisekedi is not asked to do much. What Tshisekedi wants is for foreigners to come and save his ass. He had already tried that three years ago, back then with the EAC, but they didn't do what he wanted, so he terminated that mandate and brought in the SADC. That didn't help him either. Many South Africans died. It's true that the M23 has made significant progress in the Democratic Republic of Congo in recent weeks. On January 27, 2025, the M23 took control of Goma, which led to many displaced people returning to their home villages. The M23 now controls two important cities in the east of the country with a population of one million, which increases its military presence and influence. There have been numerous civilian casualties in the fighting, with 272 civilians among the dead, according to the DRC government. Things are not looking particularly good for Tshisekedi. Military units are laying down their weapons and switching to M23. The police in the liberated cities have joined M23. You could really think that the Congo military is disintegrating, slowly but surely.    If you want to know more, I recommend the book: M23

The crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo

The crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo 

The conflict in the Kivu region of the DRC is a complex and protracted crisis. Its roots lie in historical, political, economic and social factors. The Kivu region, which includes the provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu, has been a hotbed of violence and instability for decades.  During the colonial period, borders were drawn. Colonial goods grouped different ethnic groups together, leading to tensions over land, resources and political power. After gaining independence from Belgium in 1960, the DRC (then Zaire) experienced political turmoil, including the rise and fall of the dictatorship of Mobutu Sese Seko (1965–1997). The genocide in neighboring Rwanda spilled over into the Democratic Republic of Congo when Hutu extremists fled to the Kivu region, bringing violence and destabilizing the area. Millions of people have been displaced, both within the country and as refugees in neighboring countries. Civilians suffer the most, facing widespread violence, including sexual violence, massacres and forced recruitment by armed groups. The conflict has disrupted health systems, leading to outbreaks of diseases such as cholera and Ebola. The conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo is not noticed in Europe. MONUSCO has been in operation since 1999, but is criticized for its inability to end the conflict. In reality, it supports the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The African Union and regional organizations have tried to broker peace, but progress has been limited. Soldiers from Malawi, Burundi, Tanzania, South Africa, are currently deployed. The international community has imposed sanctions on individuals and groups involved in the conflict, but enforcement remains weak. Crowds of Congolese police who defected to the rebel group M23 sang and clapped in the occupied city of Bukavu on Saturday, preparing to retrain under the leadership of the Rwandan-backed rebels who want to show they are willing to stay and rule. The M23 rebels advanced a week ago into the second-largest city in eastern DRC, which has been rocked by looting and unrest as Congolese forces withdrew without a fight. Numerous armed groups are active in the Kivu region, including: M23. A Tutsi-led rebel group allegedly backed by Rwanda and accused of destabilizing the region. For those interested in more details, I recommend this book; M23.

The famous Benin bronzes

Benin Bronzes are a group of more than a thousand metal plaques and sculptures that decorated the royal palace of the Kingdom of Benin in modern-day Nigeria. These artifacts were created by the Edo people from the 13th century onwards and are known for their intricate craftsmanship and historical significance. Although they are referred to as “bronzes”, many of the artifacts are actually made of brass. The pieces were made using the lost wax casting process, which involves creating a wax model, covering it with clay, and then melting away the wax to pour molten metal into the mold. The Benin Bronzes were part of the art of the royal court and were used to decorate the palace, commemorate historical events, and honor the Oba (king) and other important figures. They offer valuable insight into the history, culture, and society of the Kingdom of Benin. In 1897, a British military expedition attacked and sacked the city of Benin. Yes, that is correct. In 1897, a British military expedition launched an attack on the city of Benin in what is now Nigeria. This attack is known as the "Benin Expedition" or "Punitive Expedition against Benin" and had far-reaching consequences for the Kingdom of Benin and its cultural heritage. The immediate cause of the expedition was an attack on a British delegation en route to Benin. The delegation was attacked by warriors of the Kingdom of Benin, killing several British officers and African porters. This event was viewed by the British as a provocation and used as justification for military intervention. In February, British troops consisting of about 1,200 soldiers entered the city of Benin. The city was captured, and the Oba (king) of Benin, Ovonramwen Nogbaisi, was deposed and exiled. Oba Ovonramwen Nogbaisi, also known as Overami, was the 35th Ọba of the Kingdom of Benin and ruled from about 1888 to 1897. He was born around 1857 to Ọba Adọlọ and took his royal name, which means "The Rising Sun" and "that spreads over everything", at his coronation1. His reign was marked by resistance to British colonial expansion. He was exiled to Calabar. He died in January 1914. The British looted the royal palace and took thousands of art objects, including the famous Benin bronzes

, but also ivory carvings, wooden artifacts and other cultural objects. The Kingdom of Benin lost its independence and became part of the British colonial territory in Nigeria. The events of 1897 are an important part of colonial history and raise questions about the return of cultural property and the reckoning with colonial injustices. Thousands of artifacts, including the Benin Bronzes, were looted and later sold or donated to museums and private collections around the world. This event is often cited as a significant example of colonial looting. In recent years, there has been growing pressure on museums and institutions to return the Benin Bronzes to Nigeria. Several institutions, including the Smithsonian Institution and the University of Aberdeen, have committed to repatriating their Benin Bronzes collections. Nigeria is also building the Edo Museum of West African Art in Benin City to house returned artifacts. The Benin Bronzes are considered masterpieces of African art and are highly valued for their artistic and historical significance. They are also emblematic of the broader issues surrounding heritage restitution and the legacy of colonialism. The Benin Bronzes continue to be at the centre of discussions about heritage, restitution and the impact of colonialism on African art and history.

impeachment calls in Kenya

impeachment calls in Kenya

What happened? There was a decision, a court ruling, declaring the Azimio la Umoja coalition the majority in the National Assembly. This ruling was ignored by the Speaker of Parliament, Moses Wetang’ula. In a ruling on February 7, the Nairobi High Court ruled that 14 members of the opposition had switched parties and joined the ruling Kenya Kwanza Alliance. Wetang’ula also has a party, the FORD Kenya Party – a subsidiary of Kenya Kwanza. The High Court also ruled that his activities as the leader of his political party, FORD Kenya, were illegal and unconstitutional. Wetang’ula has appealed this ruling. He reiterated that Kenya Kwanza is the majority coalition. Opposition MPs in Kenya’s Parliament are pushing for the resignation or impeachment of Speaker of Parliament, Moses Wetang’ula

Mahamoud Youssouf won the AUC elections

Djibouti's Foreign Minister Mahamoud Youssouf (Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, born September 2, 1965 in Djibouti City, is a well-known Djiboutian diplomat. His goal is to promote integration, promote prosperity and strengthen governance across the continent. He advocates for African leadership in addressing security issues and aims to improve the operational capacity of the African Union.) has been elected as the new Chairman of the African Union Commission (AUC). Youssouf succeeds Moussa Faki of Chad.    Naturally, Mahamoud Youssouf thanked the African Heads of State who supported and voted for him in the African Union Commission (AUC) elections on Saturday, February 15. In that election, held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Youssouf defeated Raila, of Kenya, and former Madagascan Foreign Minister Richard Randriamandrato. Raila's bid for the AUC chairmanship had attracted a lot of attention. The Kenyan delegates present in Addis Ababa supported him. It was not predictable that Youssouf of Kenya's victory would not be accepted so easily. Rumour has it that President Ruto simply wanted to get rid of Raila, his opponents in the election and politicians and so pressured him to run for the AUC chairmanship. We can see that Roto was angry because during a dinner in Addis Ababa, Ruto said that the AUC election result meant that Africa had missed the opportunity to be governed by a better leader.  If Ruto said that, then I wonder, does Africa need a leader? Africa does not need a leader, Africa needs someone to show the way that individual countries can go if they see fit.  Ruto insisted that Euro, the former prime minister, was the best candidate, even though many African presidents would have voted differently. "I regret that Africa missed the opportunity to be served by the best." Baba made me very proud. He was the best candidate we could have put forward. I am very proud of Raila. He did everything he managed to do and regardless of the outcome, he made us proud. Whenever he was needed, he was there. "Tinga exceeded all expectations," Ruto said. Unable to let that stand, Djibouti has strongly criticised President Ruto, accusing him of dishonesty over his comments on the AUC election results. In a post on X, Ambassador Moussa Mohamed Omar of Djibouti stressed that African heads of state and government had made the right decision by electing Mahmoud.

House Prices Fall in Kenya, Open Doors for Aspiring Homeowners

Kenyan property prices have fallen in the third quarter of 2024. Property developers are facing tough times following the fall in property prices. This is according to the latest report by the Kenya Bankers Association (KBA), whose property price index shows that property prices fell by 1.1% during the period and 14.28% year-on-year. The KBA head of research said the fall in property prices reflects a market shift and signals tough times for developers. Banks have reduced lending rates and this could boost demand in the coming months. Loans to Kenyan property sector rise In the third quarter of 2024, loans to the property sector rose marginally by 2.36%, but loans given to the construction sector fell by 13.47%. According to KBA, some developers are struggling to get finance for new projects, which could lead to a decline in the supply of new housing.  “The construction sector contracted by 2.0% in the third quarter of 2024, indicating a difficult time for builders. However, cement consumption increased from 1.96 million tonnes in the second quarter to 2.20 million tonnes in the third quarter, indicating continued construction activity likely driven by government-supported housing projects and infrastructure development,” the report said. A Kenyan real estate expert shed light on the often overlooked pitfalls of buying developed plots of land in residential estates, stressing the importance of thorough screening before making a purchase.  The real estate expert warned Kenyans that sellers often misrepresent electricity and water connections. He noted that while power lines are usually visible during site visits, the actual power capacity is often insufficient to meet expected consumption needs once plots are fully occupied. @breakingbjenya news

Raila loses race for AU Commission presidency

Raila Odinga's moment of responsibility drew closer as African leaders gathered at the African Union (AU) headquarters to elect the AU Commission Chair. The African Union (AU) Commission Chair election is over.  It was won and it was a tough fight. Kenyans gave it their all, played it big. It is well known that the Kenyan government ran Raila's campaign across the continent; a secretariat of experienced diplomats strategized for him and traveled the entire continent to promote his bid. Even this campaign led by Kenyan President William Ruto did not lead Raila to victory. During his campaign, Raila traveled the continent and accompanied President Ruto on several diplomatic trips to drum up support.  However, as the vote progressed, his lead shrank and he was ultimately defeated. The winner was Mahmoud Ali Youssouf of Djibouti, who became the seventh chair of the AUC since the commission was founded in 2002. The third candidate, Richard Randriamandrato of Madagascar, was the first to withdraw from the race after finishing in last place.

The warmth that Azimio MPs enjoyed in the “government seats” had suddenly evaporated

The warmth that Azimio MPs enjoyed in the “government seats” had suddenly evaporated As previously reported, a dispute has erupted. After enjoying the “warmth” of majority seats for two days, Azimio*1 MPs agreed to resign from those seats on Wednesday. Recently, tensions escalated in the Kenya National Assembly when Speaker of Parliament Moses Wetangula declared the Kenya Kwanza*2 coalition the majority party, triggering a protest strike by Azimio MPs. The recent parliamentary session highlighted ongoing disputes regarding the party’s majority status following a Supreme Court ruling that suggested Azimio had the majority before several MPs defected to Kenya Kwanza. Azimio members expressed their disapproval of Wetangula’s ruling and announced plans for further action against it. This situation reflects the broader political dynamics in Kenya, where coalition politics plays a crucial role in governing and legislative processes. However, led by MP for Suba North Millie Odhiambo, MPs stated that while they accepted Wetang'ula's decision, they did not agree with it.   *1 - Azimio la Umoja is a major political alliance in Kenya predominantly led by Raila Odinga. It includes several parties such as the Orange Democratic Movement, Jubilee Party, NARC–Kenya and KANU.  *2 - Kenya Kwanza, a political alliance led by President William Ruto, was recently declared the majority party in the National Assembly by Speaker of Parliament Moses Wetang'ula. This declaration dated February 12, 2025 states that Kenya Kwanza has 165 seats while Azimio has 154 seats. This decision was taken despite a recent Supreme Court ruling that questioned Wetang'ula's authority to make such a decision, leading to protests from Azimio MPs who are planning further legal action against the decision.

Simon Muteti was released

Simon Muteti was released What had happened? Simon Muteti was abducted on October 22, 2024 in Laikipia District, Timau town, allegedly by persons believed to be police officers, believed to be a special unit. He was released on February 11, LSK President Faith Odhiambo announced. Mutti was held incommunicado for more than three months. The LSK boss promised to provide the necessary legal and psychological support to Muteti and his family, who had been searching for him for months. What had Muteti done? Before his abduction on October 22, 2024, Simon Muteti was involved in various professional and social activities. He graduated from Kenyatta University and had experience working with the Kenya Criminal Investigation Department. His role in law enforcement suggests a commitment to public service and security. In addition, he was recognized as a humanitarian advocate, focusing on issues related to enforced disappearances and human rights in Kenya1. This advocacy work likely contributed to his notoriety and may have played a role in the circumstances of his abduction. The LSK has been a leader in providing legal services to abducted Kenyans since the Gen Z protests began. And this is an alarming trend of enforced disappearances not only in urban centers like Nairobi, but across the country.

President William Ruto's legislative agenda may be in disarray

President William Ruto's legislative agenda may be in disarray after former Prime Minister Raila Odinga's forces attempted to take over the majority positions in Parliament. Confusion reigned at the first sitting of the National Assembly on Tuesday after Azimio party MPs took the seats allocated to the majority party citing the decision of the three-member bench. Speaker Moses Wetang'ula came under fire as some of the MPs called for his head for ruling in October 2022 that Kenya Kwanza has 179 MPs against Azimio's 157. The Speaker threw in the towel and asked members to discuss the matter on which he is to make a decision and communicate it to Parliament. But while the verdict is still pending, the Azimio side led by Suna East MP Junet Mohammed insisted that the court's decision was final and must be implemented immediately unless an appeal was filed. "There is no third way to get around the court ruling of three judges. Either you comply with it or you appeal. This ruling must be respected. It cannot be taken lightly," Junet said. Political observers are of the view that the court ruling, if implemented, would affect the composition of House committees, especially those where Ruto men currently hold sway. The said House committees were formed in accordance with the ruling by Speaker Moses Wetang'ula, who informed the minority and majority parties. The nominations of parliamentary parties to the recently formed Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission selection panel were also guided by the ruling. The Standing Orders of the National Assembly stipulate that membership of each committee reflects the relative majority of seats held by each of the parliamentary parties. Azimio teams therefore have the right to claim the posts of chairpersons of the various departmental committees currently occupied by Ruto allies. This comes especially at a time when ODM bosses are sending conflicting signals about their support for Ruto. Without an appeal, Ruto's troops will lose their seats on the Parliamentary Service Commission, whose composition was also influenced by the Speaker's decision. Key committees likely to be affected include those on finance, budget, defence, security, health, agriculture, blue economy, ICT, education and energy. Others include the environment, social protection, labour, land, justice, trade, transport, housing and sports committees. Azimio's troops warned that a crisis would ensue if the matter was not addressed and insisted they would not back down. They insisted that the dispute was the Speaker's decision and argued that Azimio should be given his rightful posts without appeal. @the star,kenya

Karua accuses President Ruto of running a secret kidnapping squad

Karua accuses President Ruto of running a secret kidnapping squad And it continues. Martha Karua, leader of the Narc Kenya party, has spoken out about what is an open secret for many Kenyans, that President William Ruto is behind a series of kidnappings that have taken place in Kenya over the past six months. It has already been reported. In an exclusive interview with Citizen TV on Monday, Karua alleged that the head of state is running a secret "killer gang" made up of foreigners, comprising both Kenyans and foreigners, including people from Uganda and Burundi, and select Kenyans from the military and outside the police. This statement certainly hurt Ruto.  Karua did not mince her words and pointed the finger directly at President Ruto, claiming that only the head of state could run such an operation. "I believe William Ruto is behind the kidnappings because you cannot talk about the state without mentioning who is at the helm," Karua explained. "The group operates outside the police. Their command is independent and only Ruto can tell us who these people are. No wonder they do not introduce themselves when they kidnap citizens," Karua said. @citizen tv 

The revange of the president

It was to be expected. The president's revenge. He was booked in Isiolo and not only that. "Oungo" was shouted and that means "liar". William Ruto could not stand for that. 

So the following Sunday, 40 people were arrested. Drug dealers, illegal liquor traders and people loitering after midnight were allegedly arrested. The crackdown has raised questions. They cannot be answered. One of those burning questions is, why not earlier if the problem is as big as it is claimed? Is there even a problem?  However, allegations have surfaced that the operation was targeted at those who shouted at President Ruto, Governor Abdi Guyo and Senator Fatuma Dullo. Mr Omoding, the police chief, simply ignored the fact that the arrests were a result of politicians booing the president. After the president launched the construction project for a modern factory in Isiolo, youth groups competed to boo the politicians. Geoffery Omoding said on Sunday that the operation was in response to President William Ruto's promise on Friday that the government would crack down on drug smuggling in Isiolo and Marsabit. Omoding said: "The drug traffickers come from Shashamane, Ethiopia and rural areas of Marsabit and Isiolo."   "In the past, we have arrested suspects but when they were brought to Nairobi, they were released in a confusing manner," he added. Too bad, not dealers after all.

Intelligence of the president

President Ruto has offended some people by claiming that his academic credentials are not matched by his critics. Wiper boss Kalonzo Musyoka has responded to this claim. In a social media post, Musyoka flaunted his academic credentials. Kalonzo Musyoka is a former Vice President and pointed out that he is a senior lawyer with a Masters and Bachelor of Laws (LLB Honours) from the University of Nairobi and a Postgraduate Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law. He holds an Honorary Doctorate in Agriculture from Nanjing University, China and a Doctorate of Letters (Honoris Causa) from Kenyatta University. He also mentioned his Doctorate of Divinity from the Latin University of Theology and pointed out his knowledge of religious studies. He is also an arbitrator! And with the Association of Professional Mediators as an international mediator.  Kalonzo responded to Ruto's comments by saying that he too was educated.  Why was that comment made? Musyoka's response follows Ruto's recent comments where he dismissed critics of his government's policies, particularly the livestock vaccination programme launched on January 30. Ruto questioned the educational background of opponents, claiming their knowledge did not match his. Ruto's comments in Isiolo do not necessarily show that he is not blessed with intelligence. When some young people complain, dismissing them as drug addicts or drug dealers is a bit much.  Whoever has and does not have how many PhDs is completely irrelevant. The biggest problem with intelligence is that it cannot be learned. A PhD can be learned, everything can be learned, but intelligence cannot.  Howard Gardner proposed that intelligence is not a single general ability but a combination of distinct modalities:     - Linguistic: Skill with words and language.     - Logical-Mathematical: Skill with logic, numbers, and reasoning.     - Spatial: Skill with visualizing and manipulating objects in space.     - Musical: Skill with rhythm, sound, and music.     - Bodily-Kinesthetic: Skill with physical movement and coordination.     - Interpersonal: Skill with understanding and interacting with others.     - Intrapersonal: Skill with self-reflection and understanding oneself.     - Naturalistic: Skill with recognizing and categorizing natural patterns.

The problem of President Ruto

In english and Swahili for my friends to laugh. One died in Nairobi. He knocks on the door of heaven. Nobody opens. He knocks louder. God has heard it and calls Moses. - Moses, what's going on, who is knocking on the door? Moses looks. He has come back. - It's a man from Nairobi, he wants to go to heaven. - Let this poor guy in and give him something to do. The man from Nairobi goes to heaven. Moses gives him a trimur instrument so he can play on a cloud. The man from Nairobi gets cloud number 7 on which he can sit and play music and sing. - Hallelujah, the man sings very quietly. - Hallelujah, once again, he sings it very quietly and then he waits for an echo or an answer, but unfortunately he can't hear anything. - Hallelujah, this time louder. Again he hears, but no answer. He gets angry. - Hallelujah, he calls. "Hallelujah again!" Dawn, Hallelujah!' No answer. God hears the calling. - Moses, who is paying so much attention to this? Moses checks it. - It's the man from Nairobi, my master. - We must give him another job. That's good, actually I have an important task to do. The man is called to God. - Man from Nairobi, I have something important to do. This is a letter for the President, he is waiting for it. Go to him and deliver it. The man takes the letter and leaves heaven. He flies to Nairobi. On the way he passes some bars. He can smell the bear. He thinks: "Let me have a beer." And he enters a bar. He orders a beer. It is fresh and cold. He likes it very much. He thinks, "OK, I should deliver this letter, but I guess it can wait a few more minutes." And he orders a second beer. He looks around, everyone is happy, smiling, laughing, drinking beer, enjoying life. He orders another beer. He starts singing. Other people sing with him. He orders one beer after another. Life can be so beautiful! And he drinks one beer after another... And he forgot the letter, the advice of God to the President. And so the President is still waiting for the advice of Heaven. ------------------------------- Mmoja alifariki jijini Nairobi. Anabisha mlango wa mbinguni. Hakuna anayefungua. Anabisha kwa sauti zaidi. Mungu amesikia na anamwita Musa. - Musa, nini kinaendelea, ni nani anayegonga mlango? Musa anatazama. Amerudi. - Ni mtu kutoka Nairobi, anataka kwenda mbinguni. - Hebu mtu huyu maskini aingie na umpe kitu cha kufanya. Mtu kutoka Nairobi anaenda mbinguni. Musa anampa ala ya trimur ili aweze kucheza juu ya wingu. Mwanamume kutoka Nairobi anapata wingu nambari 7 ambalo anaweza kukaa na kucheza muziki na kuimba. - Haleluya, mtu huyo anaimba kwa utulivu sana. - Haleluya, kwa mara nyingine tena, anaimba kwa utulivu sana na kisha anasubiri echo au jibu, lakini kwa bahati mbaya hawezi kusikia chochote. - Haleluya, wakati huu kwa sauti kubwa zaidi. Tena anasikia, lakini hakuna jibu. Anakasirika.  - Haleluya, anaita. "Haleluya tena!" Alfajiri, Haleluya!' Hakuna jibu. Mungu anasikia wito. - Musa, ni nani anayezingatia sana hili? Musa anakagua. - Ni mtu kutoka Nairobi, bwana wangu. - Lazima tumpe kazi nyingine. Hiyo ni nzuri, kwa kweli nina kazi muhimu ya kufanya. Mwanadamu ameitwa kwa Mungu. - Mwanaume kutoka Nairobi, nina jambo muhimu la kufanya. Hii ni barua ya Rais, anaisubiri. Nenda kwake ukamtoe. Mtu huyo anachukua barua na kuondoka mbinguni. Anaruka hadi Nairobi. Akiwa njiani anapita baadhi ya baa. Anaweza kunusa dubu. Anadhani: "Hebu ninywe bia." Na anaingia kwenye baa. Anaagiza bia. Ni safi na baridi. Anaipenda sana.  Anafikiri, "Sawa, napaswa kuwasilisha barua hii, lakini nadhani inaweza kusubiri dakika chache zaidi." Na anaagiza bia ya pili. Anatazama pande zote, kila mtu anafurahi, anatabasamu, anacheka, anakunywa bia, anafurahia maisha. Anaagiza bia nyingine. Anaanza kuimba. Watu wengine huimba naye. Anaagiza bia moja baada ya nyingine. Maisha yanaweza kuwa mazuri sana! Na anakunywa bia moja baada ya nyingine... Na alisahau barua, ushauri wa Mungu kwa Rais. Na hivyo Rais bado anasubiri ushauri wa Mbinguni.

Was William Ruto booed in Isiolo?

President William Ruto was in Isiolo to canvass for votes. Isiolo is the capital of Isiolo County. It is located in the Upper East Side region, about 285 kilometers north of Nairobi and is considered geographically central in Kenya. The town has a diverse population including Borana, Ameru, Samburu and Turkana communities. Isiolo County itself covers about 25,700 square kilometers and had a population of 268,0025 according to the 2019 census. The President's visit was not a great sell. Was William Ruto booed in Isiolo? The President struggled to get her message across as angry residents chanted anti-Ruto songs at the rally. Ruto tried to dispel the rumours by saying that foreigners were smuggling and selling drugs in the county. This was a weak attempt to alienate people. There was not much left for the people of Isiolo to do and they cried out "uno" which means "lie" after every statement Ruto made.  "We will ensure that the people who sell drugs are deported to their home countries," Ruto said. Weak statement. The next thing he did was to claim that drug dealers had sent youths to disrupt his rally.  In an angry voice he said that the angry youths could not threaten the government.  "You cannot threaten the government. Listen to me carefully, no one will come from abroad and say that drugs are being sold in this town. Drugs are being sold in Isiolo. Let them try to sell them and they will see," Ruto said angrily. The government cannot be threatened but the people of Isiolo can! This is what the government calls democracy.  @tuko kenya

The performance of president Ruto

William Ruto has been President of Kenya for 2 years. During these years he has decreed, introduced and implemented a lot. Not everything has worked. Many things were rejected by the people, some decrees were stopped or put on hold by the court. One of these decrees, namely the one setting up a task force to deal with human resources in the health sector, was declared unconstitutional. This was the decision of the Supreme Court. Judge Bahati Mwamuye, in setting aside the order setting up the task force, ordered the Ministry of Health to fully implement the Kenya Health Human Resource Advisory Council within 30 days. The judge also rejected a request by the counsel for the Ministry of Health and the task force to stay his decision. "I am satisfied that a 30-day stay would result in a report that would be the roots of a poisonous tree, especially after the task force was found unconstitutional," the judge said. That is what happened this week. Let's take a look at William Ruto's performance. From what I understand as of October 2023, William Ruto, the President of Kenya, has faced criticism and challenges in various areas since assuming office in September 2022. However, whether he has “failed” on certain orders or policies is subjective and depends on individual perspectives and political opinions. Below are some areas where his administration has faced criticism or challenges: Economic Management- High cost of living: Many Kenyans have expressed dissatisfaction with the rising cost of basic food, fuel and other essential goods. - The introduction of new taxes such as the housing levy and increased fuel taxes have been controversial and unpopular with citizens and businesses.  Unemployment and job creation: - Despite promises to create jobs, unemployment remains a major problem, especially among youth. Corruption and governance- Critics argue that corruption remains rampant and the government has not done enough to effectively tackle it. Dealing with the opposition – Ruto's government has been accused of suppressing opposition voices, particularly during protests led by opposition leader Raila Odinga. Police use of violence during demonstrations has drawn criticism from human rights groups. Healthcare and education – Challenges in the health system, including strikes by medical staff, and problems in the education sector, such as delays in funding for schools, have been points of contention. Climate change and environmental policy – ​​While Ruto has positioned himself as a champion of climate action, some critics argue that his policies are not sufficiently implemented or do not adequately address local environmental challenges. Foreign policy – ​​Some critics question the effectiveness of Kenya's foreign policy under Ruto, particularly in balancing relations with global powers and managing regional conflicts. It is important to note that these criticisms are part of the political discourse and Ruto's supporters may argue that his government has made progress in various areas.

The Law Society of Kenya are deeply horrified

The Law Society of Kenya and Police Reforms Working are deeply horrified

at the discovery of the bodies of two of the four missing Mlolongo abductees. Kenya is facing a worrying wave of abductions and extrajudicial killings and we demand action and justice for the victims. Read the full statement here: https://defenderscoalition.org/law-society-of-kenya-and.../ #StandUp4HumanRights

Ruto’s order to issue ID cards without checking residents at the border raises questions

This is truly a strange announcement. What is behind it? The answer is, as always, simple. This decision is intended to register as many voters as possible from the north of the country. This is nothing more than a political necessity for the president, because the election is coming up, there will be another election in 2027 and Ruto needs voters. During his visit to Wajir County to review developments, President Ruto announced the abolition of the verification process for residents of the area when issuing an identity card. Wajir is the capital of Wajir County in the former North Eastern Province of Kenya. It borders Somalia to the east and Ethiopia to the northwest. Wajir is known for its dry climate and historical significance, including as an excavation site of ancient burial mounds. According to the 2019 census, the city has a population of 150,116 and is predominantly inhabited by Somalis. Wajir District, of which Wajir is the largest town, covers an area of ​​about 55,840.6 km² and had a total population of 781,2633 in 2019. Due to its strategic location near Ethiopia and Somalia4, the district serves as a commercial hub. According to the 2010 Constitution, all Kenyan children are equal and there is no area that should be discriminated against when applying for this important document, Ruto said. “I want to assure you that the discrimination we have been witnessing in this area for 60 years will come to an end.”  “If a child from Mandera, Wajir or Garissa applies for an identity card and is asked a lot of questions, that is not right and this problem must stop from now on,” the President said. However, experts have warned against this move, saying that the need to verify registered persons before issuing national identity cards has arisen due to the influx of foreign nationals into the country. This arrangement is also strange because Kenya has - supposedly - introduced visa-free travel, but with the restriction of an eTA (electronic Travel Authority). This would be justified by the fact that Kenya wants to know who is coming.

Why I was impeached - Rigathi Gachagua

And now the ex-vice president spoke about his impeachment.  A detailed account of these proceedings has been given in previous reports. Here is a brief summary.  Rigathi Gachagua, the former vice president of Kenya, was impeached on October 18, 2024. The impeachment was the result of a historic vote in the Kenyan Senate, making him the first vice president to be removed from office in this way since impeachment was included in the Kenyan constitution in 2010. The impeachment was followed by 11 charges against him, including insubordination to the president, incitement to ethnic violence, corruption, subversion of government and money laundering. The Senate found him guilty on five of the 11 charges, including ethnically divisive politics and threatening judges. Former vice president Rigathi Gachagua has spoken out on the reasons for his impeachment. Gachagua said it was because he disagreed with President William Ruto on many of his policies. He also said he initially believed in Ruto's vision but the people he spoke to said otherwise. He raised these concerns with President William Ruto then things started to go wrong between them. "I started telling the president that the people I was speaking to didn't like what we were doing. When it came to affordable housing, the president said it was good and I supported him because I thought it was good and I believed him until he introduced the housing levy when other Kenyans had loans and built their own houses.” Gachagua continued: “It was about the Finance Bill 2024 and university funding and I told the president I have spoken to parents who don’t like it and he said if we as a government have agreed to do something then we do it.” Gachagua raised these concerns in meetings with Ruto in a private conversation and nothing came of it. He went public and that is when the decision was made to remove him from office. “I used to speak to the president privately but it got to a point where I started speaking publicly and that is why they decided to remove me from office. We did not get along with the president.” He said he refused to submit to a team that only agreed with the president without telling the president the truth. "I never said that I was equal to the president. The problem was that everyone agreed with everything he said. I refused to do that." President Ruto's wish is to have a government that responds to his calls. Criticism, whether justified or not, is not welcome and is stifled. And Gachagua had taken part in the demonstrations against the funding law, which was an open rebellion against President Ruto and which was also the trigger for the impeachment proceedings.

The IMF has recommended that the assets of senior government officials and the president be disclosed

Der IWF hat empfohlen – nicht verlangt –, dass die Vermögenswerte hochrangiger Regierungsbeamter und des Präsidenten offengelegt werden. Dieses Projekt wird vom Finanzministerium durchgeführt. Gemäß der Budget Policy Statement (BPS) 2025 hat sich die Regierung nun verpflichtet, die Vermögenswerte dieser Beamten über ein digitales System öffentlich zu machen. Ein Datum für die Umsetzung dieses Projekts wurde nicht genannt. Es ist davon auszugehen, dass das, was Alke weiß, veröffentlicht wird. Es wird keine Überraschungen geben. Die Veröffentlichung der Vermögenswerte dieser Beamten mag eine gute Sache sein, ist aber nur die halbe Wahrheit. Ein wichtiger Schritt wäre es, zu veröffentlichen, woher die Vermögenswerte stammen, wie sie erworben wurden und wie viel Steuern diese Beamten zahlen. Der IWF stellte Gesetze in Frage, die darauf abzielten, die Vorschriften zur Offenlegung der Vermögenswerte von Regierungsbeamten mit den Gesetzen zu Interessenkonflikten in Einklang zu bringen, um internationalen Standards zu entsprechen. Der IWF hatte berichtet, dass die Gesetze Schlupflöcher aufwiesen. Unter anderem fehlten Möglichkeiten zur Überprüfung der Rechtmäßigkeit deklarierter Vermögenswerte. Nach Angaben des Finanzministeriums bleibt Korruption, einschließlich des Missbrauchs öffentlicher Gelder, eine große „Bedrohung“ für die Erreichung der Ziele der Wirtschaftsagenda der Regierung von Präsident William Ruto, die eine wirtschaftliche Entwicklung an der Basis (BETA) vorsieht. Es besteht die Überzeugung, dass die Veröffentlichung des Vermögens hochrangiger Beamter die Führung stärken wird. Davon kann man jedoch nicht ausgehen. Im Internet heißt es, dass das Vermögen von Präsident Ruto auf 500 Millionen Dollar geschätzt wird. Wenn diese Zahl auf einer digitalen Plattform erscheint... warum sollte sie seine Führung stärken? Das ist bekannt, nichts Neues!

The Law Society of Kenya and Police Reforms Working are deeply horrified

Gachagua for President?

During a church service at Almighty God Ministries in Mathioya, Gachagua promised to make a major policy announcement. The former vice president said he postponed his policy announcement because he still needed to gather feedback from different parts of the country. Gachagua is obviously trying to tread more carefully so as not to repeat the mistake of 2022 when he supported President William Ruto without having a political party for the Mount Kenya region. Gachagua announced that he would submit a preliminary report on the ongoing consultations on February 9, outlining what forms of government Kenyans prefer. In their speeches, Gachagua's supporters continued their attacks on President Ruto's "Kenya First" government over the increase in kidnappings, which has been reported before.  The former vice president confirmed his intention to work with other opposition leaders ahead of the 2027 general elections. Gachagua said he would join other politicians in freeing the country from Ruto's rule. The former vice president accused Ruto of betraying the people who sent him to State House in the bitter 2022 presidential election campaign. The opposition is ready to use all means to ensure Ruto will be a one-term president. William Ruto did himself no good by removing Gachagua from office. Now he has created an opposition leader who can be dangerous for him and not just in 2027.  As vice president, Rigathi Gachagua has played a crucial role in supporting President Ruto's administration. He has been actively involved in implementing the government's agenda, particularly in areas such as economic reform, agriculture and decentralization. Gachagua's focus on the needs of marginalized communities is in line with the Kenya Kwanza Coalition's commitment to inclusive development. One of Gachagua's key roles has been to promote unity and cohesion in the country. Kenya's political landscape is often marked by ethnic and regional divisions, and Gachagua has sought to bridge these divides by promoting dialogue and cooperation among different communities. His efforts in this regard have been critical in maintaining stability and fostering a sense of national unity. Like many politicians, Rigathi Gachagua has faced challenges and controversies. His tenure as Vice President was marked by critical criticism from the public and the media, particularly regarding his handling of certain policy issues and his past financial dealings. However, Gachagua remained true to his commitment to the Kenyan people, often stressing the importance of transparency and accountability in leadership. Rigathi Gachagua's rise to the Vice President is a testament to his resilience, commitment and ability to connect with ordinary Kenyans. From his humble beginnings in Nyeri County to his current role as a second-in-command to the Kenyan government, Gachagua has demonstrated a deep commitment to public service and community development. As Kenya continues to navigate its political and economic challenges, Gachagua's leadership will undoubtedly play a critical role in shaping the country's future. His story serves as an inspiration to many and highlights the potential of individuals to rise above their circumstances and make a significant impact on society.  

Report from KNCHR about kidnapping in Kenya

I have reported on this before, the kidnappings in Kenya. Kenya has been hit by a terrifying wave of kidnappings, targeting - in particular - social media influencers and content creators known for criticizing the government. This raises a very special suspicion. This has made people worry about freedom of expression. Human rights groups, opposition leaders and families of the victims are calling for urgent action. The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KNCHR) reported that a total of 82 people were reported kidnapped in 2024, 29 of whom were still missing at the end of the year. Seven cases of kidnapping were reported in December alone. In 2025, 13 more cases of kidnapping or enforced disappearance were reported in the last few months, bringing the total number of kidnappings since June 2024 to 82. Recent cases include the disappearance of Gideon Kibet, a popular cartoonist also known as “Kibet Bull,” and his brother Rony Kiplangat. @pulse Kenya