Kinyagia's fear

To understand Ndiangu'i Kinyagia's actions, a lot more needs to be known. Kenya is certainly not an easy country. This is made clear by previous reports. The report comes from local and international human rights groups. It also laments the continued impunity of the security forces. Here are some data points. Last year, 118 people were victims of extrajudicial killings by the police. In 2022, the number was 130, meaning the number has decreased by 9 percent. The number of "disappearances" has fallen by more than half to ten. Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International Kenya, and the Kenyan group Missing Voices report that half of the killings occur as part of the fight against crime. Another 45 people were killed during demonstrations by the Kenyan opposition in 2024. The demonstrations resulted in violence and looting. The police used excessive force, according to human rights groups. What is also striking is that police officers are rarely arrested for their involvement in extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances. William Ruto, the President of Kenya, declared after his election that he would end violence and illegal practices by police officers. So far, nothing has happened, and nothing will. He promised to disband the feared Special Service Unit (SSU), whose members are accused of enforced disappearances and murder. The Special Service Unit (SSU) was a specialized police unit under the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and originally evolved from the Special Crimes Prevention Unit (SCPU). Its mission was to investigate complex crimes, including violent killings, terrorism, and organized crime. However, the unit was disbanded by President William Ruto in 2022 due to allegations of involvement in extrajudicial killings and human rights violations. The SSU in Kenya was known for its elite training and secret operations, but faced criticism and eventual dissolution due to controversy. The government has been accused of using hit squads to target people—including activists and lawyers—who were investigating alleged human rights violations by the police. It's easy for William Ruto to say that many Kenyans were lost to extrajudicial killings. It's also true that many Kenyans were lost to political killings. According to Missing Voices, 1,350 people have died at the hands of police officers since data collection began in 2007.   @https://www.voaafrica.com/a/rights-groups-say-118-people-killed-by-kenya-police-last-year/7582859.html

Kinyagia appeared

Last week, it was reported that Ndiangu'i Kinyagia had been kidnapped. The family panicked and went to court. The DCI was ordered to produce Ndiangu'i. The DCI clarified that they had not arrested Ndiangu'i, but many did not believe this statement. Ndiangu'i Kinyagia, whom the DCI was supposed to produce, had appeared in court. Ndiangu'i Kinyagia reportedly stated that he had not been kidnapped. The National Police have asked blogger Ndiangu'i Kinyagia to take a statement. Ndiangu'i disappeared on June 21. His family sued the state and the DCI over his alleged kidnapping. Ndiangu'i appeared in court. Judge Chacha Mwita had asked DCI chief Mohamed Amin to clarify Ndiangu'i's whereabouts. Lawyer Willis Otieno requested that the police be stopped from arresting Ndiangui, saying the DCI could arrest him after the court hearing. Judge Mwita ordered Ndiangui to spend time with his family until the hearing is over. National Assembly Majority Leader Ichung'wah said many Kenyans had expressed doubts about Amin when he claimed Ndiangui was not in custody. @https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2025-07-03-ndiangui-directed-to-present-self-at-dci-offices

Another activist and blogger has disappeared!

Another activist and blogger has disappeared! His name is Ndiangui Kinyagia. Ndiangui Kinyagia is a 35-year-old Kenyan technology entrepreneur, blogger, and digital rights activist known for his online commentary on governance and public accountability. He is particularly active on social media under the handle "Daguin Dd" and was involved in publicizing the anniversary of the Generation Z protest movement in Kenya. Kinyagia disappeared under mysterious circumstances from his home in Kinoo, Kiambu County, on June 22, 2025. Witnesses reported that he was forcibly removed by suspected security officers in unmarked Subaru vehicles. This disappearance sparked nationwide concern and legal action. The Law Society of Kenya filed a writ of habeas corpus, requesting his appearance in court. The Supreme Court ordered Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and Director of Criminal Investigations Mohamed Amin to produce Kinyagia either dead or alive, or explain his whereabouts. Police denied having him in custody but admitted he was under investigation in connection with a viral social media post about an anti-government demonstration commemorating last year's protests. The proceedings began after the court ordered Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to produce Kinyagia by 11 a.m. Tuesday or provide a credible explanation for his absence. In an affidavit, Sergeant Samuel Itegi of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) stated that Kinyagia was being investigated for his alleged role in the recent Generation Z demonstrations. "The second complainant was investigated for his involvement in the recently concluded Generation Z demonstrations. When my client arrived at his home, he was not at home," he said in court. The affidavit states: "Since even the caretaker, who was with the officers from 5:00 p.m. when they identified the second complainant's home, was unable to reach him by phone, the officers decided to enter the house and conduct a warrantless search pursuant to Section 60 of the National Police Service Act No. 11 of 2011 to confirm the allegations." Itegi confirmed that the officers seized several items, including two laptops, two mobile phones, two passports, and a vaccination certificate. "Preliminary investigations linked the said account to the second complainant, requiring the investigation team to question him further," Itegi said. He noted that Kinyagia was not arrested because he was not present at the residence. However, Senior Counsel Martha Karua criticized the state's statement, stating that there had been no compliance with the orders. Family lawyer Wahome Thuku shared Karua's concerns and accused the defendants of openly defying the court's directive. "We are here because the court ordered the second plaintiff to appear before the court. He was not presented," he explained. On July 3, 2025, Ndiangui Kinyagia resurfaced and contacted his family. He stated that he had been in hiding due to the ongoing investigation, fearing for his safety. His family's lawyer confirmed that he was safe and would appear in court if his safety was guaranteed. This development brought relief but left questions unanswered about the circumstances of his disappearance and the role of the security agencies. @https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2025-07-01-state-fails-to-produce-missing-blogger-ndiangui-kinyagia

Kenya to Privatize State Assets

Kenya to Privatize State Assets via Initial Public Offerings to Boost Investment The government will start by listing Kenya Pipeline Company on the Nairobi Securities Exchange this year, President William Ruto announced at the London Stock Exchange on Wednesday. "We are committed to a structured, time-sensitive programme that identifies and prepares a robust pipeline of key government assets to be privatized through the stock exchange or improved through private sector participation," he was quoted as saying. Ruto emphasized that strong domestic capital markets can reduce Kenya’s reliance on external debt. At the Africa Debate event, Ruto noted that after shocks such as "US President Donald Trump's elimination of USAID this year," Kenya is focusing on local resources and private investments rather than "resources that we do not have any control over." He cited partnerships with the private sector for hospital equipment on a fee-per-use basis and noted Kenya raised $1.3 billion by securitizing assets like roads. "We are now going to be listing some of those bonds in the securities exchange so other investors can have a bite of the cherry," he added. @https://uk.news-pravda.com/world/2025/07/02/65554.html

Saba Saba Day was approaching

Saba Saba Day was approaching! Saba Saba Day, which falls on July 7, is a significant date in Kenya's history and primarily commemorates the nationwide protests of July 7, 1990. The name "Saba Saba" comes from Swahili and means "seven seven," referring to the date. The 1990 protests: On July 7, 1990, Kenyans across the country took to the streets to demand the reinstatement of a multi-party system and an end to the autocratic rule of the one-party government of then-President Daniel Moi. This was a pivotal moment in Kenya's "second liberation." The protests were called for by opposition politicians such as Kenneth Matiba and Charles Rubia, who were arrested just days before the planned demonstrations. Despite their arrest, activists and citizens continued the protests, which led to clashes with police and the military. Tragically, over 20 people were killed and thousands injured or arrested during these demonstrations. The Saba Saba protests and other pressure tactics ultimately led to the repeal of Section 2A of the Constitution in 1991, which had made Kenya a de jure one-party state. This paved the way for multi-party elections in 1992 and expanded the country's democratic scope. Saba Saba Day holds paramount significance. Today, it is considered a symbol of the struggle for democracy, human rights, and good governance in Kenya. Human rights activists and civil society organizations often organize events and protests on this day to draw attention to current issues and hold the government accountable. In recent years, the spirit of Saba Saba has resonated with new generations, particularly in protests such as those against the Finance Bill 2024, which reflected demands for justice and government accountability. Essentially, Saba Saba Day serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience and courage of the Kenyan people in their quest for a more just and democratic society. @https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saba_Saba_Day

Several human rights defenders were arrested in Kenya

Several human rights defenders were arrested in Kenya in connection with the demonstrations on June 25, 2025, the anniversary of the protests against the 2024 Finance Bill. This arrest took place in Machakos County and was unlawful. However, human rights organizations strongly dispute the police narrative, stressing that these arrests are attempts to criminalize peaceful protests and silence dissent. The Police Reform Task Force and other civil society organizations have called for their immediate and unconditional release and condemned the ongoing intimidation and harassment of human rights defenders in Kenya. Those arrested include John Mulingwa Nzau (aka Garang), Mark Amiani (aka Generali), and Francis Mwangi (aka Chebukati), all known for their peaceful human rights work. Let's take a closer look at these three human rights defenders: - John Mulingwa Nzau is a well-known Kenyan human rights defender and community organizer who has been known for his work against social and human rights violations since the age of 17. He is a member of several social justice groups, including the Social Justice Centres Working Group, Bunge la Wananchi, and the Kongamano La Mageuzi movement. Nzau is actively involved in documenting and speaking out against extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and other serious human rights violations, primarily committed by security agencies. He is also the co-chair of the social movement Kenyans For Tax Justice (KfTJ), which underscores his comprehensive commitment to social and economic justice. - Mark Amiani is a well-known human rights defender from Kisumu, Kenya. He is dedicated both professionally and privately to protecting civil and political liberties, with a particular focus on monitoring police abuses of power and demanding accountability. He is committed to social justice through his involvement in groups such as the Social Justice Centers Working Group and the Kongamano la Mageuzi movement. His activism often involves significant personal risk and aims to empower marginalized people and hold authorities accountable. Mark Amiani is also affiliated with the Institute for Social Accountability (TISA), a civil society organization that promotes good governance and accountability in Kenya. - Francis Mwangi, alias Chebukati, is being investigated by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and accuses Francis Mwangi, alias Chebukati, and the others of using social media and coordinated networks to incite violence and chaos during these protests. They are being investigated for several offenses, including arson, theft, burglary, criminal damage, and incitement to violence. They remain in custody pending investigations. The court has remanded them in custody pending a decision on their detention and bail. Francis Mwangi is an activist who participated in the June 2025 protests and the subsequent court proceedings. Human rights groups have condemned the arrests of human rights defenders such as Nzau, Amiani, and Mwangi as arbitrary and unlawful. They argue that the state is using the protests as a pretext to criminalize peaceful resistance and silence activists. However, police and prosecutors claim that the activists were involved in criminal activities during the protests and are seeking to keep them in pretrial detention for up to 21 days, citing the need to analyze seized electronic devices allegedly used to plan protest routes. The arrested human rights defenders remain in custody while the courts consider bail and further detention. The public and civil society are calling for their release and the protection of civic space in Kenya.

For the first time in Ethiopia, a double open-heart surgery

For the first time in Ethiopia, a double open-heart surgery was performed on a single patient. This procedure was performed on an 82-year-old woman by an exclusively Ethiopian team of cardiologists. The team was led by Dr. Fekede Agwar. The operation lasted seven hours, and the doctors: - opened two blocked blood vessels and used bypass surgery; - replaced a damaged heart valve. Dr. Fekede believes that people should live a fulfilling life until the end. He has performed 800 heart surgeries to date.