Cholera outbreak in Kenya, Narok

At least four people have died and 34 have been hospitalized following a cholera outbreak in Narok. Cholera is a disease in Kenya caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, which causes severe diarrhea, vomiting, and high fever. The disease is mainly transmitted through drinking contaminated water or consuming food contaminated with this bacteria. Lack of clean water, poor sanitation, and the dry season increase the risk of disease outbreaks. In Kenya, cholera outbreaks have occurred primarily in counties such as Kiambu, Nairobi, Kajiado, and most recently Narok. Local authorities are on high alert as the disease has reportedly spread to Kilgoris Central, Shankoe, and Lolgorian in Trans Mara West. The county government has banned food sales and ordered the closure of hotels and entertainment venues in high-risk areas. The outbreak was officially confirmed on October 3 after stool samples sent to the Walter Reed Laboratory in Kericho tested positive. By October 4, the number of reported cases stood at 31. Six cases were confirmed by PCR, three by rapid tests, and the rest were identified through contact tracing. The rapid increase in infections has alarmed health authorities. Three of the four confirmed deaths occurred on September 30, and the fourth, a child, died on October 2. @https://www-standardmedia-co-ke.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/www.standardmedia.co.ke/health/amp/health-science/article/2001531165/four-dead-34-hospitalised-as-cholera-spreads-in-narok-county?amp_js_v=0.1&_gsa=1#webview=1

Drug trafficking at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport

Drug trafficking at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) is a serious problem. Recent incidents demonstrate how drug traffickers use sophisticated methods to smuggle drugs through the airport. Whether the methods are sophisticated is debatable. The video shows something else entirely: corruption. Nobody wants to call the problem by its name. https://youtu.be/et2AnFrJVFQ?si=IwYDdwrseP2OZCqT On October 3, 2025, KTN News broadcast an investigative report titled "The Cocaine Highway," which exposed the JKIA as the "soft underbelly" of global drug cartels. The report details how a British national successfully smuggled Class A and Class B drugs, including millions of Kenyan shillings worth of cocaine, through the JKIA security checkpoints. He was escorted by airport officials and security personnel, allowing him to board a flight to London undetected. Upon arrival at Heathrow Airport, he was arrested by the London Metropolitan Police's Specialist Crime Division. The smuggling operation reportedly began in September 2024, coinciding with the appointment of a suspected drug lord to President William Ruto's cabinet, which allegedly emboldened the networks. Among the methods highlighted were the circumvention of scans and checks with the help of insiders, making JKIA a "vulnerable highway" for cartels targeting major markets such as the UK and Dubai. Evidence presented included footage and testimony from officials who supported the process. The revelations sparked calls for the dismissal and arrest of the affected employees. There are links to larger cargo frauds and the smuggling of items such as counterfeit gold. Investigative measures and reports have exposed JKIA Airport as a vulnerable global drug transit hub. Some drug traffickers, possibly with the help of corrupt officials, managed to circumvent airport security. These cases involved both Class A and Class B drugs, such as cocaine, indicating high-value drug trafficking rings operating through JKIA Airport. Authorities are continuously improving their drug screening protocols and involving the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the Kenya Airports Authority, and the Kenya Revenue Authority at JKIA Airport to counter the threat of drug trafficking. Kenya is also committed to international frameworks to effectively combat drug trafficking through cooperation and law enforcement. @https://www.citizen.digital/news/dci-nabs-woman-at-jkia-with-cocaine-pellets-hidden-in-her-body-n370875 @https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/national/article/2001530959/cocaine-highway-how-jkia-has-been-exposed-as-transit-for-global-drugs-trade

A military court in the Democratic Republic of Congo sentenced former President Joseph Kabila to death

A military court in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) sentenced former President Joseph Kabila to death

in absentia after finding him guilty of several serious crimes, including treason and crimes against humanity. Historically, the death penalty in the Democratic Republic of Congo (and its predecessor, Zaire) was a legal form of punishment for serious crimes such as murder, treason, and military insubordination. Executions were often carried out by firing squad, and the death row population was substantial. Shortly after taking power, Kabila's government imposed a de facto moratorium on executions. This meant that while courts continued to issue death sentences, they did not carry them out. This was an important first step because it halted state-sanctioned killings but left hundreds of prisoners on death row in a legal gray area. Joseph Kabila is a Congolese politician and the fourth president of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) from 2001 to 2019. He took office after the assassination of his father, President Laurent-Désiré Kabila. He is credited with ending the Second Congo War and ensuring the country's relative stability, although his presidency was also marked by allegations of corruption, human rights violations, and electoral fraud. After leaving office, he became a senator for life. The verdict was announced by Lieutenant General Joseph Mutombo Katalayi (the lieutenant general who presided over the military tribunal that convicted the former president of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)), who presided over the trial in the capital, Kinshasa. The judge said Kabila, 54, was found guilty of treason, murder, sexual violence, torture, and rebellion, among other offenses. Kabila, who ruled the DRC from 2001 to 2019, left the country in 2023. However, in May of this year, he was briefly seen in the eastern parts of the country controlled by the M23 rebels. M23 (March 23 Movement) is a predominantly Tutsi Congolese rebel group. It was founded in April 2012 by former members of the CNDP (National Congress for the Defense of the People), another Tutsi rebel group. The M23 insurgency is generally considered a proxy conflict. The UN, the US, and several European governments have repeatedly accused Rwanda (and to a lesser extent Uganda) of providing the M23 with troops, weapons, money, and direct military support—charges Rwanda denies. The M23 insurgency erupted during Kabila's presidency and became the defining security crisis of his later years in power. The M23 suffered a military defeat, and Kabila prevailed. In summary, during Joseph Kabila's presidency, the M23 was founded and militarily defeated. However, because his government failed to address the political and regional root causes of the conflict, his victory was only temporary and paved the way for the group's dramatic return after he left power. His whereabouts following the military court's verdict are currently unknown. Prosecutors accused Kabila of supporting the Rwandan-backed M23 rebels who seized large parts of the resource-rich east this year. His trial began in July in his absence. Kabila, for his part, condemned the charges as a "show trial" and accused the country's judicial system of being an "instrument of repression." He added that the proceedings against him, as well as the arrest of senior civilian and military officials, signaled a deep crisis of leadership, justice, and national direction. Several high-ranking politicians and officials of the People's Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD) were arrested in Kinshasa as part of a crackdown by the government on alleged links to the M23 rebel group. Joseph Kabila's conviction led to the confiscation of his assets and the nationwide suspension of the PPRD. The arrests and interrogations of high-ranking PPRD officials took place against a backdrop of tensions surrounding the resurgence of the M23 rebel group and the complex conflict dynamics in eastern Congo. These arrests were part of broader political and legal measures against the party and its allies. Joseph Kabila played a pivotal role in ending the death penalty in the Democratic Republic of Congo through a sustained moratorium. However, his government did not abolish the death penalty completely, leaving the legal framework intact for its possible reintroduction by a future government.

NPS criticizes "Standard Media" for claims that DIG Lagat was behind the disappearance of millions of dollars from CHAN.

NPS criticizes "Standard Media" for claims that DIG Lagat was behind the disappearance of millions of dollars from CHAN.

It is important to note that DIG Eliud Lagat is currently in court challenging his resignation amid the ongoing investigation into the death of blogger Albert Ojwang. The final court hearing was scheduled for mid-November 2025. Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Eliud Lagat has continued to serve as Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service (KPS) since October 5, 2025. He resigned in June 2025 amid the investigation into the death of blogger Albert Ojwang but has since returned to his post. Recent controversies, including allegations of financial irregularities related to missing police allowances and ongoing court petitions for his suspension, did not lead to his dismissal. The National Police Service (NPS) has publicly defended him against these allegations, and he continues to perform his official duties, such as welcoming NPS athletes at the end of September 2025. And now, the following news should come as no surprise. The National Police Service (NPS) has sharply criticized the Standard Media Group, accusing it of misleading the public about the remuneration of police officers during the recently concluded African Nations Championship (CHAN). In a statement, the NPS spokesperson criticized the media outlet for its headline "Lagat's New Storm," in which the Standard exposed explosive allegations against the Deputy Inspector General of Police. According to the Standard, Lagat faced criticism from his subordinates for the loss of millions of dollars intended for the remuneration of police officers during CHAN. It is alleged that Lagat is still involved in the ongoing case surrounding the gruesome murder of teacher Albert Ojwang, but is facing a new storm following the alleged disappearance of police per diems. The police described the allegations as a sensationalist headline and a distortion of the facts bordering on disinformation. The NPS spokesperson emphasized that the allegations against Lagat were personal attacks and tantamount to character assassination. The police warned the media outlet of the potential serious consequences of such unfounded accusations and stated that the "Standard Newspaper" was being sharply criticized. According to the NPS spokesperson, such allegations could lead to civil and legal repercussions. @https://www.kenyans.co.ke/news/116823-nps-slams-standards-lagats-fresh-storm-headline-misleading

A vibrant Oromo festival of gratitude illuminates Addis Ababa

A vibrant Oromo festival of gratitude illuminates Addis Ababa

with joy. The "Oromo Festival of Gratitude" refers to the Oromo harvest festival of Irreechaa. It is an important cultural and spiritual festival for the Oromo, especially in the Oromia region of Ethiopia. Irreechaa marks the end of the rainy season and the beginning of a new, fertile period and typically takes place in late September or early October. Irreechaa is a ritual of gratitude to Waaqa (God) for life, health, and the bounty of the land. The festival emphasizes giving thanks for the blessings and grace received throughout the year. It also serves to strengthen social bonds, renew moral commitments, and mark seasonal transitions. The celebrations take place in natural locations such as riverbanks, lakes, and mountains, which are considered sacred. People immerse green grass and flowers in water, symbolizing fertility and flourishing life. The festival has deep historical roots, closely linked to the traditional Oromo worldview and the Gadaa system, a democratic social and political institution. Irreechaa is celebrated not only in Ethiopia but also by Oromo communities around the world, including in North America and Europe. Overall, Irreechaa is a joyous occasion of gratitude, unity, and cultural pride, celebrating renewal, harvest, and the harmony between humanity and nature. Thousands gathered at the sacred Hora Finfinne lake and in the center of the Ethiopian capital to celebrate Irreecha. The ceremony opened with traditional blessings led by the respected Abbaa Gadaas, the leaders of the Gadaa system, the centuries-old Oromo democratic tradition that governs leadership, justice, and community life. The celebrations continue on Sunday at Hora Arsedi, another holy lake in the nearby town of Bishoftu, in honor of unity, heritage, and hope. @https://www.waaqeffannaa.com/2025/09/19/%F0%9D%95%80%F0%9D%95%A3%F0%9D%95%A3%F0%9D%95%96%F0%9D%95% 96%F0%9D%95%94%F0%9D%95%99%F0%9D%95%92%F0%9D%95%92-the-oromo-festival-of-Thanksgiving-and-Renewal/ @https://advocacy4oromia.org/what-is-irreechaa/ @https://advocacy4oromia.org/2024/09/04/the-annual-oromo-irreechaa-festival-is-approaching-this-month/ @https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irreechaa @https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-49945694

Climate crisis in Africa

As we all know, the climate crisis is hitting Africa hard. The climate crisis in Africa is intensifying significantly, bringing with it a multitude of extreme weather events that are placing a severe strain on the continent. The last decade was the hottest on record, with rising temperatures, severe droughts, floods, heatwaves, and tropical storms. These climate extremes are threatening the livelihoods of millions of people and negatively impacting agriculture, food security, water supplies, health, education, and economic development. In East Africa, exceptionally heavy and prolonged rainfall in 2024 led to severe flooding, particularly in Kenya, Tanzania, and Burundi, resulting in hundreds of deaths and the displacement of over 700,000 people. At the same time, southern Africa is experiencing a devastating drought, particularly in Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, which is the worst in two decades and is severely impacting grain production, exacerbating hunger and energy shortages. West and Central Africa are also experiencing devastating floods, affecting millions, causing deaths, and massive displacement. In addition to environmental impacts, the climate crisis is also leading to social and political tensions here, for example, through conflicts over scarce resources. Although Africa only accounts for about three percent of global CO2 emissions, the continent bears the brunt of climate impacts, while limited economic resources, inadequate infrastructure, and institutional weaknesses hamper adaptation. African states are increasingly collaborating to strengthen climate mitigation and adaptation strategies, as demonstrated by initiatives such as the African Climate Summit. Key partners are supporting the continent with financial and technical assistance, for example, to expand infrastructure for early warning systems and climate-friendly technologies. Those causing this climate crisis, those most responsible for the chaos, are raking in record profits. This is why Greenpeace activists interrupted the African Energy Week in Cape Town to raise the alarm about the widespread destruction of fossil fuel companies like Shell and Exxon. Africa has borne the brunt of oil and gas profit margins for years, and we have seen major heatwaves in 2025 alone. https://epo.de/21646-wmo-klimakrise-in-afrika-verschaerft-sich/ https://www.gemeinsam-fuer-afrika.de/die-auswirkungen-der-klimakrise-in-afrika-naturkatastrophen-und-notstaende-resultierend-aus-den-handlungen-der-industrienationen/ https://www.bundesumweltministerium.de/pressemitteilung/afrikanischer-klimagipfel-deutschland-bleibt-afrikas-verlaesslicher-partner-bei-gruener-transformation-und-klimaschutz https://wiki.bildungsserver.de/klimawandel/index.php/Klima%C3%A4nderungen_in_Afrika https://www.klimareporter.de/international/katastrophe-und-enttaeuschung-die-klimakrise-in-afrika https://www.globalcitizen.org/de/action/how-is-africa-being-impacted-by-the-climate-crisis/

Abdourahamane Tiani meets Ibrahim Traoré in Ouagadougou

Abdourahamane Tiani meets Ibrahim Traoré in Ouagadougou for a courtesy call during a stopover for high-level talks. Abdourahamane Tchiani (also known as Abdourahamane Tiani) is a Nigerien military officer and has served as president since 2025. Following a coup in 2023 in which he arrested then-President Mohamed Bazoum, he became the leader of the military junta. Previously, Tchiani served as head of Nigerien's presidential guard and played a key role in the coup. On March 26, 2025, he was officially confirmed as president for a five-year term. His leadership marks a shift away from democratic norms toward military rule, and his government is dissolving all political parties under a new charter. Tchiani's regime has brought Niger closer to countries like Russia, withdrawn US and EU troops, and simultaneously joined a new alliance with Burkina Faso and Mali, the Alliance of Sahel States. His policies focus on military modernization, economic growth, and combating corruption, although his rule has been criticized for setbacks in democracy and human rights in Niger. The Nigerien leader was greeted by the President of Burkina Faso at Ouagadougou International Airport. The two leaders discussed "issues of common and strategic interest to promote development in the Sahel." Sahel security, diplomacy, and governance are at the heart of the discussions. This is Abdourahamane Tiani's second visit to Burkina Faso since taking office. He arrived from Mali, where he had paid a friendly working visit. @https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abdourahamane_Tchiani @https://www.dw.com/en/nigers-military-leader-named-president-entrenches-power/a-72074187 @https://www.africa-confidential.com/profile/id/5043/page/2