Kony historic hearing at the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Kony's defense team speaks out ahead of historic hearing at the International Criminal Court (ICC). Joseph Kony is a Ugandan rebel leader born around 1961, best known as the founder and leader of the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA). The LRA terrorized northern Uganda and neighboring countries with brutal campaigns. Kony called himself a prophet and sought to establish a government based on the Ten Commandments. Joseph Kony's defense team has spoken out ahead of the historic confirmation hearing, which will take place from September 9 to 11, 2025, at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague. The hearing will be held in absentia, as Kony remains at large. The defense team, led by Peter Haynes KC with co-counsel Kate Gibson and others, emphasized that this hearing is not a trial or a verdict, but a procedural step to determine whether there is sufficient evidence for a trial. The defense team proactively protected Kony's rights and challenged the legal basis for proceeding without his presence. This hearing is the first confirmation of charges in absentia hearing before the ICC and represents a historic legal milestone. The defense team also clarified that no one will be convicted or imprisoned at this stage; rather, it is a step toward accountability and justice for the communities affected by Kony's alleged crimes. The ICC Outreach Coordinator emphasized the importance of the hearing as a recognition of the suffering caused by the Lord's Resistance Army conflict in northern Uganda. Recognition of the suffering caused by the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) conflict in northern Uganda includes awareness and official recognition of the gross human rights violations and atrocities committed by the LRA in northern Uganda since 1987, and subsequently in other parts of Central Africa. The LRA, under the leadership of Joseph Kony, is responsible for widespread and systematic crimes, including the abduction of an estimated 60,000 to 100,000 children for use as child soldiers or sex slaves, as well as numerous killings and forced displacement of civilians. In northern Uganda alone, approximately two million people were displaced by the conflict, and many lived in humanitarian camps for a time, dependent on aid. The violence resulted in thousands of violent deaths weekly during the height of the conflict. The conflict is considered one of the most brutal and persistent in the region and is internationally recognized as a violation of human rights and humanitarian law. There have been efforts to negotiate peace and reintegrate former fighters, but acknowledging the damage caused by the LRA remains important for reconciliation and reconstruction in the region. @https://ndupress.ndu.edu/portals/68/documents/stratforum/sf-270.pdf @https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/LRA-Konflikt @https://gsdrc.org/document-library/the-challenge-of-ddr-in-northern-uganda-the-lords-resistance-army/ @https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lord's_Resistance_Army @https://hhi.harvard.edu/publications/abducted-lords-resistance-army-and-forced-conscription-northern @https://ir.lawnet.fordham.edu/ilj/vol40/iss2/1/ @https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/international-lawyers-petition-museveni-over-choice-of-kony-s-lawyer-5154568 @https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/kony-s-defence-team-speaks-out-ahead-of-historic-icc-hearing-5149292 @https://theelephant.co.ug/justice-without-the-accused-icc-prepares-for-historic-hearing-against-joseph-kony/ @https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Kony @https://www.strafrechtsiegen.de/freispruch-trotz-dna-olg-kippt-schwerer-brandstiftung-urteil/ @https://www.bpb.de/kurz-knapp/lexika/das-junge-politik-lexikon/320545/internationaler-strafgerichtshof-istgh/ @https://library.oapen.org/bitstream/id/5200b68c-ed3e-478f-9ff7-918ca3cc3bb1/GSSCA13_Kindersoldatinnen.pdf

The next presidential elections in Kenya are scheduled for August 2027

The next presidential elections in Kenya are scheduled for August 2027

. The last presidential elections were held on August 9, 2022, and a president in Kenya serves a five-year term with a maximum of two terms. Therefore, the next election is expected to be held in August 2027. The election campaign has begun! A wonderful office where the president can do whatever he sees fit, while everyone else must remain silent. In the 2027 parliamentary elections, several heads of state and government will run and attempt to oust William Ruto. It is currently impossible to name a number of candidates, but based on previous elections, a large number can be expected. In the 2022 presidential election, four candidates supported by political parties ran, as well as several independent candidates. Traditionally, thousands of candidates run for the 349 seats in the National Assembly (Parliament). In the 2022 election, over 16,000 candidates ran for various parliamentary and gubernatorial positions. A similar number of candidates are expected for all levels of government (president, parliament, county governors, and representatives) in 2027. Potential candidates include former Minister of Internal Security Fred Matiang'i, who may have used the UPA party as his political tool. Given the daunting challenge, politicians across the country have to raise billions of shillings to garner votes in various places. Here, in Kenya, votes are bought, much like in ancient Rome. Presidential candidates possess enormous wealth, a testament to their influence in politics and business. 1. William Ruto: President William Ruto is attempting to defend his seat despite strong competition. He is the leader of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA). Despite his political activities, Ruto still runs a chicken business in his hometown of Sugoi. He revealed that he earns at least KSh 1.5 million a day from selling over 150,000 eggs. According to reports from TUKO.co.ke, Ruto owns several properties and businesses, including the Weston Hotel, the Dolphin Hotel, Kilgoris Farm, Moiben Farm, and the Kitengela Gas Company. He has also invested in the land sector through his company, Matiny Ltd. 2. Rigathi Gachagua: Former Vice President Rigathi Gachagua has announced his intention to challenge his former boss in the 2027 elections. The Democratic Congress Party (DCP) leader stated that his dismissal will not preclude him from running for president, as his case is still pending in court. During the 2022 presidential debate, Gachagua estimated his net worth at KSh 800 million. He announced that he had received KSh 64 million from the Ministry of Lands and Housing, KSh 10 million from Kenya Power, KSh 33 million from the Ministry of Livestock, and KSh 46 million from Batek. His companies include Fortis Vis Group Limited, Spirit Way Ltd, The Treetops Lodge, and over 20 others. 3. Martha Karua: Martha Karua has declared her intention to run for the People's Liberation Party (PVP) as a presidential candidate in 2027. The former presidential candidate of the Azimio la Umoja coalition stated that her net worth is KSh 150 million, up from KSh 56 million due to inflation. Karua owns houses in Nairobi and Kirinyaga, and one of her cars costs KSh 6 million. 4. Fred Matiang'i: Former Cabinet Secretary for Internal Security, Fred Matiang'i, has joined the United Progressive Alliance (UPA). Matiang'i caused controversy when he refused to disclose his net worth in an interview with Citizen TV. He emphasized that his financial affairs should not be a matter of public concern. 5. David Maraga: Former Chief Justice David Maraga has also announced his intention to run for president in 2027. He described the election as a moral battle to protect the constitution and end corruption and injustice. Maraga receives a pension of over 1 million KSh per month and is entitled to comprehensive health insurance. He also presented his large villa – a sign that he leads a luxurious lifestyle. Kalonzo Musyoka is also mentioned as one of the candidates seeking the presidency and possesses enormous wealth. Conclusion: Actually, the conclusion can be kept quite brief, because these candidates are all likely not quite right. All of the individuals mentioned are millionaires and have little to nothing to do with the working population. It is not mentioned whether they have ever worked. No one asks where they got their wealth. The presidents here act like kings, not like elected presidents. A president is the servant of the people, but here the people are the servant of the president. This is also why the individuals mentioned are not eligible for election. All of them cling to the old structure and are unwilling to take a step into the future. But this is necessary for positive development. Staying where this country is now is a step backward. @https://kiswahili.tuko.co.ke/siasa/600574-orodha-ya-wanasiasa-wa-kenya-waliotangaza-nia-ya-kugombea-urais-2027-na-mali-zao/ @https://x.com/IEBCKenya/status/1955914857741459676 @https://trt.global/afrika-english/article/18217598

Ethiopia is currently experiencing a remarkable transformation in irrigation development

Ethiopia is currently experiencing a remarkable transformation in irrigation development, driven by both climate change and socioeconomic challenges. Ethiopia is addressing long-standing challenges in project implementation, infrastructure, and management with new standards for sustainable irrigation development. There are new approaches to irrigation. Agropastoralism instead of pure livestock farming—that is the future. In regions like the Afar Desert, semi-nomadic communities are striving to transition from pastoralism to agropastoralism. This means practicing arable farming alongside livestock farming—with the help of resource-efficient irrigation systems. Cisterns and micro-landscape structures are needed. Rainwater is collected during the rainy season and stored in cisterns. Drought-resistant crops such as sorghum, maize, and millet are grown in artificially created ditches. But there are also challenges posed by climate change. Drought and water scarcity are a major challenge. In Tigray, in particular, the lack of rainfall has severely impacted agricultural production. Only about half of the arable land could be cultivated, and of that, less than 40% was harvested. The dependence on rain-fed agriculture must be reduced. Approximately 80% of the population relies on agriculture, which is largely dependent on rain. Irrigation now enables up to four harvests per year – a tremendous advance. Then there's a scientific perspective. For example, research in the Awash Basin. Studies show that this economically important area will become hotter and drier in the future. This increases the pressure on water resources and makes climate-resilient irrigation systems essential. And water remains a key resource. Water is crucial not only for agriculture, but also for power generation (especially hydropower) and industry. Ethiopia's transformation in irrigation development is therefore not only a technological advance, but also a social and ecological upheaval. Summary. Ethiopia has the potential to irrigate 42 million hectares of land, but currently only about 2 million hectares are in use. With the support of the Agricultural Transformation Institute and experts from Addis Ababa and Arba Minch Universities, a new policy has been introduced. It establishes 26 standards for irrigation projects to ensure quality and safety. The framework ensures that irrigation projects follow a recognized management system, thus increasing agricultural productivity. To reduce dependence on rain-fed agriculture, the government is expanding irrigation solutions.

How William Ruto is splashing millions on US lobbyists

One thing that must also be mentioned here is that the scandals are increasing in number and taking on ever greater dimensions. It all started with the demonstrations in 2024, killings, kidnappings, and then deaths in police custody. Then, in 2025, SHA was added, and now this too. President William Ruto's government has reportedly allocated significant resources to engage American lobbying firms to boost Kenya's image in Washington amid domestic and foreign scrutiny. According to reports by The Standard, the Kenyan government signed a contract with Continental Strategy LLC, a Washington-based firm with ties to Donald Trump ally and former ambassador Carlos Trujillo, for a monthly fee of 27.1 million shillings (approximately $210,000). This equates to over 325 million shillings annually, a figure that is causing controversy in Kenya given the economic hardships facing many citizens. The deal is intended to boost Ruto's credibility in the US Congress, where his administration's reputation has been questioned amid domestic issues such as corruption allegations and protests against tax increases. This move comes amid Kenya's complex relationship with the US, particularly after Kenya became the first sub-Saharan African country to become a major non-NATO ally in 2024. However, Ruto's foreign policy, which includes his relations with China and the inclusion of controversial groups such as Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has raised concerns in Washington and prompted the Senate to review Kenya's ally status. The lobbying effort is seen as an attempt to counter these tensions and maintain close ties with the US, particularly in light of Ruto's planned visit to the UN General Assembly in September 2025, where he aims to strengthen ties with the incoming Trump administration. Critics argue the spending is excessive, especially when compared to Kenya's economic challenges, including high living costs and a youth-led insurgency against government policies. The funds allocated to lobbying could be seen as diverting resources from urgent domestic needs and stoking public discontent. While lobbying is portrayed as a strategy to boost Kenya's global reputation and attract investment, the high cost and the choice of a firm associated with a polarizing figure like Trujillo have led to accusations of desperation and mismanagement. The exact results of these efforts remain unclear, as Kenya's domestic instability and foreign policy missteps continue to tarnish its international image. Sources: @https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/national/article/2001527890/revealed-how-ruto-is-splashing-millions-on-us-lobbyists-to-face-with-washington @https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/national/article/2001527890/revealed-how-ruto-is-splashing-millions-on-us-lobbyists-to-save-face @https://www.standardme dia.co.ke/article/2001527890/revealed-how-ruto-is-splashing-millions-on-us-lobbyists-to-save-face @https://www.africaintelligence.com/eastern-africa-and-the-horn/2025/08/26/ruto-prepares-trip-to-washington-to-save-relations-with-trump-administration%2C110514533-eve @https://responsiblestatecraft.org/uni ted states kenya @https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/national/article/2001527890/revealed-how-ruto-is-splashing-millions-on-us-lobbyists-to-face-with-washington @https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/07/11/kenya-president-ruto-cabinet-riots @https://responsiblestatecraft.org/united-states-kenya/) @https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/national/article/2001527890/revealed-how-ruto-is-splashing-millions-on-us-lobbyists-to-face-with-washington @https://www.africaintelligence.com/eastern-africa-and-the-horn/2025/08/26/ruto-prepares-trip-to-washington-to-save-relations-with-trump-administration%2C110514533-eve

Robbing the sick in Kenya

This is a pervasive, systemic fraud affecting county officials in Kenya who hold health insurance policies intended to cover their healthcare costs. Despite paying premiums and issuing insurance cards, many county officials are unable to access treatment because their insurance coverage is inactive or rejected by hospitals. This has resulted in county officials being forced to pay for medical care out of their own pockets or forgoing necessary treatment. These problems are rooted in irregular procurement, corruption, and collusion between county officials, insurance providers, brokers, and some private hospitals. This results in millions of public funds disappearing without providing any real medical protection. The key issues affect county officials, such as Abdulahi in Isiolo, who hold insurance cards for private and public health insurance but are rejected by hospitals, leaving families to pay high medical bills directly. Insurance premiums are deducted and paid by the districts, but benefits are often suspended or coverage is inactive for most employees, with the exception of a few senior managers. Corrupt brokers and insurance companies collude with district officials to collect premiums, while employees suffer without health insurance coverage. An investigation revealed that millions of shillings were paid without appropriate access to healthcare. This scandal was concealed because the lack of health insurance leaves no visible infrastructure. Several districts have experienced this; examples include Bungoma, Kilifi, Meru, Baringo, Nyamira, and Vihiga, where insurance policies are ineffective despite payments. Legal experts confirm that insurers are obligated to provide benefits once premiums are paid. Regulators are under scrutiny for failing to prevent this exploitation. Hospitals are also owed billions in unpaid claims from the health department, further increasing the strain on the healthcare system. This fraud has had tragic consequences; Some district employees died after being denied treatment due to inactive insurance policies. The scandal also triggered political backlash, calling for greater oversight and accountability in the administration of district health funds. It can be seen that millions of shillings paid for district employees' health insurance are lost due to corruption and irregularities, leaving sick district employees uninsured and abandoned despite paying their premiums. The Social Health Authority (SHA) is involved in a context related to insurance fraud, specifically in Kenya's health insurance sector. The Ministry of Health, alongside SHA, has uncovered widespread fraudulent claims involving upcoding, falsification of records, fake inpatient billing, multiple billing, and using ghost patients by various health facilities and professionals. SHA has suspended access rights and billing privileges for these implicated facilities and health workers as part of the crackdown on insurance fraud targeting the public health insurance scheme under SHA. The government has taken strong actions including suspensions, surcharges to recover fraudulent payments, and forwarding cases to criminal investigations and professional disciplinary councils to tackle and prevent further fraud. The Kenyan government is actively involved in the fight against insurance fraud rather than becoming complicit in it. Numerous cases of insurance fraud have occurred in Kenya, including fraudulent claims, fraudulent billing, and collusion between patients, doctors, and healthcare facilities. In response, government agencies such as the Social Health Authority (SHA), the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) investigate and prosecute fraud cases related to health insurance and public transport insurance. For example, the government recently closed 31 hospitals due to fraudulent claims under the SHA and suspended 40 healthcare facilities for fraud violations. Health Minister Aden Duale announced a crackdown on fraud with legal consequences for perpetrators, including the recovery of stolen funds. There is no credible evidence that the government itself is involved in insurance fraud. Rather, it is committed to curbing and punishing such criminal activities in the sector. @https://eastleighvoice.co.ke/sha/172262/from-nhif-to-sha-kenya-s-struggle-to-overcome-health-insurance-fraud-boost-affordability @https://repository.dkut.ac.ke:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/658 @https://ntvkenya.co.ke/news/govt-shuts-down-31-hospitals-over-fraudulent-sha-claims/ @https://www.dci.go.ke/investigation-bureau @https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/article/2001527122/robbing-the-sick-county-staff-left-to-die-as-policy-millions-vanish @https://www.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3D9YJFoMg_hWo @https://www.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3DIg4sNnhX9mc @https://www.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3DIg4sNnhX9mc @https://www.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3D9YJFoMg_hWo

27. August is Kariba Day in Kenya

On August 27, 2010, Kenya officially promulgated a new constitution, marking the birth of the so-called "Second Republic." This historic event was celebrated nationwide and symbolized a new beginning for the country, aiming to unite Kenyans and overcome decades of political and ethnic problems. President Mwai Kibaki signed the constitution amid cheers, a 21-gun salute, and the raising of the flag. Key political figures took the oath of office under the new constitution, ushering in a new era of people-centered governance, devolution of power, equitable development, and stronger protection of fundamental rights and freedoms. The promulgation was considered a turning point in Kenya's democratic journey. The 2010 constitution was intended to create a more secure and just future for all Kenyans. The day is now commemorated annually as "Katiba Day." President William Ruto declared it "Katiba Day" in 2025 to remind citizens of their duty to uphold the Constitution. This event was so significant that it could be compared to Kenya's independence celebrations. It reflected the national unity felt on that day across tribal and social lines. The Constitution was the culmination of a long struggle for reform aimed at addressing the problems that had led to political instability and violence in the past. Now, Katiba Day is celebrated annually in Kenya on August 27 to commemorate the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution. President William Ruto officially declared August 27 as Katiba Day, starting in 2025, marking the 15th anniversary of the Constitution. The day is intended to remind Kenyans to uphold, preserve, protect, and implement the Constitution. The Constitution is considered a transformative milestone in Kenya's democratic history, with its people-centered governance, decentralization, equitable development, and the protection of fundamental rights. Katiba Day is not a public holiday, but a working day. All government institutions, including schools and diplomatic missions abroad, are required to organize activities that promote constitutional awareness and civic engagement. The day is dedicated to renewing Kenya's commitment to constitutionalism, governance, and the rule of law through national dialogue and civic engagement. This commemoration underscores the importance of the 2010 Constitution as one of the most progressive legal frameworks in Kenya's history and calls on Kenyans to uphold the constitutional values ​​of justice, equality, and prosperity for all.

Joseph Kabila was sentenced to death.

Joseph Kabila was sentenced to death.

Joseph Kabila Kabange is a Congolese politician. He is a former military officer. He served as the fourth president of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) from 2001 to 2019. He took office shortly after the assassination of his father, President Laurent-Désiré Kabila, during the Second Congo War. Kabila was the youngest head of state in the world at the time, assuming the presidency at the age of 29. During his presidency, Kabila is credited with ending the Second Congo War and restoring relative stability to much of the country, although conflict continued in the eastern regions. He founded the People's Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD) in 2002. In 2006, he presided over the first multi-party elections in the DRC in decades. He won the presidency and was re-elected in 2011. His government focused on encouraging foreign investment in mining and improving infrastructure, leading to significant economic growth, despite being plagued by corruption, embezzlement, and human rights violations. Kabila's presidency was criticized for its authoritarian nature and electoral controversies. His term was scheduled to end in December 2016, but elections were postponed until 2018. Under pressure, he eventually resigned and did not seek a third term. In 2019, Félix Tshisekedi succeeded him in the first peaceful transition of power since independence. As a former president, Kabila is a senator for life. However, in 2025, he was indicted on charges of treason, murder, and sexual assault in connection with his alleged support of the M23 rebel group in eastern Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo. Kabila denies these charges and criticized the trial as politically motivated. The trial was postponed while prosecutors gathered further evidence. Current President Tshisekedi accuses Kabila of masterminding the M23 insurgency. The situation remains tense due to ongoing conflict in the eastern region and international concerns about foreign involvement. Joseph Kabila was born on June 4, 1971, in South Kivu province, Democratic Republic of Congo. He is the son of Laurent-Désiré Kabila, a former rebel leader and president of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Now, Joseph Kabila, who is being tried in absentia by a military tribunal, has been sentenced to death. The Comptroller General of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo described Kabila as the mastermind of the M23's violence, including murder, rape, and torture. @https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/22/drc-prosecutor-seeks-death-penalty-for-former-leader-joseph-kabila @https://www.aljazeera.com/tag/joseph-kabila/ @https://www.bbc.com/news/topics/cx1m7zg0wxqt @https://theconversation.com/topics/joseph-kabila-26275 @https://www.wjhl.com/news/national/ap-congos-prosecutor-asks-for-the-death-penalty-for-former-president-kabila-for-war-crimes/ @https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Kabila @https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Senator_for_life