At least two people killed after a driver crash into a throng at a German Christmas market.

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December 21, 2024

At least two people were killed and dozens injured after a car plowed into a crowd at a Christmas market in the German city of Magdeburg on Friday, local authorities said.

An adult and a toddler died in the attack and the suspected driver has been arrested, the prime minister of Saxony-Anhalt state, Reiner Haseloff, said in a televised statement.

At least 68 people were injured, including 15 people with serious injuries, according to a statement posted on the city’s Facebook page.

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Footage from social media, verified by CNN, shows the gruesome moment a black car drove directly into the crowd at the busy Christmas market.

In the video, dozens of people are crowded at the market stalls when the vehicle plows directly into them. Some people can be seen running away in panic, while others dive into the stalls.

Bodies and debris are scattered across the narrow lane as the car turns out of the plaza.

The area around the car was previously cordoned off over suspicion that an explosive device could be inside it, but police later found no such device, local public broadcaster MDR reported, citing Magdeburg police.

According to Haseloff, the suspected driver is a doctor from Saudi Arabia who works in Saxony-Anhalt and has lived in Germany since 2006.

The suspect is a 50-year-old man with a permanent residency permit, said Tamara Zieschang, the state’s interior minister.

He had rented the car used in the alleged attack, according to Haseloff, cited by MDR.

Magdeburg, the state capital of Saxony-Anhalt, has a population of about 240,000.

The Christmas market is scheduled to be open from November 22 through December 29, according to its website. It has about 140 market stalls, as well as an ice skating rink, a ferris wheel and a children’s play area.

Haseloff said mourning would take place in Germany, especially in the state. City authorities announced there would be a memorial service at Magdeburg cathedral at 7 p.m. (1 p.m. ET) Saturday.

“We will fly the flags at half-mast to express what a tragedy has taken place here and that we all share in the suffering that has been inflicted on people,” he said.

Footage geolocated from social media shows law enforcement officials arresting an individual about 500 feet (150 meters) from where the vehicle plowed into the crowd.

The video published by the AP news agency pans across a busy road to show a police officer aiming a handgun at the arrestee near a vehicle, which appears to be heavily damaged. Moments later two police vans arrive, and officers swarm the scene.

A separate video also from AP, captured from across the street, shows officers handcuffing an individual lying prone beside the black SUV seconds later.

CNN affiliate NTV reported on the same video, saying it captured the moment the suspect was arrested.

CNN has not been able to confirm if this is the suspect in Friday’s market attack.

The number of injured people exceeded what hospitals in Magdeburg could handle, with some being flown to a hospital in the nearby city of Halle for treatment, MDR said. Those with minor injuries were treated at a nearby shopping center and on a tram converted into a care center.

About 100 firefighters and 50 rescue personnel have been deployed, the city of Magdeburg said.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who will travel to Magdeburg Saturday, wrote on social media that his thoughts were with the victims of the attack. “We are at their side and at the side of the people of Magdeburg. My thanks go to the dedicated rescue workers in these anxious hours,” he said.

Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry condemned the attack.

“The Kingdom affirms its position in rejecting violence and expresses its sympathy and sincere condolences to the families of the deceased and to the Federal Republic of Germany, government and people, with its wishes for a speedy recovery for the injured,” it said in a statement.

The White House was closely monitoring the situation and US officials were in touch with their German counterparts that were investigating the situation to offer support, a National Security Council official told CNN.

European leaders, including President of the European Council António Costa, French President Emmanuel Macron and Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof also sent their condolences.

Court Frees Elius Kemboi Citing Irregularities In His Arrest

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Editor

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December 21, 2024

A Nairobi Court has released Elius Kemboi Korir after the warrant of arrest under which Kemboi was arraigned in Court had been suspended by another Court.

The highly publicized case saw Kemboi arraigned in court under arrest on December 18, 2024.

His defense Lawyers put on a spirited fight to have his plea taking deferred citing misuse of Judicial Process by the prosecution.

On the other hand, the prosecution, represented by Mr. Gachoka, pushed to proceed with the plea taking.

Advocate Kyobika for the defense argued that the accused had previously been granted a cash bail of Ksh 200,000 and anticipatory bail of Ksh 100,000 following related proceedings in another case hence dragging him in Court was completely out of order.

They further noted that the warrant of arrest issued in the case had been suspended after the accused voluntarily presented himself before the court.

The prosecution countered by asserting the validity of the proceedings, emphasizing that there were no orders staying the case against Kemboi as alleged by the defense.

Chief Magistrate Shitubi on Friday afternoon after reviewing submissions and court records, ruled that the warrant of arrest had indeed been suspended, reaffirming that no new charges warranted the accused’s detention.

She criticized the prosecution for misleading the court and upheld the trial magistrate’s decision to set the next hearing for January 29, 2025, allowing Mr. Korir time to recover and prepare for plea-taking.

Zambia’s “Witchdoctors” Arrested For Planning Plot to Bewitch The President

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Gerald Gekara

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December 20, 2024

Two men accused of attempting to cast spells on Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema have been arrested in the nation’s capital, Lusaka.

The suspects, Jasten Mabulesse Candunde and Leonard Phiri, were reportedly hired to use witchcraft to harm the president in a bizarre plot that has sent shockwaves through the southern African country.

Charms and a Chameleon

Police revealed that the duo was found in possession of an assortment of “charms,” including a live chameleon, which they intended to use in their alleged mission. The pair claimed they were promised a staggering 2 million Zambian kwacha (£58,000; $73,000) for their work.

Their arrest follows accusations that Nelson Banda, the younger brother of controversial MP Emmanuel “Jay Jay” Banda, had orchestrated the plan. Nelson Banda is reportedly on the run.

A Fugitive MP and Political Drama

Emmanuel Banda, who is no stranger to controversy, has been missing from the public eye since his reported arrest in Zimbabwe last month on robbery charges—allegations he denies. The MP, a former ally of ex-President Edgar Lungu, has also been accused of escaping custody in August while awaiting trial in Zambia.

Banda’s former party, the opposition Patriotic Front (PF), has labelled the charges against him politically motivated, further fueling speculation over the current government’s motives.

Charged Under Witchcraft Laws

Candunde and Phiri have been charged under Zambia’s Witchcraft Act, facing allegations of “possession of charms,” “professing knowledge of witchcraft,” and “cruelty to wild animals.” The law is a relic of the colonial era, but belief in witchcraft remains deeply rooted in Zambian culture.

The men remain in custody, and a court date is yet to be set. Neither suspect has commented publicly on the charges.

A Nation Divided

This bizarre case has sparked debate in Zambia, where fear of witchcraft continues to hold sway over many communities. Some see the arrests as a necessary step to protect the nation’s leader, while others dismiss the allegations as part of a politically charged narrative.

As the suspects await their day in court, the spotlight remains on the fugitive MP and his alleged connection to the plot—a scandal that highlights the intersection of politics, superstition, and law in modern Zambia.

Diani: Mchele Babe Sweeps Victims Bank Account; Expensive Phones Stolen

By

Gerald Gekara

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December 20, 2024

A man on a work assignment in the coastal town fell victim to a cunning scheme involving drink spiking and theft, leaving him stupefied and robbed of his valuables.

The incident, captured on hotel surveillance footage, occurred after the victim spent the evening at a popular joint in Diani.

After an enjoyable night, he returned to his hotel room accompanied by a woman he had met at the establishment.

However, by the following morning, his festive joy had turned into despair.

The woman, now referred to as a “pishori babe,” was seen leaving the hotel room minutes before noon, having stolen two mobile phones, a watch, and the victim’s ATM cards.

The theft didn’t end there. The suspect used the stolen cards to withdraw all the money from the victim’s bank accounts the next day, leaving him penniless. She then switched off his phones to avoid being traced.

Public Caution

This disturbing incident is part of a growing trend of drink spiking during the holiday season.

Authorities have raised concerns over the increasing cases of revellers being drugged and robbed, particularly in social hotspots.

“We urge members of the public to be vigilant during this period. Not every reveller has good intentions,” said a senior police officer.

Detectives are actively pursuing the suspect and have promised swift action to ensure she faces the full force of the law. “We are doing everything in our power to track her down and recover the stolen items,” added the officer.

Safety Tips This Holiday

Police have issued guidelines to help revellers protect themselves from similar incidents:

• Avoid leaving drinks unattended.

• Be cautious when socializing with strangers.

• Report suspicious behavior immediately.

This shocking case serves as a stark reminder for Kenyans to remain vigilant as they enjoy the festivities. While the season is a time for joy, it’s crucial to prioritize safety and ensure that celebrations don’t end in tragedy.

Mudavadi Hands over Interior Ministry to Murkomen

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John Mutiso

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December 20, 2024

Kipchumba Murkomen has moved to take over his new responsibility as the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration.

Murkomen will now assume responsibility from Musalia Mudavadi, who has been serving as an acting Interior CS.

The former Sabatia MP, who is also the Prime Cabinet Secretary and CS for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, was given the duty when Kithure Kindiki was nominated and approved as the deputy president.

Murkomen moved to the Interior office on Friday, December 20, 2024, after he was reassigned from the sports docket.

In his farewell message, Mudavadi said he wished Murkomen the best in his new role.

“This afternoon, I officially handed over the reins of the Ministry of Interior and National Administration to Kipchumba Murkomen.

“Having had the opportunity to serve in an acting capacity for the past few months, I have gained firsthand insight into the immense responsibilities that come with this vital state organ. I have shared key insights with Hon. Murkomen to ensure a smooth transition and extended my best wishes to him,” Mudavadi said.

The former Elgeiyo-Marakwet County senator was appointed as CS for Sports following the cabinet reshuffle that came after the Gen Z demonstrations. He previously served as the transport CS.

As the CS for Sports, he faced numerous challenges, and one of them was the lack of ready stadiums that could host Harambee Stars home matches. Kenya played their African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers in Kampala, Uganda, as both the Moi International Sports Complex and Nyayo Stadium were not ready for use.

The renovations going on at both facilities have also cast doubt on the country’s ability to host CHAN. Kenya is staring at the possibility of losing the hosting rights to Rwanda, although Murkomen, President William Ruto, and even the CAF President Patrice Motsepe remain optimistic.

Murkomen now takes over the Interior docket, which becomes his third ministerial job under Ruto’s presidency. Kindiki served as the CS for Interior both before and after the Gen Z’s demonstrations.

The former Tharaka-Nithi senator was elevated, appointed as Kenya’s second in command following Rigathi Gachagua’s impeachment.

President Ruto appoints Mwangi wa Iria, Peter Kenneth to Gov’t Jobs

By

John Mutiso

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December 20, 2024

President William Ruto has appointed former Gatanga MP Peter Kenneth to serve as the Chairperson of the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) National Standards Council.

Additionally, according to a communication by Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service Felix Koskei on Friday, December 20, Ruto appointed former Murang’a Governor Mwangi wa Iria to serve as Chairperson of the Public Procurement Regulatory Board.

Notably, ODM leader Raila Odinga’s close ally, Prof Adams Oloo, has been appointed as Advisor Strategy and Communication in the Advisor & Member President’s Council of Economic Advisors unit.

“These appointments have been made best on the recommendations of the Public Service Commission and in line with the laws governing each public office, as applicable,” the communique read in part.

In the Office of the President, Oloo will be joined by Dr Silvester Okumu Kasuku, who will serve as Advisor for Governance and Ali Mahat Somane who will take on the role of Advisor for Security Affairs Advisor.

On the other hand, the Secretary of Governance position has been filled with the nomination of Joe Owaka Ager.

Others appointed to various ranks within the Executive include Gerald Nyaoma Arita who was named as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Kenya.

Bruno Oguda Obodha was named as the Managing Director of the East African Portland Cement Company PLC while Douglas Murei Kaibos was named as the Chief Executive Officer of the Central Rift Valley Water Works Development Agency.

Meanwhile, Noor Yaror Gabow was nominated as the Consul-General for Kenya’s Consulate in Port-au-Prince, Republic of Haiti.

Blow to Ruto as High Court declares new university funding model unconstitutional

By

Cyrus Kimanga

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December 20, 2024

Blow To president Ruto’s administration as the High Court nullifies the new university funding model saying it propagates discrimination contrary to Article 27 of the constitution.

According to Justice Chacha Mwita, the process leading to the introduction of the new University funding model was never subjected to public participation hence contradicting the basic provisions of the Law.

The Judge said that the attempt by President Ruto’s taskforce committee to grade students based on their financial background was pure discrimination of learners.

“Article 27 of the constitution provides that every person is equal before the Law meaning the state is prohibited from propagating direct or indirect discrimination.” said Justice Mwita.

In the case, the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC), the Elimu Bora Working Group and the Students’ Caucus had in their petition argued that the implementation of the model has transferred the responsibility of providing education from the State to parents, many of whom are struggling to keep their children in school.

The lobbies argued in their petition that the model was implemented hurriedly without consultation and without enabling legislation.

They told Court the Higher Education Loans Board and the Universities Fund were already statutorily mandated to oversee higher education funding and to follow the Maximum Differentiated Unit Cost Model, established in the Universities Act.

Under VSLF the model, students had been categorized as vulnerable, extremely needy, needy and less needy with the vulnerable receiving 82 percent scholarship and 18 percent loan, while the less needy getting 38 percent scholarship, 55 percent loan and seven percent to be contributed by the parent or guardian.

The learners were also expected to apply individually for the loans and scholarships and the applications are considered based on a model that uses a Means Testing Instrument (MTI) to determine the student’s level of financial need, so as to ensure they are supported adequately.

In the past, government-sponsored students would pay Sh16,000 per year and get a loan of up to Sh60,000 a year, under the Differentiated Unit Cots established by the Universities Act. The petitioners claim students now have to part with an average of Sh650,000 per annum without scholarships or bursaries.

Paul Pogba’s brother sentenced to three years in extortion case

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John Mutiso

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December 20, 2024

The older brother of Paul Pogba, former Manchester United midfielder, has been sentenced to a three year jail term, two years suspended, after being convicted of attempting to extort the French footballer.

Mathias Pogba, who was also fined €20,000 (£16,500), will avoid time behind bars and instead serve one year wearing an electronic bracelet.

Five other men were found guilty of extortion and other crimes, and received sentences between four and eight years in a Paris court on Thursday.

Paul Pogba, 31, said he had been “tricked by childhood friends” who held him at gunpoint in 2022 and demanded €13m (£10.8m). He said he paid them €100,000 (£82,600).

Mathias Pogba’s lawyer Mbeko Tabula told RMC Sport the sentencing was “extremely harsh” and said “I think we will appeal”.

The other five defendants were handed the following sentences: Roushdane K received eight years, Boubacar C four years, two suspended, Adama C five years, Mamadou M five years, 12 months suspended, and Machikour K four years, three suspended.

Last year, Paul Pogba told Al Jazeera that he had considered retiring from football because of the extortion attempt.

“When there is money you have to be careful,” he said. “Money changes people. It can break up a family. It can create a war”.

Former professional footballer Mathias Pogba played for clubs including Partick Thistle, Wrexham, Crewe Alexandra and Crawley Town. His last club was Belfort in France, leaving them in 2022.

AFC Leopards: Why Ingwe could lose cherished team bus to auctioneers

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John Mutiso

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December 20, 2024

Kenya Premier League side AFC Leopards Football Club is set to lose its team bus to auctioneers after losing a legal battle.

This comes after Senior Resident Magistrate S.K Onjoro dismissed an application by AFC Leopards, which argued that the Sports Disputes Tribunal (SDT) lacked jurisdiction to authorize the auction of the club’s bus.

SDT had granted a former player Robert Mudenyu permission to auction the bus in order to recover nearly 1 million shillings owed to him by the club.

AFC contested the decision in court arguing that STD does not have the jurisdiction to issue such an order.

Robert Mudenyu, who was a defender, sought legal action with the Sports Disputes Tribunal for unpaid arrears owed to him by the club.

He stated that the club owed him Ksh. 991,000. He also accused the club of wrongful termination of his contract.

The ruling was made in December 2023.

In September 2024, the club was on the verge of losing the bus to auctioneers, after auctioneers stormed the Jamhuri Grounds with police officers and youth on motorcycles.

Fans however confronted the auctioneers at the Jamhuri grounds making it difficult for them to make away with the bus. The auction company, known as Betico Auctioneers has valued the bus at Kshs. 300,000.

With the court rejecting the club’s prayers, the auction of the bus will proceed as earlier intended.

The 28-year-old defender joined the club in August 2019 and played for the club until his contract was terminated in 2023.

The bus, which is an iconic possession of the team, was donated by former President Uhuru Kenyatta. While handing over the bus to the team, Uhuru commended the club for its management and challenged it to raise standards even higher.

Coe vows to free up voices of IOC members

By

John Mutiso

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December 20, 2024

470686018_1250701409756108_3096597969633999719_n — World Athletics President Sebastian Coe attends for the start of the closing ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at the Stade de France, in Saint-Denis, in the outskirts of Paris, on August 11, 2024. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP)

Sebastian Coe says if he becomes president of the International Olympic Committee he wants a “reset” to give its members more of a voice.

Coe and the six other candidates to succeed Thomas Bach published their manifestoes on Thursday and will make presentations to the IOC members in January before the election in March.

The British middle distance legend, who has been president of World Athletics since 2015, is happy to present himself as the candidate for reform.

He said he wants to “free up the voices of the (IOC) membership”.

“There’s no shortage of talent (among the membership). But the question I ask myself as a member is — what input do I and other members have? And the reality of it is, there isn’t enough. There’s too much power in the hands of too few people,” Coe said in a call with international media.

“I am absolutely committed to the concept that the reset must be around sport… and at the epicentre has to be the athletes, whose voices must be heard.”

Coe’s decision to break ranks with other Olympic sports and pay bonuses to gold medallists in athletics at the Paris Games upset many inside the IOC, but he is unapologetic.

“If you want a reset in sport, there has to be a reset in prioritisation of your budgets… if you want to innovate and make sport as exciting as possible.”

Anyway, he said, “I have never seen myself in anything I have done as an insider.”

Coe has also been an outspoken critic of how the IOC handled the gender row involving two women boxers, Imane Khelif of Algeria and Taiwan’s Lin Yu-ting, at the Paris Olympics.

Although both were barred from last year’s world championships – which were run by the Russian-led International Boxing Association (IBA) – the IOC cleared them to compete in Paris and both won gold medals.

In his manifesto, Coe vows to “protect and promote the integrity of women’s sport” because it is “at a critical juncture”.

He adds: “I will advocate for clear, science-based policies that safeguard the female category. We will work closely with world-leading medical and educational institutions to increase research into female health, performance and exercise physiology.

“We must navigate this with sensitivity and resolve to ensure current and future generations of women choose sport.”