Burkina Faso’s Ibrahim Traore denies reports of army mutiny

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June 21, 2024

Burkina Faso’s military leader Ibrahim Traore appeared on national TV on Thursday to deny reports of mutiny within the army following an attack by al Qaeda-linked insurgents that killed over 100 soldiers near the border with Niger.

Commenting for the first time since the attack, Traore did not address a claim by an al Qaeda-linked group that it carried out the attack, but said Burkina Faso had launched an operation after the attack, and sent reinforcement troops.

Some media outlets and activists had been speculating about whether Traore was safe after gunfire was heard close to the presidency, and a rocket shell fell near state-run RTB Television’s headquarters in the capital Ouagadougou on June 12.

“It’s absolutely not the case. We are here,” Traore told people gathered in front of RTB’s headquarters, denying mutiny allegations. “The incident happened while we were at the council of ministers.”

He said a rocket was launched into RTB’s courtyard by mistake by those who were there to protect the TV channel’s staff, adding that nobody died although some were injured.

A day before that incident, the West African Sahel nation’s army suffered one of the deadliest attacks in Mansila area. Responsibility for that attack was claimed by Al Qaeda affiliate Jama’a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM) group.

The SITE Intelligence Group quoted a JNIM statement as saying that “fighters stormed a military post in the town, where they killed 107 soldiers and took control of the site”.

CS Duale Lauds MPs who voted in favour of Finance Bill, 2024

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John Mutiso

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June 21, 2024

Defense Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has lauded Members of Parliament (MPs) who voted for the contentious Finance Bill, 2024 to proceed to committee stage.

According to an “excited” CS Duale, the MPs voted bravely and in the interests of the nation.

“As a former legislator, I wish to congratulate the Members of the National Assembly from the entire political divide for guiding the country accordingly and we now look forward to the next stage being the Committee of the Whole House where amendments to the Bill will be considered,” CS Duale said on X, formerly Twitter. “This is indeed great progress and I commend all Members who voted yes, stood tall, chose courage and voted for the best interests of this country.”

He said that he is now looking forward to the Bill’s next phase, since some of the contentious clauses that have irked a section of Kenyans during public participation had already been dropped and are scheduled to be deleted at the Committee Stage.

“Whereas there may be divided opinion on the Bill which is normal and expected in every mature democracy, what is great is that the constitutionally mandated body being the National Assembly as the representative of the 290 constituencies and 47 counties has discharged its mandate this afternoon and spoken loud and clear.”

A total of 204 MPs voted in favor of the Bill despite objections from a section of their respective constituents. 115 MPs voted against the bill.

Protesters turned up in the streets of towns like Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Eldoret and Kisii, to protest against a Bill they say will worsen the already high cost of living.

KDF officer kills ACK priest after finding him with his wife at night

By

John Mutiso

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June 21, 2024

In a shocking and gruesome incident, Reverend James Kemei, a 43-year-old Anglican priest, was brutally murdered in his lover’s home in Kapsabet, Nandi County.

The priest, who was found in bed with the woman, a lay reader at St. Barnabas Church, was attacked by a Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) officer who had been tipped off about their affair.

The officer, who had been hiding in one of the rooms, emerged and attacked the couple, immobilizing the priest before assaulting his wife and inflicting severe injuries on the clergyman.

Neighbors reported that the officer forced his wife to watch as he brutally mutilated her lover, cutting off his genitals.

“The enraged military officer set the trap after discovering that the presbyter was having an affair with his wife, who was a lay reader at the same church. The trap materialised on Wednesday night when he found her in a compromising position on his marital bed,” a neighbour told NTV.

The incident occurred around 3 am on Thursday, and an anonymous caller alerted the police to the violence.

Nandi Police Commander Dickens Njogu confirmed that the matter was reported to them by Rev. Nillah Bassy, the provost of St. Barnabas Pro-Cathedral, later that morning.

Rev. Kemei was rushed to Kapsabet Level 5 Hospital in critical condition but was later referred to Eldoret, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival at Top Hill Hospital. The KDF officer fled the scene, and the police have reported the matter to his superiors.

The critically injured wife also disappeared, likely seeking medical treatment at a private hospital, and has not reported to the police.

The police boss stated that they have very scant details on the incident and that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has taken over the investigation.

The case is under investigation, and the authorities are working to apprehend the KDF officer and bring him to justice.

US to give Haiti over Sh14bn in security aid

By

John Mutiso

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June 21, 2024

The Biden administration will award nearly $110 million (Sh14.3 billion) in security and police assistance to Haiti, a U.S. State Department official told Reuters, a move that bypasses a months-long hold on the funds by Republican lawmakers.

The official, speaking on background, said that Secretary of State Antony Blinken made the decision following more than 100 briefings to Congress by the State Department and that the Biden administration remained committed to working in “close consultation” with that body.

“The security situation in Haiti remains untenable due to violence perpetrated by violent gangs, and the people of Haiti cannot wait,” the official said.

The funds include $95 million (Sh12.35 billion) for security mission support and $15 million (Sh1.96 billion) to the Haitian National Police to counter gang violence.

“The Biden Administration’s choice to override the hold I had placed on U.S. taxpayer funding for the ill-conceived Haiti MSS (Multinational Security Support Mission) is extremely disappointing,” Senator Jim Risch, the top Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said in a statement.

Risch and Representative Michael McCaul, the Republican chairman of the House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee, said in March they had put “holds” on funds to Haiti because they needed “a lot more details” before approving them.

The State Department said at the time it was engaging with Congress to get approval for the funds, seen as essential for the deployment of Kenyan police in the Caribbean nation, where spiraling gang violence has cut off food supplies and forced hundreds of thousands of people from their homes.

Leaders of the foreign relations committees have approval power over the money, but the administration can override their holds if it decides a situation is extreme enough to warrant going ahead.

Kenya, US Forge Stronger Legislative Ties

By

John Mutiso

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June 21, 2024

Kenya’s National Assembly and the House Democracy Partnership (HDP) of the U.S. House of Representatives have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

The signing of the MoU marks a crucial milestone in the relationship between the National Assembly and the U.S. House of Representatives. It also underscores a commitment to nurturing stronger legislative ties and democratic development.

Key focus areas of enhanced engagement stipulated in the MoU shall include constituent relations, legislative oversight, research and analysis, and leveraging information and communication technology for legislative innovation.

The HDP of the U.S. House of Representatives engages with Parliaments worldwide to promote democratic values and effective governance.

The newly signed MoU aims to enhance cooperation between the National Assembly and US House of Representatives through the exchange of legislative information, knowledge sharing, and capacity enhancement and training programs.

During the meeting, Speaker Wetang’ula highlighted the broader implications of the MoU, stating, “This MoU not only opens a new chapter between our legislatures, it also bridges the gap of increasing economic and job opportunities in this great country.”

Kenyan lawmakers also stressed the need for capital investment in small businesses and expanded markets for the country’s agro-based economy.

Congressman Jodey Arrington affirmed the mutual benefits of the partnership, noting, “Kenya has talent and with that, capital will come. There’s a needed job growth, we have things that can help Kenya and Kenya has things that can help America.”

The meeting acknowledged that the event It reflected a shared dedication to strengthening democratic institutions, promoting good governance, and enhancing legislative capabilities in both countries.

IPOA launches probe into alleged police shooting during Anti-Finance Bill Demos

By

John Mutiso

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June 21, 2024

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has begun investigations into the death of a protestor who was allegedly shoton Thursday, June 20 during the mass protest against the proposed Finance Bill 2024.

IPOA chairperson Anne Makori revealed that they have already made contact with the family of Rex Masai, to aid in the investigations.

“The Authority has documented the death of Rex Kanyike Masai, 19, allegedly as a result of police shooting and several serious injuries suffered by other demonstrators including police officers,” Makori said in a statement.

At the same time, the Authority has commended protestors for holding peaceful demonstrations while unarmed. It has also lauded the National Police Service for what it terms as visible restraint unlike in previous demonstrations.

“IPOA calls for continued restraint by the police and calls on members of the public to be peaceful and conduct themselves within the confines of the law,” Makori added.

According to a now aerial video, Masai was shot at about 7pm along Moi Avenue, Nairobi yesterday, where a group of protesters had gathered after being pushed by police from parts of Kenyatta Avenue, City Hall Way.

More than 300 unarmed protesters were arrested this week during protests, a majority of whom have since been freed.

Azimio calls for resignation of IG Koome, Nairobi police boss Bungei

By

John Mutiso

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June 21, 2024

The Azimio la Umoja coalition has called for the resignation of the Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome and Nairobi Regional Police Commander Adamson Bungei.

Addressing the media on Friday, June 21, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka said the senior police officers failed to protect protestors during the anti-finance bill demonstrations.

“As Azimio and on behalf of the people we demand that Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome and Nairobi Regional Commander Adamson Bungei immediately tender their resignation for failing to protect peaceful demonstrators,” said Kalonzo.

The former vice president demanded that the Director of Public Prosecutions Renson Ingonga charges Koome, Bungei, and police officers involved in the killing of Rex Masai.

“We also demand that the director of public prosecutions brings charges against Koome Bungei and their rogue officers for the murder of Rex and 75 people who were killed in the Azimio demos in 2023,” Kalonzo added.

Further Kalonzo called on security agencies to release all protestors who were arrested during the anti-finance bill protests on Thursday.

“We further demand that all protestors detained illegally by state security agencies be released immediately and unconditionally,” the Wiper leader added.

Rex Masai was allegedly shot in the leg by a police officer on Thursday evening. He was rushed to a clinic around Archives, Nairobi CBD, to receive treatment but succumbed due to the injuries.

Masai’s death sparked outrage on social media on Friday as netizens demanded justice for the fallen young man.

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has since launched an investigation into the shooting of Masai.

UK Issues Safety Advisory to its Citizens Over Finance Bill Protest

By

John Mutiso

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June 21, 2024

The United Kingdom (UK) government has cautioned its Citizens in Kenya over the anti-Finance Bill 2024 demonstrations.

In a safety advisory on Friday, June 21, the UK government said injuries were reported from the protests across the country.

The UK government noted that the anti-Finance Bill 2024 protests are expected to continue across parts of the country and urged its citizens to avoid large crowds and monitor local media for updates.

“There have been injuries at anti-government political demonstrations in recent months. Planned protests about the proposed Finance Bill 2024 are expected to continue across multiple cities in Kenya, including Nairobi.

“Avoid political gatherings and large crowds and monitor local media to see when and where major protests are likely,” the advisory stated.

This comes days after the US Embassy in Nairobi cautioned American citizens over the anti-finance bill demonstrations in Nairobi.

In an advisory on Tuesday, June 18, the US Embassy urged US citizens to be vigilant and avoid large gatherings around the Nairobi CBD.

The US Embassy advised American citizens to avoid protest areas and demonstrations, monitor local media for updates, keep a low profile, and notify friends and family of their safety.

The embassy also urges US citizens to be aware of their surroundings, review personal security plans, stay alert in locations frequented by tourists/foreigners, and have travel documents that are up to date and easily accessible.

Rex Masai’s mother breaks silence on his son’s death

By

John Mutiso

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June 21, 2024

Jillian Munyau, the mother of Rex Kanyike Masai, a man who was allegedly shot by police during anti-Finance Bill protests in Nairobi on Thursday, has spoken about the incident.

Addressing the media on Friday, June 21, Munyau disclosed that she was called last night at around 7 p.m. and informed that her son had been shot on the leg.

The caller, who was Kanyike’s friend, informed her that Kanyike had been taken to a clinic around Archives, Nairobi CBD, to receive treatment.

But when she got to Nairobi CBD, her son had already passed way.

“I received a phone call yesterday at around 7 p.m. and was informed that my son had been shot on the left leg. He was rushed to Bliss clinic around Archives. But by the time I got to town, he was gone,” the mother narrated.

She disclosed that her son was shot after leaving work.

According to the mother, Kanyike was standing at a location around Nairobi CBD with his friends when a tear gas canister was lobbed to the location.

He scampered to safety together with his friends but unfortunately he got shot in the process.

“His friends had to run for their lives too. After police officers left the scene, one friend came back to see how he was doing. He found him bleeding severely. The friend then asked for help from a passerby, and when they sought help from a police officer who was nearby for an ambulance, the officer said, ‘let him die there’,” she narrated.

Meanwhile, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched an investigation into the shooting incident.

The police had not yet commented on the incident at the time of publishing this article.

Kanyike’s death caused outrage on social media as netizens demanded justice for the fallen young man.

Man sentenced to 40 years in prison for allegedly murdering MKU student

By

Cyrus Kimanga

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June 21, 2024

Milimani High Court judge Justice Daniel Ogola Ogembo has sentenced a 36-year-old man to 40 years in prison after being convicted for the murder of a fourth-year Law student.

Hillary Kipkorir Yego,the convict, murdered Maxwell Gakure Kariuki on June 28, 2017, around 11 PM along Limuru Road in Nairobi County.

According to the prosecution Counsel Mercy Njoroge, the deceased was 26 years old at the time of his murder and was studying for a bachelors degree in Law at Mount Kenya University.

She urged the court to impose a severe sentence on the accused due to his lack of remorse.

While delivering the sentence, Justice Daniel Ogola Ogembo observed that despite the accused being found guilty and further convicted, he still maintained that he was innocent hence didn’t show any sign of remorse for the act he had committed.

Justice Ogembo also took note of a pre-sentence report which highlighted the profound impact of Maxwell’s death on his family, noting that the deceased’s mother is bedridden and his father traumatized due the pain of the loss of a child.

The Judge ruled that the sentence will commence from July 24, 2017, the date the accused was arraigned and charged with murder under Section 203 as read with Section 204 of the Penal Code.