Two jailed in Senegal for criticising PM on gay rights

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June 4, 2024

A Senegalese court has jailed two men for “spreading false news” after they accused Ousmane Sonko, the country’s new prime minister, of tolerating homosexuality.

Activist Bah Diakhate and Imam Cheikh Ahmed Tidiane Ndao were jailed for three months and fined 100,000 CFA francs ($165, £130) each.

They had been angered that Mr Sonko had allowed a visiting French politician to express his support for same-sex marriages.

Homosexual acts are banned in the mainly Muslim West African country and are punishable by up to five years in prison.

The political activist and the preacher were arrested two weeks ago after posting a video attacking Mr Sonko for giving a platform to Jean-Luc Mélenchon, a far-left French politician.

Mr Mélenchon gave his opinion about same-sex marriages at a student forum in the capital, Dakar, in mid-May.

His comments reportedly sparked boos from the audience at Cheikh Anta Diop University.

In response Mr Sonko said that Western countries should show restraint on social matters such as LGBTQ rights as it could “lead to anti-Western sentiment”.

Senegal would continue to manage issues around homosexuality in accordance with its socio-cultural norms, the prime minister said.

He was quoted as saying that homosexuality was “not accepted, but tolerated” in Senegal.

Mr Sonko, a former firebrand opposition leader, was appointed prime minister in April after his ally Bassirou Diomaye Faye was elected president.

They were freed from prison not long before the vote in an amnesty aimed at calming months of political turmoil after the outgoing president had tried to postpone the election.

The pair campaigned on a promise of radical change – with an Afrocentric and nationalist agenda, promising to reset Senegal’s relationship with France, the country’s former colonial power.

Nigeria unions suspend strike after wage offer

By

John Mutiso

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June 4, 2024

Nigeria’s trade unions have suspended a general strike by workers that has brought economic activity to a halt this week.

The decision comes after the government promised to increase the national minimum wage to at least 60,000 naira ($40, £32) a month.

This falls below the $330 that unions have been demanding, but is double the current monthly wage.

The strike began on Monday and led to the shutdown of the country’s power grid, leaving millions without electricity.

Government and union representatives say they will now meet every day for a week for further negotiations.

A civil servant in the northern city of Kano told the BBC he was disappointed by the offer, and wanted at least 100,000 naira ($67) a month.

“Even 100,000 naira won’t be enough as prices in the market have gone up but it will be better than what we have now,” said Shittu Lawal, who works in the information ministry in Kano.

“I spend 500 naira to get to work everyday which is not easy, we will return to work now and continue to push for more,” he added.

Early on Monday, the country was plunged into darkness shortly after 02:00 local time (01:00 GMT) when union members prevented operators at the country’s power control rooms from working and closed electricity substations.

Many flights were also cancelled in the country’s busiest airport in Lagos, and in the capital, Abuja, with passengers left stranded.

Schools, offices and hospitals across the country have also been closed.

This strike is the fourth since President Bola Tinubu came to power a year ago.

Ian Njoroge was molested, tortured and mistreated by police during arrest; Court told

By

Cyrus Kimanga

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June 4, 2024

Ian Njoroge, a 19-year old University Student alleged to have assaulted a traffic police officer for allegedly demanding huge bribe, has lamented over extreme police brutality while in police custody after his arrest.

His defense Lawyers told the court that officers who arrested him handled him in an inhumane manner and he was tortured and degraded beyond human perseverance.

Appearing before Magistrate BenMark at the Milimani law courts, Duncan Okatch and Vincent Lempaa and Echesa Lubengu, told the court that Njoroge was molested in his house at the time of the arrest and the torture proceeded in police cells.

A short video showing Njoroge being interrogated was also played in court which the prosecution argued is clear proof of mistreatment since the officers hurled insults at him.

“What the complainant did to him in that car, I can say he was manhandled by the complainant, the accused is a first-year student in one of the public universities and he has a future that he is pursuing, he has parents and was arrested in the house of the parents. At the station he was beaten and the clothes he was on were blood stained.” Said Lawyer Okatch.

Ugandan Shamba Boy Accused Of Killing Employer In Kirinyaga Re-Arrested After Fleeing Police Custody

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John Mutiso

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June 4, 2024

A Ugandan shamba boy (farmhand) who escaped from Kiamaciri Police Station in Mwea West, Kirinyaga County on Friday, March 31 has been re-arrested.

Philipino Muifi, 23, was arrested by members of the public at Ngumbatha village in Kangai.

Confirming the re-arrest of the suspect, Kirinyaga Police commander Adrew Naibei says residents were baying for his blood, prompting special unit police officers to whisk him away to Kerugoya Police Station.

Drama unfolded at the police station after the family of the victim was informed that the murder suspect had escaped from custody.

The family of the late Rose Muthoni Kariuki, 64, could not fathom how the suspect managed to escape from a highly guarded facility under unclear circumstances.

The daughter of the deceased, Calorine Wangui, said she was shocked to be informed by the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) that Muifi had fled.

“I want justice and the suspect re-arrested. I used my own money to see the suspect brought here from Uganda, right now they have released him,” Wangui said.

Police at Kiamaciri police station said that Muifi disappeared with another suspect who has also been re-arrested.

What is Endometriosis? The Disease that Claimed the Life of Njambi Koikai

By

John Mutiso

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June 4, 2024

The media fraternity in Kenya is mourning following the death of reggae deejay and media personality Njambi Koikai.

The journalist famed for his radio career passed away on Tuesday morning, June 4, at a Nairobi hospital while undergoing treatment.

Njambi was battling Stage IV Endometriosis at the time of her death.

Over the years, she has shared how the battle with the disease saw her lose some friends, relationships and even jobs.

In 2018, Njambi travelled to Atlanta Georgia and was admitted at the Center for Endometriosis Care for advanced treatment as she needed to undergo a lifesaving surgery.

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a chronic disease characterized by the growth of tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (endometrium) outside the uterus.

This tissue responds to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, leading to inflammation, scarring, and pain.

The exact cause of endometriosis is unknown, but several theories suggest that it may be caused by retrograde menstruation, cellular metaplasia or stem cells. S

Symptoms include severe pain during periods, sexual intercourse, bowel movements and urination, as well as infertility and heavy bleeding.

There is no known cure, but treatments include medications and surgery to manage symptoms.

How does endometriosis affect someone?

Endometriosis can significantly impact a person’s daily life and overall well-being.

The chronic pain and discomfort associated with endometriosis can lead to fatigue, making it difficult to perform daily tasks and maintain a normal routine.

Endometriosis can also cause significant emotional distress, including depression, anxiety and feelings of isolation.

Additionally, endometriosis is a leading cause of infertility in women, as the disease can cause scarring and adhesions that can block the fallopian tubes, making it difficult for sperm to reach the egg.

Heavy and prolonged bleeding during menstruation, which can lead to anemia and other complications, is another common symptom of endometriosis.

The chronic pain and discomfort associated with endometriosis can strain relationships with partners, friends and family members.

Additionally, endometriosis can make it difficult to perform daily tasks and maintain a normal work schedule due to the chronic pain and discomfort.

What happens if endometriosis is left untreated?

If endometriosis is left untreated, it can lead to several complications.

The chronic pain associated with endometriosis can significantly impact daily life and overall well-being, becoming debilitating and affecting relationships and work.

Untreated endometriosis can also cause adhesions and ovarian cysts, which can lead to infertility and other complications.

Endometriosis is a leading cause of infertility in women, as the disease can cause scarring and adhesions that block the fallopian tubes, making it difficult for sperm to reach the egg.

Additionally, untreated endometriosis can lead to pelvic infections, including swollen, non-functional fallopian tubes.

Endometrial tissue can grow and adhere to the bladder, intestines and rectum, causing pain and difficulty urinating or having bowel movements.

Research suggests that women with untreated endometriosis may have a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer.

Chronic inflammation is another complication, as endometrial tissue secretes inflammatory chemicals that can cause chronic inflammation throughout the body, contributing to other health issues.

In rare cases, endometrial tissue can cause bleeding and scarring in the intestines, leading to obstruction and perforation.

Women with endometriosis are also more likely to experience ectopic pregnancies, which can be life-threatening if left untreated.

Can someone survive with endometriosis?

It is possible for someone to survive with endometriosis.

In fact, research suggests that women with endometriosis may have a better overall survival rate compared to those without endometriosis.

For example, a study found that women with endometrial cancer and histologically proven endometriosis or adenomyosis had a higher 5-year survival rate (84.8%) compared to those without endometriosis or adenomyosis (71.6%).

Another study reported a statistically significant better survival for women with endometriosis for all malignancies combined.

Pedophile Serving Life in Prison Escapes from Nakuru Hospital

By

John Mutiso

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June 4, 2024

Police in Nakuru have launched a manhunt for man who was serving a life sentence at the Nakuru GK Prison and escaped under mysterious circumstances.

According to reports, Stanley Cheruiyot, 29, escaped while awaiting corrective arm surgery at the Nakuru Level Five Hospital.

The convict who had dislocated his elbow was admitted to the hospital’s male orthopaedic ward ahead of the surgery that was slated for later this week.

According to Samuel Waweru who is a Medical Superintendent at the facility, preliminary investigations indicated that Cheruiyot escaped through the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) campus which borders the hospital.

He added that after escape, only one handcuff, which was attached to his arm was found on the scene further raising questions.

“The orthopaedic ward is next to the fence of the KMTC so he escaped through the KMTC. He had two handcuffs but only one was found; the one that was attached to the arms. One of the handcuffs was attached to the arm and another to the bed,” Waweru said.

On how Cheruiyot managed to escape from the hospital undetected, Waweru said it remains unclear, however, noting that he might have faked going to the washroom.

“Maybe he went to the toilet, I don’t know the circumstances under which he escaped because usually they are supposed to be escorted to the toilet by the wardens,” he said.

Confirming the incident, Nakuru Police Commander Samuel Ndanyi said they are in hot pursuit of the convict and they are working round the clock to bring him back.

Kanye West Sued For Sexual Harassment By Ex-Assistant

By

John Mutiso

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June 4, 2024

Kanye West is being sued for sexual harassment, breach of contract and wrongful termination by a woman who worked as his assistant for two years.

In a lawsuit, Lauren Pisciotta alleges the star sent her lewd texts and performed sex acts while on the phone with her, according to US media.

She claims she was fired in 2022, but that a $3 million (£2.4 million) severance package was never paid.

The BBC has contacted West’s lawyer for a response to her allegations, but has yet to receive a reply.

The lawsuit was first reported in the US by TMZ, and later confirmed by Rolling Stone, The Wrap and US Weekly, which says court papers were filed on Monday in the US.

The BBC has so far been unable to verify the filing.

According to the documents, Pisciotta was primarily supporting herself via an OnlyFans profile in 2021 when she met West.

She says he hired her to work on the first season of his Yeezy women’s fashion line, and they ended up collaborating on three tracks from his Donda album (Pisciotta does not have any formal credits on the record, however).

West subsequently hired Pisciotta as his personal assistant, with an annual salary of $1 million (£780,000), on the condition that she was available “24-7”. She says she agreed to the terms.

According to her lawsuit, West was initially comfortable with her continuing her OnlyFans business. However, in 2022, he allegedly stated that he wanted Pisciotta to be “God like” and asked her to delete her account in exchange for a further $1 million.

After she closed the account, she claims she was bombarded with explicit text messages from West, including pornographic videos.

Pisciotta also claims he masturbated while talking to her on the phone and that, on one occasion, he pleasured himself in front of her after “trapping” her in a private room on his plane.

Around September 2022, she was promoted to Chief of Staff for his various companies, but was abruptly fired soon afterwards, her lawsuit claims. Her severance package was allegedly never paid.

In addition to sexual harassment, breach of contract, and wrongful termination, Pisciotta is also suing West and his Yeezy businesses for fraud, unpaid wages, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

This is not the first time the rapper has been accused of lewd behaviour.

Last November, multiple employees of his Yeezy fashion line told Rolling Stone he had played pornographic films during staff meetings, and showed an intimate photograph of his then-wife Kim Kardashian in job interviews.

West has not responded to the allegations at the time, and has maintained his silence ever since.

In the past, the star has referred to a “full-on pornography addiction” that “destroyed my family”.

He once told Apple Music’s Zane Lowe that it had played a major role in his life since childhood.

“For me, Playboy was my gateway into full-on pornography addiction,” he said. “My dad had a Playboy left out at age five and it’s affected almost every choice I made for the rest of my life.”

The star has already faced two other lawsuits this year.

In April, he was accused of racial discrimination and harassment by a former security guard at his now-closed school, the Donda Academy.

Benjamin Deshon Provo claimed he had faced discrimination because he is Muslim and was ordered to cut his dreadlocks or be fired.

West has yet to respond to the allegations.

In February, the star was also sued by the estate of Donna Summer for using a sample of her song “I Feel Love” without permission. The case was later settled out of court.

The musician was one of the most successful and prolific rappers of the 2000s and 2010s, with multi-platinum hits like Gold Digger, Stronger and All Of The Lights.

However, his recent career has been beset by controversies. Most notably, his lucrative contract with Adidas was terminated in November 2022 over antisemitic comments West made on social media.

Despite that, the star returned to the top of the US charts earlier this year both with the hit single Carnival, and its parent album Vultures.

Megan Thee Stallion Announces New Album ‘Megan’

By

John Mutiso

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June 4, 2024

Megan Thee Stallion just announced her highly-anticipated, third, studio album, titled, Megan.

The rapper took her tour’s title, Hot Girl Summer a little too literally and decided to turn up the heat with the exciting announcement during her concert.

At the show, she revealed the release date for her self-titled album would be June 28, along with a QR code for fans to pre-save the upcoming LP at her Atlanta Show.

This news of Megan launching her album comes months after the Savage hit-maker produced a series of snake-themed singles, Cobra, Boa and Hiss.

Her song, Hiss, topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart earlier this year and spoke about her new album to L’Officiel for their cover story sharing, “We don’t just stop at the snake.”

“This is just what everybody sees right now. Renewal, rebirth: that is the whole concept of this [album],” she clarified.

Megan Thee Stallion further explained, “We started with the snake because, first of all, I love snakes, but I feel like snakes are so misunderstood, especially in western culture. Snakes represent rebirth, spirituality.”

Study: Female sex workers have increased in 10 years

By

John Mutiso

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June 4, 2024

A recent report compiled by two international organisations have indicated Kenya has recorded a sharp increase of the number of female sex workers (FSWs) by 26 per cent over the last ten years.

The International Centre for Reproductive Health (ICRH) Kenya and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), in their 2022 report on the ‘Female Sex Workers Programme’ estimates that the number of female sex workers in the country has been on the rise.

In 2012, Kenya used geographic mapping, with 32 out of the country’s 47 counties participating, to estimate that there were 133,000 FSWs. In 2018, this exercise was repeated, revealing an increase estimated at 167,940.

Various studies have also been highlighting the vulnerability of FSWs to increased risks of violence, poverty, medical negligence and mental health issues including suicidal thoughts. ‘Mental Health Challenges and Perceived Risks Among Female Sex Workers in Nairobi,’ a 2022 report by BMC Public Health also highlighted the need for micro and macro interventions to address these issues.

Nguvu Change Leaders, Deborah Monari and Arnold Osano have been strongly advocating for safe and reliable healthcare for all citizens in Kenya, and on this International Sex Workers’ Day, they are amplifying their campaign to seek preventive and promotive medical services for vulnerable populations like FSWs.

Health services

“One of the constantly recurring concerns among women in Kenya is the poor quality of health services. Female Sex Workers are exceptionally vulnerable to medical ill-treatment, abuse, neglect, discrimination, and abandonment.

On International Sex Workers’ Day, we are seeking concrete action from authorities to ensure equitable access to quality healthcare for FSWs,” said Deborah and Arnold Osano.

Arnold Osano has already launched an online campaign, urging the National and County Government Departments of Public Health and Sanitation to prioritise resource allocation towards improving the standards of healthcare services. He also highlights factors such as insufficient drugs, a low number of service providers, poor service provision conditions, and poor sanitation in healthcare facilities, forcing Kenyans to purchase drugs from private chemists and clinics at high costs.

Face threats

“Female Sex Workers face threats of serious health problems such as sexually transmitted infections, and unintended pregnancies. There is an unmet need for contraceptives among them, but they cannot access it due to the high cost. The situation calls for urgently launching a comprehensive sexual and reproductive health plan for them,” add the Change Leaders.

In 2023, Deborah Monari launched an online petition that achieved victory to ensure that the right to reproductive health is not denied to underserved women. She says, “When the Nairobi City County Finance Bill 2023 was proposed, they were going to introduce charges for essential family planning services and products like contraceptive implants and post-abortion care.

This would have spelt disaster for Female Sex Workers, women and teenagers from low-income homes. The proposed law would have limited their access to those healthcare services (in primary health centres and district hospitals) by making them exorbitantly priced. FSWs and women from disadvantaged families would not have been able to afford them.”

Although significant cost reductions were achieved, Monari emphasises the need to ensure reproductive health services remain accessible and affordable across the country, highlighting it as a fundamental right to health and bodily agency.

Varsity Student Ian Njoroge Charged With Assault, Robbery With Violence And Resisting Arrest

By

Cyrus Kimanga

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June 4, 2024

A 19-Year-old first year University student captured on video assaulting a traffic police officer has been charged with three traffic charges just minutes after taking plea of a robbery with violence case in a different court.

Ian Njoroge who might have bought himself a ticket to the long Kenyan Criminal Justice System by allegedly assaulting a traffic police officer, had to rotate from a criminal case court to a traffic offences court a move which might see him spend better part of his youthful life chasing justice owing to the slow phase of the CJS of Kenya.

Ian Njoroge was charged with causing obstruction contrary to section 53 of the Traffic Act where the police alleged that on June 2, 2024 along Kamiti road at Mirema Junction within Nairobi County being the driver of a Motor Vehicle reg number KDJ 207P, did allow the said vehicle to remain on the said road likely to obstruct or cause inconvenience to other road users.

He was also charged with carrying excess passengers in his car.

Further, he was charged with disobeying verbal directive after being advised to drive his car to Kasarani police station by pushing the gear lever from drive to parking disobeying orders of Cpl Jacob Ogendo, a police officer in uniform.

Appearing before Magistrate Martha Nazushi, he denied the charges and was released on Ksh 100,000 nond with an alternative Ksh 60,000 cash bail.