The Catholic Church in Burundi has raised a red flag on the Election results that saw the ruling party retain its power at the presidency – By Gerald Gekara
The Conference of Catholic Bishops of Burundi says it witnessed ballot box tampering, harassment and intimidation of voters, and proxies registered “in place of dead people and refugees”.
“We deplore the many irregularities regarding the freedom and transparency of the electoral process, as well as fairness in the treatment of certain candidates and voters,” said the bishop.
Opposition leader Agathon Rwasa and his National Freedom Council (CNL) have announced their plan to start filing legal challenges as early as Wednesday, after rejecting the election results.
Burundi’s president elect, Evariste Ndashimiye was overwhelmingly elected with a 67.72 % of the votes casts, in an election that lacked basic credentials such as international observers, as well as ignoring the Covid-19 pandemic.
Deathtoll in Narok inter-communal clashes along the Narok- Nakuru has risen to 8 with 13 more nursing arrow injuries at the hospital – By Prudence Wanza.
The clashes are said to have been caused by a man from Kipsigis community who stole and sold his father’s cow to a Maasai man.
George Natembeya said 20 houses have been burnt down since the clashes erupted last Saturday and dismissed claims that the violence was triggered by livestock theft in the area but rather ethnic driven battles.
Natembeya stated that more measures have been put in place to restore in the area including sending more police officers in the area. A police post will also be opened in Ololoipon and Ololoruothi area.
“GSU officers were sent to the area yesterday and more from the livestock theft unit,” he said. Natambeya further urged the communities to surrender illegal firearms failure to which they will be forcefully disarmed.
Politicians have also been banned from visiting the area who have been largely blamed between the Maasai and Kalenjin communities.
Former NACADA Chairman, John Mututho also blamed politicians for the clashes in the area which is not the first time that such is being experienced.
“We know of politicians who are so desperate to be in parliament, they are sick and these are the kind of people agitating people to fight because of one cow so that they can remain in power,” he said
US President Donald Trump has hit out at social media site Twitter, for adding a fact check option to his tweets – By Gerald Gekara.
According to Trump, Twitter was interfering with elections by suggesting that his statements on a new California voting policy were not true.
“They are saying my statement on Mail-In Ballots, which will lead to massive corruption and fraud, is incorrect, based on fact-checking by Fake News CNN and the Amazon Washington Post,” the president tweeted.
“Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom earlier this month signed an executive order for every registered voter to receive mail-in ballots for the November 2020 general election. The Governor of California is sending Ballots to millions of people, anyone living in the state, no matter who they are or how they got there, will get one,” President Trump tweeted in a two-tweet series.
Twitter added a message on both of Trump’s tweets that says “Get the facts about mail-in ballots.” The page then disapproved of Trump’s allegations.
“On Tuesday, President Trump made a series of claims about potential voter fraud after California Governor Gavin Newsom announced an effort to expand mail-in voting in California during the COVID-19 pandemic,” the page says.
The page calls the president’s statements false: “Trump falsely claimed that mail-in ballots would lead to ‘a Rigged Election.’ However, fact-checkers say there is no evidence that mail-in ballots are linked to voter fraud,” the page says.
“Trump falsely claimed that California will send mail-in ballots to ‘anyone living in the state, no matter who they are or how they got there.’ In fact, only registered voters will receive ballots,” the page also says.
A Twitter spokesperson said in a statement that the president’s posts “contain potentially misleading information about voting processes and have been labeled to provide additional context around mail-in ballots.”
Newcastle’s proposed new owners appear to have been handed a huge boost in their takeover bid with the Premier League allegedly agreeing to their acquisition of the club.
Amanda Staveley is at the head of the proposed £300million takeover, with backing from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) which is fronted by crown prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The proposed takeover has been greeted by Newcastle fans, as not only do they want to see the back of incumbent owner Mike Ashley, but they are also aware the Magpies could soon have the richest owners in the entire Premier League.
The PIF are understood to have assets totaling more than £260bn, and to put that wealth into perspective, Manchester City’s owner Sheikh Mansour currently tops the Premier League rich list with a net worth of £23.3bn – a staggering £236.7bn LESS than the PIF.
Nonetheless, there has been strong opposition to the proposed takeover and doubts have been raised over the Premier League approving the deal.
Questions of ‘sports washing’ and human rights abuses in Saudi Arabia have led to criticism of the Saudi regime, while the fiancée of murdered journalist Jamal Khashoggi, Hatice Cengiz, has written to the Premier League saying the crown prince should not be able to buy Newcastle.
But it appears this final hurdle has been successfully crossed, with Saudi state news channel Al Ekhbariya claiming the Premier League has approved the takeover.
A Twitter post from the news channel, which is owned by the government and run by the Ministry of Media, read: “The English Premier League gives the green light to complete the Saudi acquisition.”
Questions of ‘sportswashing’ and human rights abuses in Saudi Arabia have led to criticism of the Saudi regime, while the fiancee of murdered journalist Jamal Khashoggi, Hatice Cengiz, has written to the Premier League saying the crown prince should not be able to buy Newcastle.
But it appears this final hurdle has been successfully crossed, with Saudi state news channel Al Ekhbariya claiming the Premier League has approved the takeover.
A Twitter post from the news channel, which is owned by the government and run by the Ministry of Media, read: “The English Premier League gives the green light to complete the Saudi acquisition.”
“Steve Bruce has done a very, very good job, but they are moving to the next level. They won’t stick with some of the players they’ve got in their squad.
“Everyone knows that they are now looking to upgrade, and they are going to upgrade everything; on the pitch, in the dugout, their scouting network… everything.
“This guy that is rocking up at Newcastle isn’t there to make money – he’s not there like Mike Ashley – they will go in there are throw money at this, and they won’t really mind how much they throw at it.
“But it is how you spend that money.
“You’ve got to get the right people in doing the right jobs, and that isn’t always easy.”
Senator Kipchumba Murkomen has rejected his new appointment as a member in a Senate committee days after he was ousted as Senate Majority Leader – By Prudence Wanza.
Murkomen was appointed to serve as a member in the Senate Devolution Committee a decision he disagrees with terming it as pure malice.
“I learnt from the media that I have been proposed to serve in the Senate Devolution Committee replacing Sen Kinyua who is being punished for standing with me. Accepting the position will be tantamount to repaying untinting loyalty with spite and treachery.” He said.
“As a majority Leader I chose not to serve in any committee and I ensured that committee membership and leadership was distributed fairly among colleagues. I condemn the unwarranted humiliation of Senators Linturi, Kinyua, Langat and Cherargei because they stood with truth and fairness.” Murkomen stated
The changes which were announced on Tuesday by majority Whip Irungu Kang’ata saw Laikipia Senator John Kinyua moved from the Senate Devolution Committee to the ICT committee to replace Senator Samuel Poghisio recently appointed as the Majority Leader.
However, Murkomen later indicated he would serve in the committee but was not in support of the humiliation several senators are suffering for not supporting the Kindiki Ouster motion.
“Now and in the future I am ready to serve the nation in any capacity and in any committee even as a mere member. What I abhor is to take up positions at the expense of colleagues who are being humiliated for no apparent reason.
Similarly, Nandi Senator samson Cherargei, who initially served as the Chair of Justice and Legal Affairs Committee(JLAC), rejected the appointment to the Senate Powers and Privileges Committee.
During a live TV interview, the Senator accused the Jubilee Party of humiliating and unfairly targeting Rift valley Lawmakers.
“I do not mind being removed as the Chai of JLAC. In fact, it released me from unnecessary responsibilities. On the issue of being moved to the Powers and Privileges Committee, I’ll tell the party no thank you for the new position,” said Cherargei.
Jubilee Party Secretary-General Raphael Tuju, said the two senators will not face any punishment for rejecting the positions but reminded them of showing disloyalty and defiance to the party.
“As for those who feel that they don’t want to toe the party line and the Majority Whip, there are various sanctions to punish them and certain disciplinary measures that we can undertake,” Tuju stated.
The reshuffle on Senate Committees heavily hit Jubilee senators who voted against the removal Kithure Kindiki as Deputy Speaker.
Morecambe defender Christian Mbulu has died at the age of 23.
Mbulu, who also had spells with Millwall, Motherwell and Crewe Alexandra, passed away on Tuesday, the League Two club confirmed.
The cause of his death has not been disclosed.
On Tuesday evening, a Morecambe statement read: “Everyone at Morecambe FC is deeply saddened to learn of Christian’s death and would like to extend our deepest sympathies to his family and friends at this very sad time.
“He was only 23 and the news of his sudden and untimely passing has been a shock to us all.
“Christian came to the club in January and proved to be an extremely popular member of the squad.
“His loss will be painfully felt by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
“The club would ask everyone to respect Christian’s family’s privacy at this sad time.”
London-born Mbulu joined Millwall after impressing at non-league club Brentwood Town in 2015.
He featured regularly for the Lions’ Under-23s team, but never made a senior appearance.
Mbulu left Millwall to join Motherwell in 2018, before having a two-month spell with Crewe from last November.
He signed a short-term deal with Morecambe in January and made three appearances for the club before the coronavirus pandemic put the football season on hold.
Motherwell chairman Jim McMahon said: “We are shocked to hear of the news of Christian’s death.
“He was such a friendly, pleasant young man who we loved having around Fir Park.
“Our thoughts are with his family during this incredibly difficult time. We hope their privacy is respected by everyone as they try to come to terms with their loss.”
On his Instagram Story, Millwall midfielder Ben Thompson, who played alongside Mbulu in the Lions’ youth teams, said: “Lost for words. RIP brother.”
Burundi’s president-elect Evariste Ndashimiye was a former Olympic committee president. He becomes the latest former sports administrator to assume a high political office.
He was overwhelmingly elected with a 67.72 % of the votes casts.
He is a lawywer by profesion and served in the Burundi government as Interior and public security minister in 2006-2007
He also served in Burundi army.
George Weah is another sports personality to become president in Liberia.
Hopes are high in sports fraternity that sports will receive the required attention.
Ndashimiye will be sworn in August when Nkurunzinzas term comes toi an end.
As many countries in Europe and elsewhere are starting to lift lockdowns, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) sees an opportunity and obligation for the transport sector to restart in a manner that is conducive to a more efficient, greener system. “A ‘new normal’ needs to be developed to replace ‘business as usual’,” it states.
During the lockdown, city dwellers enjoyed clear blue skies thanks to cleaner air and began to hear birds sing as noise decreased.
Pollution levels in Barcelona dropped by an estimated 62 per cent, and similar situations have been observed in other big European cities such as Milan, London and Paris, according to the Commission.
Public transport usage has fallen significantly as an increasing number of people choose to walk or ride bicycles to avoid crowded mass transits and follow health authorities’ advice for physical distancing.
To respond to these trends, Milan, Geneva, Brussels and London have decided to invest in flexible bike lanes.
A bicyclist wearing a mask during the COVID-19 outbreak in New York. Photo: A. Istria
At the same time, more people are using their private cars to escape crowds. A return to the mass use of private vehicles will not allow Governments to meet their sustainable development objectives and the Paris Agreement targets, the Commission pointed out.
The new taskforce, launched under the Transport, Health and Environment Pan-European Programme (THE PEP) jointly led by UNECE and the World Health Organization (WHO) Europe, aims to resolve these concerns and develop a set of principles for green and healthy sustainable mobility.
The taskforce will comprise representatives of member States, international organizations, civil society, academia and other stakeholders, and will explore long-term and strategic changes for the sector.
The principles will be proposed for endorsement by member States at the Fifth High-level Meeting on Transport, Health and Environment, to be held next year in Vienna.
In his message on International Mother Earth Day, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has proposed six climate-related actions to shape the post-pandemic green recovery, which include a call to end fossil fuel subsidies.
A bicyclist at Brooklyn Bridge Park wearing a mask during the COVID-19 outbreak in New York. Photo: A. Istria
The agency’s Emission Gap Report (2017) states the world must urgently and dramatically scale up action in order to cut roughly another 25 percent off predicted 2030 global greenhouse emissions and have any chance of minimizing dangerous climate change.
Meeting the needs of people who walk and cycle continues to be a critical, yet overlooked part of the mobility solution for helping cities separate population growth from increased emissions, and improve air quality and road safety.
To address this, the Share the Road Programme, a joint initiative of UNEP and the Fia Foundation for the Automobile and Society, highlights best practices and works with governments around the world to prioritize the needs of pedestrians and cyclists.
World Bicycle Day
In a few weeks, on 3 June, the world will observe World Bicycle Day, established by the General Assembly in acknowledgment of the uniqueness, longevity and versatility of the bicycle, which has been in use for two centuries. An affordable, reliable and sustainable means of transportation, the bicycle fosters environmental stewardship and good health, providing a cost-effective form of transport while reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, certain cancers, diabetes, and even death, according to the World Health Organization.
To spread awareness about its many benefits, the United Nations encourages Member States to develop a culture of cycling and organize initiative like national and local bike rides, while promoting pedestrian safety and cycling mobility.
This article was originally published at the United Nations
Joshua Kimmich’s outrageous lob vs Borussia Dortmund puts Bayern Munich on course for eighth successive Bundesliga title as Erling Haaland disappoints
Bayern Munich are on course to win an eighth successive Bundesliga title thanks to Joshua Kimmich’s superb goal in a 1-0 win over Borussia Dortmund.
The result saw Bayern move seven points clear of second-placed Dortmund on Tuesday.
Kimmich opened the scoring in the 43rd minute when he chipped Dortmund goalkeeper Roman Burki from 20 yards.
Erling Haaland almost gave Dortmund a first-minute lead, but his shot was cleared off the line by Jerome Boateng.
Serge Gnabry suffered the same fate as Haaland at the other end, before Kingsley Coman stung Burki’s palms.
But the game was settled with a bit of magic from Kimmich.
Jadon Sancho, who was not deemed fit enough to start due to a calf strain, and Emre Can were brought on at half-time by Lucien Favre.
Dortmund had a strong claim for a penalty when Haaland’s shot deflected off Boateng’s arm, however, referee Tobias Stieler did not point to the spot and VAR was surprisingly not called upon.
Sancho almost made the desired impact off the bench when his inviting 67th-minute cross was just missed by Haaland, who appeared to limp off when he was replaced by Giovanni Reyna immediately afterwards.
Mahmoud Dahoud had a shot beaten away by Manuel Neuer with 10 minutes to go, before the post denied Robert Lewandowski from doubling Bayern’s lead.
The Bundesliga leaders defended valiantly as they held on for a vital three points.
World 1500m Champion Timothy Cheruiyot will take part in a 2000m virtual race on 11 June against the Norwegian stars the Ingebrigtsen brothers.
The date was originally meant to be a Diamond League meeting in Oslo, but with that cancelled due to coronavirus concerns, organisers have switched to virtual meeting, known as the Impossible Games.
Racing over 2000m, the Ingebrigtsen brothers – Henrik, Filip and Jakob – will run at the Bislett Stadium in Oslo, while world 1500m champion Timothy Cheruiyot and 2017 world champion Elijah Manangoi will form part of “Team Cheruyitot” and will run in Nairobi.
“In 2020, due to Covid-19, it is not possible to have international participation from around the world like we are used to,” meet director Steinar Hoen said.
“But with some creativity we have managed to create a unique match between Team Ingebrigtsen and Team Cheruiyot through international cooperation.”
The Impossible Games will be the first high-level virtual race in the history of athletics.
Both teams will start with five runners and will have to finish with three. The winner of the match will be the team with the best overall time for three runners.
The individual times will count as well.
“The Impossible Games 2000m is a serious but fun event and I assure you that my teammates and I at Rongai Athletics Club will do our very best,” Cheruiyot said.
“I miss being on the track so it’s good to be focused on something ahead. Tune in on 11 June if you can.”
The 2000m race will pay tribute to the legendary athletics figure Maurie Plant, who passed away in January this year.
Plant’s fellow Australian Nic Bideau from Melbourne Track Club welcomed the tribute.
“If there was one thing Maurie loved more than the Bislett Games, it was the sport of athletics itself and the great competition it provides,” Bideau said.
“I have no doubt he would be extremely proud that during this pandemic that has proved so challenging to sport everywhere, for his name to be associated with such an event would humble him. Maurie was a huge fan of the most interesting athletes for many years, the Ingebrigtsen family, and have loved watching them take on some of the best from Kenya,” says Nic Bideau.
“We have been long time beneficiaries of Maurie’s passion for the sport and the Bislett Games and are terribly disappointed not to be there this year.”
