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On 15 June, the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls in Rome, Italy, will witness the beatification of Floribert Bwana Chui Bin Kositi, a young Congolese member of the Community of Sant’Egidio, a martyr who stood up against corruption. The ceremony will be presided over by Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints.
 

Paul Samasumo - Vatican City.

Pope Francis said of Floribert Bwana Chui: “I think of the witness given by a young person like yourselves, Floribert... only twenty-six years old, he was killed in Goma for having blocked the passage of spoiled foodstuffs that could have been harmful to people’s health. He could have easily turned a blind eye; no one would have known, and he might even have gained an advantage. But, as a Christian, he prayed. He thought of others and chose honesty, saying no to corruption. That is what it means to keep your hands and heart clean.”

Pope Francis expressed these words to thousands of young Congolese gathered at the stadium in Kinshasa on 2 February 2023 during his Apostolic Visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Carry this event in prayer.

In a recent letter dated 20 April 2025, announcing the beatification to the Diocese of Goma, the Ordinary of the Diocese, Bishop Willy Ngumbi Ngengele, M. Afr., spoke of the beatification as an outpouring of hope for the people of Congo. He said the Diocese of Goma would celebrate the new Blessed on 8 July 2025 in the city of Goma.

“I would like to announce in advance that here in Goma, we will hold a solemn Mass in honour of Floribert Bwana Chui on Tuesday, 8 July 2025, the anniversary of his death. He will already have been beatified,” said Bishop Ngumbi.

He continued, “His beatification is, for the Church of Congo in general, and for the Diocese of Goma in particular, an outpouring of hope and a reason for thanksgiving to the Lord, who continually showers us with his wonders. The martyrdom of Floribert BWANA CHUI BIN KOSITI is primarily an honour for our laity and our youth, a call for all of us to commit more deeply to justice, peace, and fraternity in faith and trust in the Risen Christ. While awaiting this joyful day, I now invite all sons and daughters of our diocese, as well as all people of goodwill, to carry this event in prayer,” said the prelate of Goma.

Floribert Bwana Chui will be the fourth blessed in the Democratic Republic of Congo, following the beatifications of Blessed Anuarite Nengapeta, Isidore Bakanja, and Father Albert Joubert—beatified alongside three Xaverian missionaries in Uvira, eastern DRC.

 

Who was Floribert?

According to Sant’Egidio, Floribert was born on 13 June 1981 in Goma, the capital of North Kivu, in eastern Congo. He grew up in a region long plagued by conflict and unrest.

Goma and the eastern region of the DRC are currently occupied by the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, who seized control of the city in late January 2025 following an offensive.

Sant’Egidio describes Goma as a region rich in natural beauty and mineral wealth; however, it is also a politically complex and troubled region, scarred by years of prolonged violence.

Floribert’s studies culminated in a law degree. He initially worked at the Office Congolais de Contrôle in Kinshasa, a government agency responsible for quality control of goods from other countries. After a period of training in the capital—where opportunities abounded—Floribert chose to return to Goma, his home town.

Despite his relatively young age, Floribert made a profound impact at the customs office of Goma. Unlike his predecessors, he refused to accept bribes to pass rotten or contaminated foodstuffs. His integrity ultimately cost him his life, as he was tortured and murdered for his refusal to succumb to corruption.

The Community of Sant’Egidio

The Community of Sant’Egidio spoke of its joy that one of its members was being recognised by the universal Church for his integrity and faith.

“We give thanks for the witness of faith and holiness of this young man, who shared the life of the Community in love for the poor and protection of the little ones,” read part of a Sant’Egidio statement.

Sant’Egidio also stated that the celebration in Rome would be attended by the Diocese of Goma, led by its Bishop, Willy Ngumbi, and other representatives of the Congolese Church, including Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo of Kinshasa.

Sant’Egidio is a Christian community founded in 1968, shortly after the Second Vatican Council. Initiated by Andrea Riccardi in Rome, it has evolved into a global network with a presence in over 70 countries. The community focuses on reaching the peripheries—serving marginalised and vulnerable populations—through listening to the Gospel and committing voluntarily and freely to aid the poor and promote peace. Vatican News

The DPP made the statement after perusing the inquiry file followng Moinde’s arrest in Kisii and subsequent transportation to Nairobi. 

Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Ingonga says there is no sufficient evidence to charge Kelvin Moinde a Kisii based influencer arrested over posts criticizing Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat.

The DPP made the statement after perusing the inquiry file followng Moinde’s arrest in Kisii and subsequent transportation to Nairobi.

 

“The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) acknowledges receipt of the inquiry investigation file on Mr. Kelvin Moinde. Upon careful perusal of the inquiry file, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) is satisfied that there is NO sufficient evidence to charge Mr. Kelvin Moinde,” he stated.

“The ODPP remains committed to executing its constitutional mandate in accordance with the law, public interest, and administration of justice.”

Moinde was arrested on Thursday last week in Tendere village, Gucha sub-County in Kisii County.

He was booked at the Kenya police station in Kisii before being transported to DCI headquarters in Nairobi.

Moinde is being held at Kamukunji Police Station in Nairobi. By Capital News

By Abdi Halim M. Musa

A Legal and Historical Appeal for International Recognition

For over three decades, the Republic of Somaliland has maintained its peace, built a democratic state, and governed with stability in one of the most volatile regions in the world. Yet, its rightful claim to international recognition remains unrealized not due to a lack of merit, but due to political inertia and misunderstanding of its legal foundation.

Somaliland is not attempting to secede from Somalia. Rather, it is restoring the sovereignty it lawfully attained on 26 June 1960, when it became an independent nation following British Protectorate. At that time, Somaliland was formally recognized by over 30 countries, including five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council. Its independence was complete, unconditional, and internationally validated.

Shortly after, Somaliland voluntarily entered into a proposed union with the Trust Territory of Somalia (administered by Italy). However, this union was never finalized through a ratified legal agreement. There was no signed Act of Union between the two states, no harmonized constitution, and no public referendum in Somaliland approving such a union. Legally speaking, the proposed merger lacked substance and enforceability. This absence of binding legal documentation means Somaliland never surrendered its sovereignty.

According to the principle of international law—particularly the doctrine of state continuity—a sovereign entity that has been recognized and has not lawfully relinquished its independence retains the right to restore its original status. Somaliland is not seeking to break away; it is reclaiming the legal identity that was submerged under an unratified and ultimately failed political arrangement.

The withdrawal from this union in 1991, after years of systemic marginalization and state-sponsored violence under the Siad Barre regime, was not only justified but necessary. Somaliland’s decision to reassert its sovereignty was driven by a desire to protect its people, restore law and order, and uphold the will of its citizens. Since then, Somaliland has demonstrated, in both word and deed, its capacity to function as a legitimate state. No binding treaty or principle of international law compels a nation to remain imprisoned in a failed political union.

It has defined borders, a permanent population, and an effective government—all criteria outlined in the 1933 Montevideo Convention. It has held multiple democratic elections, passed its own constitution, and established independent institutions. In 2001, a national referendum saw 97% of the population vote in favour of restoring its original independence. Somaliland is not just a functioning de facto state; it has met every legal requirement to be recognized as a de jure state under international law. This is not just a functioning state in practice; it is a nation by law and by right.

The recognition of Somaliland is not unprecedented. Cases such as Eritrea, Kosovo, South Sudan, and the Baltic states provide ample legal and diplomatic precedents for acknowledging sovereign claims based on state continuity or remedial separation. Somaliland’s case aligns with these examples not as an act of rebellion, but as a restoration of a historical and legal identity that was never legitimately surrendered.

Moreover, Somaliland’s role in regional security and stability is indisputable. It lies on one of the world’s most strategic maritime corridors and has proven itself a key player in counterterrorism and anti-piracy efforts. Unlike Somalia, which continues to grapple with internal conflict and governance challenges, Somaliland is a model of self-reliance and responsible statehood.

To continue withholding recognition is to undermine international legal standards and reward instability over order. It denies a peaceful, democratic people their rightful place in the global community and perpetuates a fiction that benefits no one. It is time for the international community to act with courage and principle to acknowledge Somaliland’s legitimacy and bring an end to this long-standing legal and moral oversight.

Recognition of Somaliland is not a political gift; it is a legal obligation, a democratic affirmation, and a strategic necessity. The world must honour what Somaliland already is: a sovereign state in practice, in principle, and in the eyes of its people. 

The world must now meet Somaliland not with hesitation, but with respect. Not with denial, but with dialogue. Not with vague reassurances, but with decisive recognition.

The time to recognize Somaliland is not in the future—it is now.  The Writer is a Political & Economic Analyst | Former Deputy Minister, Ministry of Commerce, Republic of Somaliland

Casket bearing remains of the late Rex Kanyike Masai at Kamuthanga Secondary School in Machakos County on July 5, 2024. [John Muia, Standard]
 

Two former Officers Commanding Station (OCS) from Central and Kamukunji Police Stations yesterday gave detailed testimony in the ongoing inquest into the death of 29-year-old activist Rex Masai, who was  fatally shot during the anti-Finance Bill protests in Nairobi last year.

Chief Inspector Moses Mutayi Shikuku, then OCS at Central Police Station and currently Deputy Police Commander for Juja Sub-County, appeared alongside his former counterpart, Robert Mugo Rono of Kamukunji Police Station, before Milimani Law Courts. They were summoned to account for their deployments and actions on the day Masai was killed.

The late activist was shot on June 19, 2024, in the Central Business District (CBD) as protests against the Finance Bill turned chaotic. His death sparked national outrage and renewed scrutiny over police operations during public demonstrations. 

Giving evidence before trial magistrate Geoffrey Onsarigo, Shikuku confirmed that both uniformed and undercover police officers were deployed across major hot spots within the city on the day of the incident.

“We deployed plainclothes officers, some of whom were armed, in areas such as Jeevanjee Gardens, Muindi Mbingu Street, University Way, Globe Roundabout, River Road, and Tom Mboya Monument,” he testified. 

Shikuku stated that while he could not recall the exact number of undercover officers deployed, he confirmed that Police Constable Isaiah Ndumba Murangiri, one of the officers linked to the fatal shooting, was part of the undercover team.

“Murangiri was among those in civilian clothes coordinated from the division. As for officers Geoffrey Kamau and Geoffrey Kigen, I cannot recall if they were deployed that day,” Shikuku told the court.

He admitted that some plainclothes officers took instructions from more senior officials above his command, but declined to name who authorised their deployment. Although he had operational command, certain decisions were issued from the regional police headquarters.

On the use of live ammunition, Shikuku said, “I cannot confirm if live rounds were used. Firearms are issued from the armoury, but I was in the field early and did not verify the arms register that day. To my knowledge, no live ammunition was discharged.”

Court records showed that 280 officers returned their firearms on 20 June. Shikuku maintained that none reported having used live ammunition. 

He recounted that around 7pm on June 19, he was informed by Inspector Njeru from Ngara Police Station that someone had been taken to Bliss Hospital with a serious leg injury.

“I told him to proceed and check. He later informed me that the individual had died,” said Shikuku.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) subsequently took over the matter, which was initially recorded as a case of “sudden death.” 

However, confusion arose in Shikuku’s testimony regarding the nature of Masai’s injuries. He initially mentioned a wound to the neck, but later clarified that the official report stated a leg injury.

Shikuku defended the police response, claiming that demonstrators turned violent and attacked officers. By Nancy Gitonga , The Standard

Shaw Deputy Headteacher Steve Hill has returned from his latest inspiring and action-packed trip to Uganda, where he completed the Uganda Marathon for the seventh time and played a key role in helping several transformative community projects.

The Uganda Marathon, held annually in the town of Masaka, is known not only for its physically demanding course, but for its deep roots in community development. 

Participating in this extraordinary event for the seventh consecutive time, Steve continues to embody a commitment to endurance, service, and global citizenship.

Speaking about the experience, he said: "Running the marathon is always an incredible challenge, but the real reward is the time spent with local communities and seeing the difference the charitable support makes first-hand."

A key focus of the trip was visiting the many projects that Team Hill Charitable Trust supports throughout the region. 

Much of the visit was dedicated to supporting local schools and education initiatives - from building a chicken coop, undertaking building work, painting classrooms, helping to organise a sports day and engaging directly with hundreds of pupils and teachers, the Deputy Headteacher took an active and heartfelt approach to every opportunity.

"Education is a powerful force for change, and it’s been incredibly moving to see how Team Hill’s ongoing support is helping schools thrive despite significant challenges," Steve added.

With each trip to Uganda, Steve’s relationship with the community deepens - something his is very keen to share with pupils and staff back at St Joseph’s Primary School in Shaw 

As he reflected on this latest journey, Steve is already looking ahead.

He added: "It’s humbling to be welcomed back year after year.

"Uganda feels like a second home and I’m already planning the next adventure.

"There’s still so much to do and it’s a privilege to be part of something so meaningful." By Oldham Evening Chronicles

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