The court also declined to refer all cases of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings by the government to the ICC stating that Kenya is not a failed state. Travel and tourism information [File, Standard]
The High Court has ruled that all cases of enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and serious injuries inflicted on civilians during police operations or while in custody must be investigated solely by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).
Justice Lawrence Mugambi has ordered that no agent or unit within the National Police Service, including the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Internal Affairs Unit (IAU has the legal authority to handle such investigations.
The court found that the scale and pattern of police abuses, including killings and disappearances, meet the threshold of crimes against humanity due to their widespread and systematic nature.
However, the court rejected a request by petitioners, namely Kituo cha Sheria, Haki Africa, and Charles Njue to refer the matter to the International Criminal Court (ICC), stating that Kenya’s national institutions have not failed in their mandate.
Travel and tourism information
“Kenya has not yet reached a point where it is unable to handle such matters domestically,” the court said.
Justice Mugambi observed that there is insufficient evidence showing that Kenya’s national systems have failed to address these issues effectively.
He stressed that police officers cannot investigate themselves in cases involving enforced. By Nancy Gitonga, The Standard
Parliament demands the immediate release of Tundu Lissu, leader of Tanzania’s main opposition party, facing a possible death sentence
Deportation of Ukrainian children: a genocidal strategy by Russia, supported by Belarus, say MEPs
MEPs call for an immediate independent inquiry into the death of Tulku Hungkar Dorje, a Buddhist leader in Tibet, and condemn the Chinese authorities’ violations of religious freedom
On Thursday, Parliament adopted human rights resolutions on Tanzania, Russia and Tibet.
Arrest and risk of execution of Tundu Lissu, leader of Chadema, Tanzania’s main opposition party
In their resolution, MEPs condemn the arrest of the leader of Tanzania’s main opposition party Chadema, and express great concern regarding the politically motivated accusations that could lead to Tundu Lissu being sentenced to death.
They urge the Tanzanian authorities to restore Chadema’s full participation in the October 2025 elections, engage in dialogue with all political parties on electoral reform, respect the political parties’ rights and guarantee free and fair elections.
The resolution denounces the escalation of repression in Tanzania, with arbitrary arrests and the harassment of opposition politicians, human rights defenders, LGBTQI+ activists, journalists and civil society organisations.
Tanzania must abolish the death penalty and commute all death sentences, say MEPs, and the EU must ensure its development cooperation with Tanzania, not least under the Global Gateway initiative, is compatible with the promotion of human rights, freedom of expression and fair trial standards.
The resolution was adopted by show of hands.
Return of Ukrainian children forcibly transferred and deported by Russia
MEPs strongly condemn the "genocidal strategy" carried out by Russia, with the support of Belarus, designed to erase Ukrainian identity. The forced transfer and deportation of Ukrainian children, their illegal adoption, their assassination, and the forced Russification and militarisation must stop.
Russia must report the identities and whereabouts of all deported Ukrainian children and ensure their well-being and safe and unconditional return. The Russian authorities must also allow international organisations, such as the International Committee of the Red Cross, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and UNICEF, access to all deported Ukrainian children, argue MEPs.
The EU must continue to support the Ukrainian authorities and international and non‑governmental organisations in their efforts to document the deported children. . MEPs also call on the EU and the member states to join the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children. The international community must meanwhile hold Russia accountable by reinforcing coordination through the International Criminal Court, the International Court of Justice, and the Special tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine. "Any genuine peace deal must include the repatriation of these children and accountability for forcible transfers and deportations, " MEPs conclude.
The resolution was adopted by 516 votes in favour, 3 votes against and 34 abstentions.
Violations of religious freedom in Tibet
MEPs strongly condemn China’s repressive assimilation policies and violations of human rights, which seek to eliminate Tibet’s religious and cultural traditions and heritage. They express deep concern regarding the death in suspicious circumstances of Tulku Hungkar Dorje in March 2025 in Vietnam and call for an immediate, independent and transparent investigation, with international oversight, access to evidence and witnesses, and the immediate return of his remains.
China’s authorities must put an end to discrimination against religious and ethnic minorities, allow peaceful religious practice, and release all religious and political prisoners, including the rightful Panchen Lama and Ilham Tohti.
Parliament also condemns the transnational repression practices of the Chinese authorities and their interference in the selection of Tibetan Buddhist spiritual leaders, including the Dalai Lama. It calls on the EU to impose sanctions on officials and entities responsible for human rights violations in Tibet.
The resolution was adopted by 478 votes in favour, 30 votes against and 41 abstentions. EU Parliament News
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja stated that the firearm used in the crime has also been recovered. Ten suspects are now in police custody over the fatal shooting of Kasipul Member of Parliament Ong’ondo Were, the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, confirmed on Thursday.
In a major breakthrough in the ongoing investigation, Kanja revealed that a firearm believed to have been used in the killing — a Sarsilmaz pistol — was recovered at the home of one of the suspects.
Ballistic analysis has since confirmed that the weapon was used to shoot the legislator on April 30, 2025.
“This critical piece of evidence not only identifies the weapon used in this heinous act but also reveals its involvement in a series of other criminal activities,” Kanja said during a press briefing at the National Police Service headquarters.
“Specifically, the same firearm has been implicated in three separate robbery incidents across Nairobi and Kiambu Counties, with the most recent crime occurring on April 26, 2025.”
The Kasipul legislator was gunned down at around 7:40 PM while seated in his white Toyota Crown along Ngong Road, near the City Mortuary roundabout.
He was shot at close range by a gunman on a motorcycle while his vehicle was stopped at a red light.
His driver and bodyguard, who escaped unharmed, rushed him to Nairobi Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
A team from the DCI Homicide Bureau, supported by forensic experts from the National Forensic Laboratory, immediately launched investigations, collecting vital evidence including surveillance footage, a vehicle linked to the suspects, and proceeds believed to be connected to the crime.
The bodyguard and driver were initially taken in for questioning as detectives retraced the MP’s final movements from Parliament to the scene of the shooting.
An autopsy conducted by Chief Government Pathologist Dr. Johansen Oduor revealed that Were sustained five gunshot wounds, all from the left side of his body.
Two bullets were recovered from his body, while a third was found in the car. All were submitted for forensic analysis.
Four suspects directly linked to the crime scene were arrested and presented before the JKIA Law Courts on May 5, where detectives secured 30 days to detain them for further investigations.
The case is set for mention on June 5.
Two other suspects led investigators to a house where the Sarsilmaz pistol and a Retay Falcon pistol were found, along with a bag and footwear that matched those worn by one of the assailants on the day of the shooting.
Forensic examination of the items is ongoing.
The final two suspects were arrested just a day ago, bringing the total number of suspects in custody to ten.
Some of them are believed to be members of the notorious “Mjahidini” gang, linked to armed robberies in Nairobi’s Eastlands area
“This progress demonstrates the NPS’s commitment to resolving this case with the highest standards of professionalism and diligence,” said Kanja.
“We will continue to pursue all leads, analyse forensic evidence, and ensure that all perpetrators are brought to justice.”
He also thanked members of the public and Were’s family for their cooperation and urged anyone with further information to reach out to the police through their toll-free lines. By Bruhan Makong, Capital News
LORD COLLINS of Highbury, the minister for Africa, concluded a two-day visit to Uganda last month, reaffirming the UK’s commitment to sustainable development, inclusive partnerships and mutual economic growth.
Uganda’s High Commissioner to the UK, Nimisha Madhvani, played a key role during the visit, joining Lord Collins at several important engagements. The UK-Uganda Growth Dialogue was also launched during the visit; it is aimed at driving investment, improving the business environment, and increasing bilateral trade, in association with Uganda’s Ministry of Finance.
Lord Collins toured Zembo, a UK-supported e-mobility company leading Uganda’s green transport transition. Backed by Innovate UK and the Private Infrastructure Development Group, Zembo’s electric motorcycles are helping reduce carbon emissions while saving local riders an average of $500 (£374) per year.
At a joint reception with Uganda Airlines, Lord Collins announced the launch of direct passenger flights between Entebbe and London Gatwick from May 18, the first in a decade.
The new route is expected to boost trade, tourism and cultural connections.
“The introduction of direct flights marks a pivotal moment in our shared journey towards deeper economic and people-to people ties,” said Lord Collins.
He also visited the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI), a flagship centre of UK-Uganda scientific and medical research collaboration.
With over £25 million in UK funding, UVRI has made critical advancements in HIV/AIDS, Ebola research, and infectious viral disease control.
Lord Collins met researchers from both countries, recognising their joint success in strengthening global health security.
“This visit reflects the UK’s enduring partnership with Uganda – built on mutual respect, shared goals, and a commitment to sustainable progress,” Lord Collins said. Eastern Eye
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has condemned recent drone strikes targeting critical infrastructure and civilian areas in Port Sudan.
warning that the attacks could escalate an already fragile humanitarian and political situation in Sudan. In a statement, the IGAD Executive Director Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu warned that the attacks pose a serious threat to civilian lives noting that it could escalate an already fragile humanitarian and political situation in Sudan.
Dr. Gebeyehu described the assaults as “unacceptable” and called for their immediate end.
“These attacks on civilian infrastructure are unacceptable and must come to an immediate end,” said Dr. Workneh. “Port Sudan has long served as a vital humanitarian and logistical lifeline for millions of Sudanese. Any assault on this critical hub further compounds human suffering and impedes the delivery of urgently needed assistance.”
The condemnation comes as tensions escalate between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), who appear to be targeting airports in each other’s areas of control threatening efforts to stabilize the region.
Port Sudan, which has remained a relative safe haven amidst the conflict, is central to humanitarian operations, including the transportation of food, medical supplies, and other emergency aid.
Dr. Workneh reaffirmed IGAD’s commitment to a peaceful resolution to the Sudanese crisis and urged all parties to cease hostilities without delay and to engage in inclusive, constructive dialogue.
“We call on all parties to cease hostilities without delay and to engage in inclusive, constructive dialogue,” he said. “IGAD remains fully engaged with all stakeholders in support of efforts to protect civilians and preserve regional stability.”
In a statement on X, the United Nations (UN) Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher noted that constant care must be taken to spare civilians and civilian infrastructure.
“Very concerned by ongoing drone strikes on Port Sudan, a hub for our humanitarian operations and key entry point for aid. International humanitarian law must be respected. Constant care must be taken to spare civilians and civilian infrastructure.” Fletcher tweeted on Wednesday.
The UN says that the latest strikes in Port Sudan took place early on Tuesday morning, reportedly targeting the international airport and other infrastructure, including a fuel storage facility and a power transformer.
The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, Clementine Nkweta-Salami, issued a statement that day, saying the attacks “will deepen humanitarian suffering and needs, as well as exacerbate the already severe access and logistical challenges that humanitarian actors face in the delivery of urgently needed aid to the rest of the country.”
She underlined that the airport is a “lifeline for humanitarian operations” as it is the primary entry point for aid personnel, medical supplies and other life-saving relief.
“Moreover, the availability of fuel in Port Sudan is critical to the dispatch of humanitarian supplies to areas across Sudan in dire need of assistance,” she added.
Salami noted that since January, attacks on infrastructure across Sudan, such as power stations, water sub-stations, and oil refineries, have caused widespread electricity outages and disrupted access to essential services, including safe drinking water, healthcare and food supplies.
These are serious violations of international humanitarian law and “reflect a consistent failure to comply with the principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution,” she said.
“Every measure must be taken to spare civilians and civilian objects,” she said. “Once again, I call on all those involved in this conflict to cease hostilities.” By Christine Muchira, KBC
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