Embakasi East MP. Babu Owino addressing participants during the 16 days of Activism a focus on the Family promotion and protection policy at Argyle Hotel on December 4, 2024. [Boniface Okendo, Standard]
Embakasi East Member of Parliament Paul Ongili Owino, also known as Babu Owino, has declared his support for Gen Z ahead of planned protests tomorrow.
Babu said that Gen Zs are advocating for their constitutional rights and should be allowed to protest, especially considering that their past demonstrations have been peaceful.
“We are at the brink of destruction, but we’d rather destroy and build afresh rather than build and build wrongly,” he said on Spice FM on Tuesday, June 24.
The MP also lauded Gen Z's level of coordination, stating, “They are very organised, and I do not want to take advantage of their protests, and they said they do not want politicians to take advantage of the protests.”
An advocate of the High Court, Babu Owino pledged legal and moral support for protesters who may face arrest or injury.
“I will be there for them when they are arrested, in the police stations. I will be there for them in hospitals, I will be moving around when some will be taken to the hospital. I am in support of what they are advocating for.”
This week, The Standard has exposed the alleged individuals behind the plot to sabotage the peaceful demonstrations.
Insider accounts revealed that goons had been strategically placed in key protest zones across Nairobi’s Central Business District with the intent to incite violence and tarnish the reputation of protest leaders.
Babu, dismissing the plans as intimidation tactics, urged the young people and other protesters not to be cowed.
According to him, demonstrators must remain organised and peaceful, even in the face of provocation.
The protests are expected to take place across the country. By Esther Nyambura, The Standard
People bid farewell to Zhang Junqiao, the leader of the 27th Chinese medical team in Tanzania, at Muhimbili National Hospital in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, June 20, 2025. (Xinhua)
DAR ES SALAAM, June 22 (Xinhua) -- "Regardless of nationality or race, what I value most is life," Zhang Junqiao, a Chinese anesthesiologist, had once said.
On Friday morning, more than 300 people gathered in solemn silence at Muhimbili National Hospital in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, standing side by side to bid farewell to Zhang, the leader of the 27th Chinese medical team in Tanzania, who lost his life while saving a drowning person.
The farewell ceremony, held with deep respect and heavy hearts, honored Zhang, whose portrait was surrounded by white flowers. Many wore white shirts embroidered with his smiling face, while others held up a T-shirt covered in handwritten names -- tokens of gratitude and grief. Tearful mourners whispered his name. "He was Chinese," said a nurse. "But to us, he was always family."
Zhang died on June 15, Father's Day, while rescuing a drowning woman off the coast of Dar es Salaam. Witness photos showed him holding her above water and helping her into a life jacket before disappearing beneath the waves. Despite colleagues' efforts to save him, Zhang could not be revived.
Zhang, 38, came from Shandong Province in eastern China and had been stationed at Muhimbili National Hospital, the country's top referral facility, since early 2024. As a senior anesthesiologist, he quickly adapted to the pressing needs of the hospital, where fewer than 20 anesthesiologists serve a facility operating seven to eight surgical rooms.
Rather than limiting himself to clinical work, Zhang focused on capacity-building. "I must teach. I must leave something behind," Zhang told his colleagues.
True to his word, Zhang initiated practical training programs for local medical staff and students. He introduced advanced techniques such as ultrasound-guided nerve blocks using simulation models, a first in local training. Working with the Association of Tanzania Registered Nurse Anesthetists, his sessions were praised for their practical value.
"He guided me calmly as I performed my intubation," recalled Elick Mwakatungila, a young nurse anesthetist. "He did not just teach me how to do it. He made me believe I could."
Despite language barriers, Zhang found ways to communicate -- using diagrams, gestures and hands-on demonstrations. He also proposed a dual-track training model to cultivate both nurses and high-level technicians.
"He brought us knowledge and warmth," said Daniel Munubi, acting head of anesthesia. "He was a bridge between the doctors of two nations, a bridge built on responsibility and heart."
Zhang's selfless act and sudden death triggered an outpouring of grief across Tanzania. Thousands of netizens took to social media to pay tribute.
"We lost a true doctor. He saved someone else with his bare hands," one wrote. "He was not from our country, but he gave his life for our people."
Another comment in Swahili read: "Tumempoteza daktari bingwa," which means "We have lost an outstanding doctor."
During Friday's memorial ceremony, Zhang's colleague listed 16 advanced techniques introduced by him, including ultrasound-guided internal jugular catheterization and high-frequency jet ventilation. Zhang also led lectures and hands-on mentorships, building what Tanzanian colleagues now call "a medical team that cannot be taken away."
Zhang's final social media post encapsulated his mission: "Serving the people knows no borders. As a Chinese doctor, I am proud to let my Tanzanian colleagues feel the strength of our country and our profession."
Zhang Junqiao (2nd L) demonstrates cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) at Muhimbili National Hospital in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, May 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Emmanuel Herman)
Zhang Junqiao (L) rescues a drowning woman off the coast of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, June 15, 2025. (Xinhua)
Zhang Junqiao (R) works in a surgery at Muhimbili National Hospital in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, March 21, 2025. (Xinhua)
Zhang Junqiao poses for a photo at Muhimbili National Hospital in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, May 18, 2025. (Xinhua)
Zhang Junqiao (C) gives a lecture to local medical students at Muhimbili National Hospital in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, May 25, 2025. (Xinhua)
Zhang Junqiao poses for a photo with a local child while participating in a free medical consultation event on Pemba Island, Tanzania, Dec. 8, 2024. (Xinhua)
People bid farewell to Zhang Junqiao, the leader of the 27th Chinese medical team in Tanzania, at Muhimbili National Hospital in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, June 20, 2025. (Xinhua) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun), Peoples Daily Online
As the nation braces for Wednesday’s anniversary protests, many hope for peaceful demonstrations in honour of those who lost their lives in last year’s historic movement.
Kenya is on edge as the country prepares to mark the first anniversary of the June 25, 2024, Gen Z-led protests on Wednesday.
Opposition leaders and youth groups have vowed to return to the streets in honour of those who lost their lives during the 2024 demonstrations, which were sparked by the controversial Finance Bill 2024.The Bill was later withdrawn by President William Ruto following nationwide pressure.
While the opposition has declared the day a symbolic holiday, the government has remained silent.
Police, through Nairobi Regional Commander George Seda, have only confirmed that security plans are in place to ensure the safety of demonstrators.
“We have the plan and we shall be there to provide enough and good security to ensure every person who is going to participate and those not going to participate will be safe, for that matter,” said Seda.
The 2024 protests saw thousands of Kenyans mobilize across major towns, with several fatalities reported and hundreds injured after clashes with police.
The protests were also largely fuelled by growing concerns over governance and accountability, piling pressure on President William Ruto’s administration to act against corrupt, out-of-touch, and flamboyant leaders.
In response, President Ruto initiated a cabinet reshuffle that eventually led to its disbandment, the exit of several officials, and the partial return of others.
However, he continues to face criticism, particularly over his government’s handling of extrajudicial killings and human rights violations.
Despite mounting pressure, President Ruto has remained defiant, vowing to stay focused on delivering his mandate.
As the country marks the first anniversary of the June 25 protests, initially peaceful but later marred by violence after infiltration by criminal elements, fresh demonstrations have in recent days gripped Nairobi, driven by public outrage over police brutality.
The most recent trigger was the death of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwany in police custody, sparking renewed calls for justice.
As the nation braces for Wednesday’s anniversary protests, many hope for peaceful demonstrations in honour of those who lost their lives in last year’s historic movement. By DAVIS AYEGA, Capital News
Eastern Equatoria State Governor Louis Lobong. [Photo: Courtesy]
Eastern Equatoria State governor Louis Lobong has formalized the decision to establish a new administrative area in the state.
The State government declared Kauto an administrative area from the Kapoeta East County. The decision was made through a Gubernatorial Order No. 14/2025, of the state’s transitional constitution (Article 99, Sub-Articles A and B), and read on the state radio 97.5 FM. It will take root from June 18.
“I, Louis Lobong Lojore, Governor of Eastern Equatoria State, hereby issue this order for the establishment of Kauto Administrative Area in Kapoeta East,” the Gubernatorial order said in part.
Kauto, a newly established administrative area in Kapoeta East County, Eastern Equatoria State, South Sudan, is experiencing conflict, particularly related to cattle raiding and resource scarcity. The conflict involves the Toposa community of Eastern Equatoria and the Murle from the Greater Pibor Administrative Area.
In April last year (2024), armed criminals from the Greater Pibor Administrative Area crossed into Eastern Equatoria State and attacked villages in Kauto, killing 31 people and abducting 24 children. Thousands of livestock were also stolen during the raid.
The conflict also affected the neighboring Jie community, preventing them from accessing basic services in Kuron due to fear of being killed along the road that links Kapoeta region to Boma County in the GPAA.
“We have tried to reconcile the communities by conducting dialogues, but we are still witnessing ongoing violence. As the local authorities, we call on partners, including UNMISS, to support and facilitate reconciliation to settle the conflict,” said Abdallah Angelo Lokeno, Commissioner of Kapoeta East County.
In 2022, the Toposa, Murle, Jie, and Kachipo communities signed a resolution to implement punitive measures to prevent child abduction and cattle related conflict and promote peaceful coexistence in Eastern Equatoria State and the GPAA. But the problems persisted.
“Since last year, we have been planning a reconciliation process for Murle and the Toposa with our counterparts from Eastern Equatoria to address their grievances because there are a lot of challenges, including the scarcity of grazing land and water points,” said Alston Yaro, then Commissioner of Jebel Boma County in Greater Pibor Administrative Area.
Local leaders urged governor Lobong to create more administrative areas so that marginalized citizens can benefit. By Correspondent, The City Review
When students who were on a trip at Uhuru Park were caught up in battles between anti-Finance Bill 2024 protesters and police. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]
School principals have abruptly released students ahead of the scheduled mid-term break for the second term, as the country braces for another wave of anti-government protests led by defiant Gen Z youths.
Fearing for the safety of learners, school administrators began sending students home from Friday, despite the Ministry of Education’s calendar indicating that the mid-term break officially begins on Wednesday, June 25.
Yesterday, Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) was awash with students in school uniforms crowding bus terminals, a scene that has become unsettlingly familiar during periods of political unrest.
“We closed yesterday, and the school administration released us this morning. We’ll return on June 29,” said a student from Machakos School.
The early closure was prompted by growing tensions surrounding nationwide demonstrations calling for justice for those who lost their lives during protests a year ago.
The demonstrators are also demanding the resignation of Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Langat and justice for blogger Albert Ojwang, whose death in police custody has sparked widespread outrage.
This year, the anger is even more focused. Hashtags such as #LangatMustResign, #JusticeForOjwang, and #OccupyStateHouse have flooded social media timelines, as young Kenyans rally against police brutality, state repression, and the controversial Finance Bill.
Two rounds of protests last year descended into violence when police fired tear gas, and in some cases live rounds, at the crowds. At least 15 people were killed and hundreds arrested.
What began as online campaigns on platforms like TikTok and X (formerly Twitter) has evolved into coordinated street protests, even spreading to unlikely places such as nightclubs.
Malava Boys High School in Kakamega sent a similar text: “The school will close on Saturday, June 21, and students will be released on Sunday at 7am. Please make arrangements for your son’s travel.”
Parents, still anxious from previous incidents where students were caught up in protests, have welcomed the decision.
“I’m relieved that the school is taking steps to protect our children. The situation is quite worrying, and they should be at home rather than out in the streets,” said Jane Wanjaa, a Nairobi mother of two.
Last term, schools had to compress sports and music activities alongside exams to meet deadlines, said a teacher at State House Girls High School.
National Parents Association chairman Silas Obuhatsa praised the early closure, noting it allows learners to get home safely before unrest escalates.
Last year, a teargas canister was fired near Coast Girls High School in Mombasa as police dispersed protesters, deepening fears among parents and educators.
The second term has been repeatedly disrupted as Gen Z protesters demand accountability, transparency, and better governance. By Mike Kihaki, The Standard
Informer East Africa is a UK based diaspora Newspaper. It is a unique platform connecting East Africans at home and abroad through news dissemination. It is a forum to learn together, grow together and get entertained at the same time.
To advertise events or products, get in touch by info [at] informereastafrica [dot] com or call +447957636854. If you have an issue or a story, get in touch with the editor through editor[at] informereastafrica [dot] com or call +447886544135.
We also accept donations from our supporters. Please click on "donate". Your donations will go along way in supporting the newspaper.
