Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti addresses the media on September 5, 2022.
Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti on Wednesday pointed accusing fingers to political opponents whom she accused of sponsoring Tuesday's protests in Machakos County which culminated in the destruction of businesses and property.
The county boss claimed unnamed political elements were out to sabotage and frustrate her administration by directly attacking residents to paint a certain degree of laxity by the County Government.
Governor Ndeti claimed that criminals masquerading as peaceful demonstrators attacked, assaulted, and injured dozens of bodaboda operators before seizing four motorbikes and setting them ablaze in Mlolongo.
She further stated that the assailants also descended on different business establishments when valuable property was stolen.
In a statement on Wednesday, the county boss expressed remorse for all those who fell prey to the alleged criminal gangs said to be posing as genuine protestors.
"My attention has been drawn to the ugly incidents and acts of lawlessness that were witnessed in Mlolongo town, where an organized gang of criminals reined terror on peace-abiding bodaboda operators who were going about their normal business peacefully," said the governor.
"It is unfortunate that such an incident was planned by individuals who profess to be leaders and expect to be respected for who they are."
Governor Ndeti called on the police, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), and the relevant security agencies to initiate investigations into the recent developments and bring the culprits to book.
This comes a week after similar incidences were witnessed in various parts of Kenya including Machakos.
In a rallying call against looting and destruction of property, Wavinya urged the youths to refrain from such acts.
She then proceeded to sound a strong warning to criminals infiltrating youth-led protests.
This comes even as Kenyan youth continue to stage anti-government protests have rocked most parts of the country.
The protestors, the majority being Gen Z, have kept on piling pressure on the government to become more accountable and improve its governance, having morphed from demonstrations against the Finance Bill, 2024.By Kenn Osoro,m Kenyans.co.ke
Rwandan President Paul Kagame has won the Rwandan elections by a landslide. Kagame got 99.1 % of the vote. This extends his 24 year rule by another five more years.
The President was running against a few candidates who shared 1 % of the vote amongst each other. This are environmentalist Frank Habineza and ex-jourrnalist Philippe Mpayimana.
Kagame has thanked all those who voted for him and as well Rwandan Patriotic Front ( RPF) for the great result.
“These are not just figures, even if it was 100%, these are not just numbers. [They] show the trust, and that is what is most important," Mr Kagame said.
Kagame has won more than 90% of the vote in2003, 2010 and 2017. He made changes in the constitution introducing 5 year term limits but this could see him rule till 2034. Kagame has been credited for bringing unity, peace and stability. His critics though accuse him of dictatorship. Rwandan government has denied any wrong doing.
Unity Link did well to support a cross section of the Ghanaian community who came to participate in their raffle draw in the year 2014, at Ghana Party in the Park. Ghana Party in the Park 2024 moves to Oak Hill Park, Parkside Gardens in Barnet. The annual Ghanaian themed celebration has had its fair share of location moves, from Modern Park, Trent Park and now, to its latest location in Barnet.
This year's celebration, according to AkwaabaUK, will see the performances of acts such as Kidi, King Paluta, BeezTrap-KOTM, OliveTheBoy, Tulenkey and the songstress Wendy Shay on Saturday 13 th July 2024. The essence of this story is to cast back in time, to revisit and recount retrospectively what Unity Link as a company lavished upon some of the people that attended Ghana Party in the Park 2014.
THEN
That year's Ghana themed annual crowd gathering ’PARTY IN THE PARK, came to pass with its usual ups and downs on Saturday second of August 2014. People, some Ghanaian and other nationals, came from afar to embrace the culture and traditional values of family and friendship. Mr Dennis Tawiah who is the presiding event coordinator of the AkwaabaUK entertainment group, did his best to tighten security at the venue to avoid the mishaps that come with organising events.
The time the event started was very late and appalling to the standard and image of kwaabaUK Promotions. Apart from the youths' stage which was ready around one clock, the rest of the stages were not ready at the time of entry. The various food stalls were beaming with sweet condiments that exude the aroma of national and international tastes and pride.
Although music sounded lovely to many ears, depending on which stage, age or passion one shares in music, there was more to happen elsewhere on the park. King K. and the Messiah Band were perched and settled just close to the Gold Coast catering arena, blasting life into the party, from their music repertoire. But the Messiah Band's party was cut short as and when K.Nyame and his Davidson Band erupted from the Unity Link stage, which was mounted in the opposite direction.
MC Clarke Pentoa, formerly of Rainbow radio, was at hand to steer affairs on the Unity-Link stage, bringing verve, pace, pump and disco to the feet of the dancing crowd. Kwaku Owusu Frimpong, a presenter from Rainbow radio and Vox Africa TV, furnished revellers with information while respecting and keeping all protocols under the Ghana High Commission canopy.
While the party was alive and highly kicking, Mr Alphonso 'The Photographer, made sure all the scenic and picturesque moments were captured as far as light, camera and action is concerned. Unity-Link: the money-sending giants did well to lavish upon some patrons with gifts during their raffle draw, ranging from Plasma TVs to Computer-Tablets.
A lady who won the first TV said," I can't believe this, oh my God" and as to how she is going to take it home, I don't even have a clue ; she affirmed. Mr Ato Brown and his Abn TV crew were present to televise all the interesting titbits of the party, and the provision of quality sounds from Fikodarl-Sounds made every live instrument sounded arguably, perfect.
If anything, AkwaabaUK will have to employ better professional Master of Ceremonies to mount their various stages. To juxtapose the 2014 event to that of recent times, in an interview with Lady Abena who has been frequenting the event for some time, recounts: “My very first one was at the age of three. “And to be honest, I cannot remember anything about that experience, but I believe, that paved the way for my subsequent followships.
“Even though I have been going to Ghana Party in The Park for some time, the most joyous moment out of them all, was in July 2022. “Apart from the artistes who performed, it was rather Ramz, Darkoo, Gyakie and some other names that floated my boat. “Although some people my age were not so happy with some of the new or up and coming artistes, I like the fact that AkwaabaUK have that platform for the new acts to come out of their shells and prove their potential talents to the world.
“Again, personally that was the year I did enjoy the most. Talk of the various sets from the DJs like Kwamz Original, O.V, Y-M, I feel like they all knew exactly how to move the crowd, and even if one is not from Ghana, they still gave one a reason to vibe to the party. “I think the DJ sets play a major factor in the event given the breaks in-between the various performances.
“I think Ghana Party in The Park is a great experience for all ages. Speaking of that, there are other facilities for children to embark on. “The food stalls, African market style merchandise and so on. And I recommend you check the line-up of the artistes before you buy your tickets. “Because there have been times where acts won’t turn up but have been advertised or billed to perform. “A typical one, was that of Shatta Wale. I feel like that discourages people but again it should ot be a stumbling block, because it is more than just musical performances. There are other ways of making your party while having fun.”
The Bishops said those responsible for giving illegitimate orders must take personal responsibility.
In Summary
In a statement on Monday, the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops described the action as "illegal and criminal".
The Bishops said those responsible for giving illegitimate orders must take personal responsibility.
Catholic Bishops have called for an end to the abductions that have been witnessed in the country following the Gen Z protests.
In a statement on Monday, the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops described the action as "illegal and criminal".
The Bishops said those responsible for giving illegitimate orders must take personal responsibility.
"We are a country with laws that govern how law and order should be dispensed. This is illegal and criminal. It must stop. "You have heard that it was said to the men of old, 'You shall not kill, and whoever kills shall be liable to judgment," they said.
The Bishops regretted the loss of young lives during the said demos.
They emphasised that nothing could justify the killings as the protesters were unarmed and were protesting in daylight.
The Bishops condemned the people behind the killing of the young people and asked the government to ensure the culprits were identified to face the full force of the law.
"As Bishops, we caution the law enforcers to adhere to their code of conduct. No law allows unwarranted arrest, torture, or killing of people," they said.
"We have seen protests and demonstrations in the past, we are coming out of serious protests, and there is a possibility of protests and demonstrations happening in the future".
The Bishops said it is time Kenya learnt from the past that violence and brutality do not solve conflicts nor does it create a peaceful environment.
Instead, they said, police should target goons who take advantage of peaceful demonstrations to cause havoc.
"We believe our police can do their job professionally," the Bishops said.
"We continue to pray for those nursing injuries or undergoing counselling because of the traumatic experiences they went through. We also pray for the families affected and assure them of our moral support".
The government has acknowledged that at least 25 protesters died during the protests although the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) put the death toll at 41 and 360 injuries. By SHARON MWENDE, The Star
The attack happened when people were watching the 2024 Euro final between England and Spain [Photo by HASSAN ALI ELMI/AFP via Getty Images]
Somalia is battling an insurgency from Islamist group Al-Shabaab with support from an African Union force and US airstrikes. The death toll from a car bombing at a cafe in Somalia's capital Mogadishu that was packed with football fans watching the Euro 2024 final has risen to nine, security sources said Monday.
Witnesses described scenes of panic and chaos after the powerful blast late Sunday, with people scrambling for safety and the main entrance to the cafe destroyed by the blaze.
Mohamed Yusuf, an official from the national security agency, said nine civilians were killed and 20 others wounded in the explosion, raising the official toll of five given by police late Sunday.
The popular Top Coffee restaurant, which is located near the presidential palace in the centre of the city, was thronged with young men watching the final that Spain won 2-1 against England.
"There were many people inside the restaurant, most of them youth who were watching the football match... but thanks to God, most of them made their way out safely after using ladders to climb up and jump over the backside perimeter wall," Yusuf said.
No group has claimed responsibility for the bombing, but the state-run Somali National News Agency said Sunday it was carried out by Al-Qaeda linked Al-Shabaab jihadists.
Images posted online showed a huge fireball and plumes of smoke billowing into the night sky as the explosion ripped through the cafe.
'Bleeding and screaming'
"I was inside the restaurant watching the football match when I heard a huge explosion, there was smoke, dust and fire at the front side of the restaurant and we panicked," Said Muktar told AFP.
"I and several other people rushed towards the main entrance, but it was completely inaccessible," he said, adding that he saw people "bleeding and screaming".
"The whole situation was chaos."
Images of the aftermath of the bombing on Monday showed piles of rubble where the restaurant once stood and several burnt-out vehicles, as local residents inspected the scene.
Police officer Mohamed Salad told AFP he rushed to the site a few minutes after the blast.
"Five people died outside the building and on the main road including drivers of vehicles that were passing by the area," he said.
"Four people died inside the restaurant, some of them removed from under the debris."
Attempted jailbreak
Al-Shabaab has been waging a bloody insurgency against Somalia's fragile federal government for more than 17 years and has carried out numerous bombings in Mogadishu and elsewhere in the country.
There had been a relative lull in attacks in recent months as the government presses on with an offensive against the Islamist militants.
But on Saturday, five inmates said to be Al-Shabaab fighters were killed in a shootout with guards in an attempted jail break from the main prison in Mogadishu.
Three guards were also killed and 18 others wounded, prison officials said, after the inmates managed to get hold of weapons.
Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has vowed "all-out" war against the jihadists and government troops have joined forces with local clan militias in a military campaign supported by an African Union force and US air strikes.
But the offensive has suffered setbacks, with Al-Shabaab earlier this year claiming it had taken multiple locations in central Somalia.
Although driven out of Mogadishu by AU forces in 2011, Al-Shabaab still has a strong presence in rural Somalia.
Somalia last month called for the African Union to slow the planned withdrawal of its forces from the troubled country.
UN resolutions called for troop numbers in the AU peacekeeping mission, known as ATMIS, to be reduced to zero by December 31 with security handed over to the Somali army and police.
The third and penultimate phase was to see the departure of 4,000 soldiers out of a total 13,500 ATMIS troops by the end of June.
But Somalia's government said it wanted to see only 2,000 troops leave in June and the remaining 2,000 in September. The New Arab
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