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28/06/2023

German Tourist Found Dead in Diani Hotel

Police in Kwale County are investigating the death of a German tourist hanging in a hotel room in Diani.

The woman, identified as Krieger Marion, was found by her boyfriend, Ephrem Tafare Gebru, who is Ethiopian. Gebru told police he found Marion's body hanging in the bathroom using a waist belt.

The couple had entered the country on June 19 and were expected to leave on Tuesday. According to police, they had quarreled before Marion was found dead.

Marion's body has been taken to the Jocham Hospital mortuary in Mombasa County.

The police are investigating the cause of death and have not yet ruled out foul play.
https://www.africanavoice.com/

28/06/2023

Julius Maada Bio, Reelected President of Sierra Leone

Wednesday, Julius Maada Bio was declared the winner of Sierra Leone's presidential election, but the opposition disputed the results.

Official figures gave Bio 56% of the vote, while his main rival, Samura Kamara, received 41%. Kamara called the outcome "daylight robbery" and has vowed to challenge the results in court.

International election observers raised concerns about the transparency of the tallying process. They pointed to problems with counting votes and the lack of access to party agents at polling stations.

The election took place on Saturday amid a tense atmosphere. There were reports of violence in some areas, but the overall process was peaceful.

Bio, a former soldier, will be sworn in for his second and final five-year term soon. He first came to power 2018, defeating Kamara in a closely fought runoff election. His supporters stormed the streets of Freetown to celebrate his victory.

The rivalry between Bio and Kamara is reminiscent of the 2018 election. In that election, Bio won by a narrow margin, securing 51.8% of the vote to Kamara's 48.2%.

The outcome of the 2023 election is still uncertain. Kamara has vowed to challenge the results in court, and it is unclear whether the Supreme Court will uphold Bio's victory.

In the meantime, Sierra Leone remains a divided country. There are concerns that the disputed election results could lead to further violence. However, Bio has called on his supporters to "keep the peace" and to allow the legal process to take its course.

28/06/2023

27/06/2023

Four KDF Officers Die In A Road Accident, And Six Injured

Four Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) officers died, and six others injured in a road accident in Marsabit on Tuesday morning.

The accident occurred at around 10:00 a.m. on the Marsabit-Moyale highway. It is reported that the military vehicle the officers were traveling in veered off the road and overturned.

According to a statement by Kussu Abduba, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Marsabit Referral Hospital, six other officers sustained injuries in the accident.

“There was an accident involving a military vehicle today morning, four officers passed on in the process and six officers sustained injuries. Our doctors managed to treat the officers and I can comfortably say the situation has been managed,” Abduba said.

The six injured officers have been taken to Marsabit Referral Hospital, where they are receiving treatment. Their condition is said to be stable.

The cause of the accident is still under investigation. However, it is believed that the vehicle may have been speeding.

The KDF has expressed its condolences to the families of the deceased officers.

"We are deeply saddened by the loss of our four brave officers," said KDF Spokesperson Colonel Paul Njuguna. "Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and friends during this difficult time."

27/06/2023

RSF declares two-day ceasefire in Sudan for Eid al-Adha

The commander of Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), Mohamed Hamdan "Hemedti" Dagalo, Tuesday announced a two-day ceasefire for the Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha. The truce will begin on the eve of Eid, which is on July 9, and end on the day of Eid, which is on July 10.

Hemedti said that the ceasefire is a "unilateral" gesture by the RSF and is not contingent on any conditions from the Sudanese government or other armed groups. He added that the ceasefire is intended to allow Sudanese people to celebrate Eid in peace and to provide an opportunity for reconciliation.

The RSF is a powerful paramilitary group that has been accused of human rights abuses, including the killing of civilians. The group is closely aligned with the Sudanese government, which has been criticized for its human rights record.

The ceasefire announcement is a positive development, but it remains to be seen whether it will be respected by all parties involved in the conflict in Sudan. The RSF has a history of violating ceasefire agreements, and the group may resume fighting after the Eid holiday.

Despite the risks, the ceasefire announcement is a sign that there is still hope for peace in Sudan. The Eid holiday is a time for celebration and reconciliation, and the RSF's decision to declare a ceasefire is a gesture of goodwill that could help to ease tensions in the country.

27/06/2023

Birtukan Mideksa, the head of Ethiopia’s electoral board, resigned Monday due to health reasons.

Ms. Mideksa, a former judge and political prisoner, announced her resignation on Monday in a Facebook post. Parliament has yet to accept her resignation.

Ms. Mideksa was appointed to the electoral board in 2018, as part of a series of reform measures introduced by the new government. She was seen as a key figure in ensuring the credibility of Ethiopia’s elections.

In her resignation post, Ms. Mideksa said that she had been struggling with health problems for some time. She said that she decided design to focus on her health and spend more time with her family.

Ms. Mideksa’s resignation is a blow to the Ethiopian electoral process. She was a respected figure who was widely seen as a credible and impartial election official. Her departure will raise questions about the future of Ethiopia’s elections.

27/06/2023

Julius Maada Bio Leads in Sierra Leone Election, Opposition Claims Fraud

The opposition candidate in Sierra Leone's presidential election, Samura Kamara, has called the provisional results "daylight robbery," alleging that his electoral agents were not allowed to verify the ballot counting.

With most ballots counted, Bio appears to have a strong lead over Kamara.

European Union observers have, however, criticized the electoral commission for lack of transparency and noted incidents of violence in some regions during the vote. The electoral commission expects the final results from Sunday's election to be published later.

The opposition has called for a recount of the votes, but the electoral commission has refused to do so.

There have also been reports of violence in some regions during the election, including the beating of election officials and the intimidation of voters.

27/06/2023

Kenya Kwanza Senators Save DG Oduol

Kenya Kwanza majority senators Monday saved the Siaya Deputy Governor William Oduol from impeachment by voting against the proposal to expel him from office.

Twenty-seven Senators voted against hid impeachment motion, while 16 Senators from the Azimio la Umoja coalition voted to impeach him.

"The net effect of this vote is that pursuant to Article 181 of the Constitution, Section 33(8) of the County Government Act and Standing Order 87 of the Senate Standing Orders, the Senate has failed to remove from office by impeachment William Oduol, the Deputy Governor of Siaya County."

"The Deputy Governor accordingly continues to hold office," ruled Senate Speaker Amason Kin gi.

However, an 11-member Senate Special Committee probing Oduol's impeachment had recommended his removal from office on allegations of gross violation of the Constitution and abuse of office.

The committee found that the charge against the Deputy Governor on Gross Violation of the Constitution and other Laws, on the allegation of Interference with the Procurement Process through Acts of Bid- Rigging was substantiated.

The deputy governor was also found culpable on the charge of Abuse of Office and Gross Misconduct.
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26/06/2023

Gor Mahia Awarded KSh 3 Million for Winning Kenyan Premier League Title

Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communication, and the Digital Economy Eliud Owalo awarded Gor Mahia KSh 3 million on Monday for winning the 2022/2023 Kenyan Premier League title.

At a luncheon hosted by the CS at a city hotel, Owalo congratulated Gor Mahia on their victory and challenged the club to work hard and do well in the CAF Champions League. He also challenged the club's leadership to put in place structures that would enable the team to grow.

The KSh 3 million award was distributed as follows:

KSh 1 million to the playing unit

KSh 1 million to the management

KSh 500,000 to the technical bench

KSh 200,000 to the team's drivers

KSh 300,000 to the team's security team

Owalo's award is a significant financial boost for Gor Mahia, who will need all the support they can get as they prepare for the CAF Champions League. The club hopes to make a strong impression in the competition, which is one of the most prestigious club tournaments in Africa.

Gor Mahia's 19th League Title

Gor Mahia's victory in the Kenyan Premier League is their 19th title, making them the most successful club in the competition's history. The club has also won the FKF President's Cup a record 11 times.

Gor Mahia is one of the most popular clubs in Kenya, and their victory in the league has been met with great excitement by their fans. The club is now looking forward to the CAF Champions League, hoping to make a deep run into the competition.

26/06/2023

Nairobi Expressway to close temporarily for Nairobi City Marathon

The Nairobi Expressway will close temporarily this weekend to allow for the 2nd Nairobi City Marathon. The highway will be closed from 10 pm on Saturday, July 1st, to 4 pm on Sunday, July 2nd.

Moja Expressway Company, which operates the highway, said in a public notice that the closure is necessary to ensure the safety of the participants and spectators. The marathon is expected to attract over 10,000 runners.

Motorists and commuters are advised to plan their journeys accordingly and use alternative routes during the closure. The marathon organizers have said they will provide shuttle services from designated pick-up points to the start and finish lines.

The Nairobi City Marathon is an annual event that raises money for charity. This year's event is themed on environmental sustainability, and for every kilometer run, a tree will be planted.

The organizers are hoping that the marathon will raise awareness of the importance of environmental conservation. They are also hoping to inspire people to adopt more sustainable lifestyles.

26/06/2023

Soldiers surround opposition party headquarters as votes are counted in Sierra Leone

Soldiers surrounded the headquarters of the main opposition party in Sierra Leone on Monday as votes were being counted in the country's presidential election.

The leader of the All People's Congress (APC), Samura Kamara, said live ammunition was fired into the building as he held a news conference. He said it amounted to an assassination attempt.

Clouds of tear gas shrouded the building, and it was unclear why truckloads of troops had been deployed. The police have not yet commented on the incident.

The APC hopes to unseat President Julius Maada Bio, who is standing for a second term in office. There was sporadic violence against election officials during the vote on Saturday after a tense campaign.

The election commission has said that the counting process is ongoing and that the results will be announced soon.
https://www.africanavoice.com/

26/06/2023

Nigeria's Burna Boy was Sunday feted as the best international act at last night's BET awards in Los Angeles making it the fourth time he has won the award.

This time he was up against the likes of South Africa's Ko and Britain's Stormzy and Central Cee.

Cameroon's Libianca won in the best new international act category chosen by BET viewers.

Her song People (Check On Me) has been streamed more than 320 million times since December. It sat on the top of the UK's chart for eight weeks and got into the UK's official Top 10 - a first for an artist from Cameroon.

26/06/2023

Lake Challa—Kenya's rich but little-known wonder

The lake is the 2nd deepest in Kenya, with a depth of 100m. It is in a caldera, straddles the & border, & is home to endemic tilapia, & its waters change colors.
africanavoice.com/features/lake-…
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26/06/2023

President William. Ruto has assented to the Bill at State House, Nairobi.

The Bill sailed through Parliament after a third reading by Kuria Kimani, chairman of the National Assembly Finance and National Planning Committee. Now Kenyans will have to dig deeper into their pockets to fund the government's first budget.

There were 87 proposed amendments to the Bill, some of which were approved on Tuesday as the National Assembly debated them late into the night.

Among the essential proposals approved was a 16% value-added tax on gasoline, up from 8%.

Except for Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba, at least 184 MPs—mainly from Kenya Kwanza—supported the bill, while 88 MPs—mostly from Azimio—opposed the amendment.

The controversial Housing levy, initially proposed at 3 percent, was also passed after it was amended to 1.5 percent of gross pay. It had been converted into a tax.

The initial proposal called for the levy to be a savings account that Kenyans could access after seven years.

Digital creators will be subject to a 5% tax. This figure was initially proposed to be 15%.

Betting and insurance withholding taxes will be charged 12.5% and 16%, respectively.

26/06/2023

The Ministry of Sports & Culture on February 15 launched the initiative to ensure that artists benefit from their work and receive appropriate remuneration that reflects their contributions.
africanavoice.com/entertainment/…

26/06/2023

Gor Mahia Sunday won the 2022/23 FKF Premier League title, becoming champions for the 20th time.

26/06/2023

Listen to our latest with Paul Lwali, CEO of Friends of Youth in Seattle, Washington.

https://www.africanavoice.com/podcast /paul-wall-CEO-friends-of-youth/

Subscribe to www.africanavoice.com and support credible independent journalism.

26/06/2023

Move over , Kenya's Lake Chala is a stunning marvel. Learn more about the Lake that straddles the Kenya-Tanzania border here:
youtu.be/1CpXBluKDVc

26/06/2023

Weekly Review:
President William Ruto defends Trade Minister Moses Kuria after the minister made derogatory remarks about the media
africanavoice.com/all-news/moses…

23/06/2023

Hundreds of long-term sick and mentally ill people from the Windrush generation were sent back to the Caribbean in what has been described as a "historical injustice", the BBC reported Wednesday.

Formerly classified documents reveal at least 411 people were sent back between the 1950s and the early 1970s under a scheme that was meant to be voluntary.

Families say they were ripped apart, and some were never reunited.

The UK government said it was committed to tackling the injustices of the era.

A spokesman said: "We recrecognizee campaigning of families seeking to address the historic injustice faced by their loved ones and remain committed to righting the wrongs faced by those in the Windrush generation."

The revelations - which echo the Windrush scandal, in which hundreds of Commonwealth citizens, many from the Caribbean, were wrongly deported - have sparked calls for a public inquiry into the repatriation policy.

23/06/2023

Zimbabwe’s electoral body has cleared 11 people to contest in presidential elections in August after many politicians complained of exorbitant application fees.

11 Candidates to contest for Presidency in Zimbabwe in August

The Zimbabwe electoral commission raised registration costs to $20,000, up from $1,000 in the previous elections. Fees for the MPs' positions were increased from $50 to $1,000.

The 11 candidates include the two front runners, President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his main rival Nelson Chamisa. An exiled former government minister will also run as an independent.

The number of candidates is half that of 2018 after many familiar faces opted out, citing the exorbitant registration fee.

23/06/2023

Ruto pleads for a relaxation of African debt Rules

President Ruto Thursday asked the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to reduce stringent measures on loans granted to African countries to ensure fair access to resources.

"Africa does not want anything for free. But we need a new financial model where power is not in the hands of the few," said Ruto.

Ruto, who spoke when he met with French President Emmanuel Macron, IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva, and World Bank Group president Ajay Banga in Paris on Thursday, urged world leaders attending the New Global Financial Pact Summit to support his call.

Ruto's administration received $600m from the IMF late last year.

It also got $993m from the World Bank in May to help the government fund the budget.

Most African countries struggle with foreign debts due to ballooning inflation and increased borrowing.

22/06/2023

Hurricane warning issued over the Caribbean Islands

A hurricane warning was issued Thursday for St Lucia as Tropical Storm Bret rolled towards the eastern Caribbean island at near-hurricane strength, with violent winds and rain.

The storm was about 320 kilometers east of Barbados on Thursday morning and was moving west at 24 km/h. It had maximum sustained winds of 110 km/h, just below the 119km/h (74mph) winds of a Category 1 hurricane.

The storm was expected to start affecting islands in the eastern Caribbean later in the day, according to the National Hurricane Center in Miami.

A particular aircraft dispatched to investigate the storm on Wednesday found that it had grown a bit bigger, with tropical-storm-force winds extending outward up to 165km from its center, according to forecasters.

Airports, businesses, schools, and offices were closed in St Lucia and Dominica as forecasters warned of torrential downpours, landslides, and flooding.

22/06/2023

PRESIDENT RUTO FLAGS OFF SAFARI RALLY CHAMPIONSHIPS

President Ruto Wednesday flagged off this year's World Safari Rally Championship in Naivasha, saying that the government will capitalize on it to broaden economic opportunities in the country.

Ruto said the event attracts more than 100,000 visitors, creating job opportunities worth Ksh.24.7 billion.

Besides employment creation, the event will boost the tourism and hospitality industry.

The President said the rally had given the country media publicity worth Ksh.8 billion and a total economic value of Ksh.63.3 billion.

“This will position Kenya as an iconic sporting nation, rallying powerhouse, and tourism destination,” he said Wednesday during the flagging off of the WRC Safari Rally in Naivasha, Nakuru County.

The event has attracted 34 crews from 20 countries.

Ruto also praised the WRC Safari Rally organizers for the 19 million tree-planting Greening Legacy program.

He challenged the organizers to develop the sport and ensure sustainability by encouraging talent development.

“We want to see a production line with talent like yesterday’s stars led by Joginder Singh, Peter Hughes, Nick Norwicki, Shekhar Mehta, Vic Preston Senior, and Junior,” he explained.

22/06/2023

KMPDC Suspends All Eight Hospitals Implicated In NHIF Scandal

The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) Thursday suspended all eight medical facilities identified by Health Cabinet Secretary Nakhumicha Wafula as having allegedly siphoned funds from the National Health and Insurance Fund (NHIF).

This is after an exposé revealed that several private hospitals are part of a syndicate working with unscrupulous NHIF staff to steal from unsuspecting citizens and the government of healthcare funds.

Addressing the media Thursday, KMPDC Chair Prof. Stanley Khainga said that the health facilities in Nairobi, Kiambu, and Nyeri counties will remain closed until the probe is accomplished.

Following CS Nakhumicha's order, we, as KMPDC, wrote to those institutions and suspended their licenses," said Prof. Khainga.

"This morning, we went there to make sure that they followed the decree, and I am happy to say that they have suspended operations and made arrangements to transfer in-patients to other facilities," he said.

"We would also like to assure Kenyans that KMPDC is committed to protecting them from harm whenever they are receiving services and they are free. KMPDC is open to receiving their complaints to ensure that the medical practitioners who are treating them continue providing quality health services to them," said KMPDC CEO Dr. David Kariuki.

22/06/2023

KENYAN PARLIAMENT VOTES TO DOUBLE FUEL TAX

Kenyan MPs Wednesday voted to double the value-added tax (VAT) levied on fuel to 16%. The increase in fuel tax will likely make communities and services more costly.

The Kenya Kwanza MPs pushed through the proposal, with 184 approving the clause within the new finance bill, while 88 lawmakers opposed it.

The government, looking to raise about 50bn Kenyan shillings from the additional tax, has defended the move as necessary amid a rising debt burden.

However, Opiyo Wandayi, the leader of the minority in the National Assembly, said the tax is punitive, terming the decision to push ahead with the fuel tax clause as "the saddest day in the history of this country”.

This week, Kenya's parliament has been combing through clauses within the unpopular finance bill and considering and voting on amendments.

Besides the fuel tax, some controversial proposals include a housing fund levy to be paid by all salaried workers and an increase in taxes for social media influencers.

22/06/2023

PRESIDENT RUTO DEFENDS MOSES KURIA OVER HIS MEDIA INSULTS

President William Ruto Wednesday supported trade minister Moses Kuria for threatening the media over its exposé of a cooking oil scandal.

Kuria had warned government departments not to advertise with the Nation Media Group (NMG) after the report alleged that certain private firms were allowed by his ministry to import cooking oil tax-free.

The report noted that the specific exemption under Kenyan law could only be made for emergency relief goods - with the whole deal potentially leading to the loss of more than $100m.

On Twitter, Kuria called journalists working at NMG “whores”.

His comments caused outrage in the media sector, even earning him a rebuke from the industry regulator.

Kuria vowed never to apologize for his remarks, accusing the media of bias.

On Wednesday afternoon, a high court issued an order blocking Kuria from uttering derogatory or insulting words against journalists, pending a case filed by a human rights activist that the minister’s outburst made him unsuitable to serve as a public officer.

But President Ruto said that people should be allowed to call out the media: "We must also defend the rights of those who hold the media to account when the media goes rogue.

“We must defend the rights of people like Moses Kuria to speak their mind the same way we are defending the media to say all the things they want, including the wrong ones.”

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Videos

Kenya Kwanza Senators Save DG Oduol Kenya Kwanza majority senators Monday saved the Siaya Deputy Governor William Oduol from impeachment by voting against the proposal to expel him from office. Twenty-seven Senators voted against hid impeachment motion, while 16 Senators from the Azimio la Umoja coalition voted to impeach him. "The net effect of this vote is that pursuant to Article 181 of the Constitution, Section 33(8) of the County Government Act and Standing Order 87 of the Senate Standing Orders, the Senate has failed to remove from office by impeachment William Oduol, the Deputy Governor of Siaya County." "The Deputy Governor accordingly continues to hold office," ruled Senate Speaker Amason Kin gi. However, an 11-member Senate Special Committee probing Oduol's impeachment had recommended his removal from office on allegations of gross violation of the Constitution and abuse of office. The committee found that the charge against the Deputy Governor on Gross Violation of the Constitution and other Laws, on the allegation of Interference with the Procurement Process through Acts of Bid- Rigging was substantiated. The deputy governor was also found culpable on the charge of Abuse of Office and Gross Misconduct. https://www.africanavoice.com/

Gor Mahia Sunday won the 2022/23 FKF Premier League title, becoming champions for the 20th time. #GorMahia #FKFPL #football #sports

Azimio Senators walk out on Moses Kuria Senators of the #Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Alliance Wednesday walked out from the Senate after Speaker Amason Kingi rejected a motion to criticize Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria over his attacks on the media. Nairobi Senator Edwin #Sifuna sought clarification on what grounds CS #Kuria has been allowed to address the House, yet there is a motion, filed on June 19, seeking to grill him over his blatant remarks. "My fear is that the CS is going to use this privilege of appearing before the Senate to cleanse himself of the accusations contained in that motion," he said. "We in the minority side are objecting to his presence in this House and seek guidance on whether his presence here today to the dispense of this motion is prejudicial to the same motion." In his refusal, Speaker Kingi said that the motion Senator Sifuna was alluding to did not follow the required procedure of filing a motion in the House, stating that the motion breached the Standing Orders. "Pursuant to Standing Order number 60 that addresses on matters motion, a Senator first, before moving a motion, they must file a notice of motion, and before you move it, the first thing you do is to take the clerk a copy of the proposed motion," explained Kingi. "Thereafter the clerk is required to submit it to the Speaker and the Speaker, using certain parameters as guided under Standing Order 63, the Speaker guided himself in order either to admit that particular motion or to rule it inadmissible." Speaker Kingi added that he received no motion and ruled that Senator Sifuna was out of order and CS Kuria was allowed to address the House. "As far as I am concerned, I have not seen the proposed motion that Senator Sifuna submitted. Therefore having not seen it, it cannot be a subject of discussion on the floor of the House today," he added. "What we are doing is anticipating debate contrary to Standing Order 99. I, therefore, rule that, Senator Sifuna, you are

Azimio MPs walk out as CS Njuguna Ndung'u begins reading Budget 2023/24 in the National Assembly. https://www.africanavoice.com/ #Budget2023KE

Azimio MPs explain why they walked out on Treasury CS Prof Njuguna Ndung'u when he started reading the #Budget2023 #FinanceBill2023 #FinanceBillDebate

President William Ruto has awarded Faith Kipyegon Ksh5 Million cash and a house worth Ksh6 Million for breaking two World Records— 1500M and 5000M. #FaithKipyegon #WorldRecordHolder