ABSA MEDIA

14/02/2023

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07/12/2022

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13/08/2022

15 migrants found dead on border with Sudan, say Libya officials

Libyan authorities said Saturday they found at least 15 migrants dead in the desert on the borders with Sudan, the latest tragedy involving migrants seeking a better life in Europe via perilous journeys through the conflict

13/08/2022

Verified Presidential Results: Kipipiri Constituency:
Raila Odinga- 7,817
William Ruto- 28,899
George Wajackoyah- 181
Waihiga Mwaure- 139
Registered: 54,628
Valid: 37,036
Rejected: 212

13/08/2022

Verified Presidential Results: North Horr Constituency:
Raila Odinga- 23,160
William Ruto- 3,040
George Wajackoyah- 66
Waihiga Mwaure- 29
Registered: 36,855
Valid: 26295
Rejected: 51

13/08/2022

Verified Presidential Results: Lari Constituency:
Raila Odinga- 9,162
William Ruto- 47,315
George Wajackoyah- 209
Waihiga Mwaure- 170
Registered: 81,196
Valid: 56,856
Rejected: 299

13/08/2022

Ledama Ole Kina of ODM declared winner of Narok Senate seat after garnering 135,180 votes, Samuel Ole Tunai of UDA second with 117,869 votes.

13/08/2022

Inside Afghanistan’s secret schools, where girls defy the Taliban

KABUL: Nafeesa has discovered a great place to hide her schoolbooks from the prying eyes of her disapproving Taliban brother — the kitchen, where Afghan men rarely venture.
Hundreds of thousands of girls and young women like Nafeesa have been deprived of the chance of education since the Taliban returned to power a year ago, but their thirst for learning has not lessened.
“Boys have nothing to do in the kitchen, so I keep my books there,” said Nafeesa, who attends a secret school in a village in rural eastern Afghanistan.
“If my brother comes to know about this, he will beat me.”
Since seizing power a year ago, the Taliban have imposed harsh restrictions on girls and women to comply with their austere vision of Islam — effectively squeezing them out of public life.
Women can no longer travel on long trips without a male relative to es**rt them.
They have also been told to cover up with the hijab or preferably with an all-encompassing burqa — although the Taliban’s stated preference is for them to only leave home if absolutely necessary.
And, in the cruellest deprivation, secondary schools for girls in many parts of Afghanistan have not been allowed to reopen.
But secret schools have sprung up in rooms of ordinary houses across the country.
A team of journalists visited three of these schools, interviewing students and teachers whose real names have been withheld for their safety.
This is their story.
Clandestine classroom
Decades of turmoil have played havoc with Afghanistan’s education system, so Nafeesa is still studying secondary school subjects even though she is already 20.
Only her mother and older sister know about it.
Her brother fought for years with the Taliban against the former government and US-led forces in the mountains, returning home after their victory imbued with the hard-line doctrine that says a woman’s place is the home.
He allows her to attend a madrassa to study the Qur'an in the morning, but in the afternoon she sneaks out to a clandestine classroom organized by the Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan (RAWA).
“We have accepted this risk, otherwise we will remain uneducated,” Nafeesa said.
“I want to be a doctor... We want to do something for ourselves, we want to have freedom, serve society and build our future.”
When the journalists visited her school, Nafeesa and nine other girls were discussing freedom of speech with their female teacher, sitting side-by-side on a carpet and taking turns reading out loud from a textbook.
To get to class, they frequently leave home hours earlier, taking different routes to avoid being noticed in an area made up mostly of members of the Pashtun ethnic group, who form the bulk of the Taliban and are known for their conservative ways.
If a Taliban fighter asks, the girls say they are enrolled in a tailoring workshop, and hide their schoolbooks in shopping bags or under their abaya and burqa overgarments.
They not only take risks, but also make sacrifices — Nafeesa’s sister dropped out of school to limit any suspicions her brother might have.
No justification in Islam
Religious scholars say there is no justification in Islam for the ban on girls’ secondary school education and, a year since taking power, the Taliban still insist classes will be allowed to resume.
But the issue has split the movement, with several sources telling journalists a hard-line faction that advises supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada opposed any girls’ schooling — or at best, wanted it limited to religious studies and practical classes such as cooking and needlework.
The official line, however, remains that it is just a “technical issue” and classes will resume once a curriculum based on Islamic rules is defined.
Primary girls still go to school and, for now at least, young women can attend university — although lectures are segregated and some subjects cut because of a shortage of female teachers.
Without a secondary school certificate, however, teenage girls will not be able to sit university entrance exams, so this current crop of tertiary female students could be the country’s last for the foreseeable future.
“Education is an inalienable right in Islam for both men and women,” scholar Abdul Bari Madani told AFP.
“If this ban continues, Afghanistan will return to the medieval age... an entire generation of girls will be buried.”
Lost generation
It is this fear of a lost generation that spurred teacher Tamkin to convert her home in Kabul into a school.
The 40-year-old was almost lost herself, having been forced to stop studying during the Taliban’s first stint in power, from 1996 to 2001, when all girls’ schooling was banned.
It took years of self-study for Tamkin to qualify as a teacher, only for her to lose her job at the education ministry when the Taliban returned last year.
“I didn’t want these girls to be like me,” she told the journalists, tears rolling down her cheeks.
“They should have a better future.”
With the support of her husband, Tamkin first turned a storeroom into a class.
Then she sold a family cow to raise funds for textbooks, as most of her girls came from poor families and couldn’t afford their own.
Today, she teaches English and science to about 25 eager students.
On a rainy day recently, the girls trickled into her classroom for a biology lesson.
“I just want to study. It doesn’t matter what the place is like,” said Narwan, who should be in grade 12, sitting in a room packed with girls of all ages.
Behind her, a poster on a wall urges students to be considerate: “Tongue has no bones, but it is so strong that it can break the heart, so be careful of your words.”
Such consideration by her neighbors has helped Tamkin keep the school’s real purpose hidden.
“The Taliban have asked several times ‘what’s going on here?’ I have told the neighbors to say it’s a madrassa,” Tamkin said.
Seventeen-year-old Maliha believes firmly the day will come when the Taliban will no longer be in power.
“Then we will put our knowledge to good use,” she said.
'We are not afraid'
On the outskirts of Kabul, in a maze of mud houses, Laila is another teacher running underground classes.
Looking at her daughter’s face after the planned reopening of secondary schools was canceled, she knew she had to do something.
“If my daughter was crying, then the daughters of other parents must also be crying,” the 38-year-old said.
About a dozen girls gather two days a week at Laila’s house, which has a courtyard and a garden where she grows vegetables and fruit.
The classroom has a wide window opening to the garden, and girls with textbooks kept in blue plastic folders sit on a carpet — happy and cheerful, studying together.
As the class begins, one by one they read out the answers to their homework.
“We are not afraid of the Taliban,” said student Kawsar, 18.
“If they say anything, we will fight it out but continue to study.”
But the right to study is not the only aim for some Afghan girls and women — who are all too frequently married off into abusive or restrictive relationships.
Zahra, who attends a secret school in eastern Afghanistan, was married at 14 and now lives with in-laws who oppose the idea of her attending classes.
She takes sleeping pills to fight her anxiety — worried her husband’s family will force him to make her stay home.
“I tell them I’m going to the local bazaar and come here,” said Zahra of her secret school.
For her, she says, it is the only way to make friends.

13/08/2022

No permit for children below 5 years in Grand Mosque of Makkah

RIYADH: Children below five years old can enter the Grand Mosque of Makkah without a permit, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said on Saturday.
“Parents can take their children who are below five years old without the need to get them a permit,” the ministry said in a Twitter post.
However, children over five years old must obtain a permit through the “Eatmarna” app to enter the holy site.
Earlier, Saudi Arabia announced that holders of all types of visas will be able to perform Umrah during their stay in the Kingdom.

13/08/2022

IEBC Orders 'Idlers' To Leave Bomas Tallying Centre

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has ordered all persons who are not involved in the vote verification process to leave the National tallying centre at the Bomas of Kenya.

Abdi Guliye, the commissioner in charge of operations, ordered that no one shall be allowed to access the auditorium if they are not part of the officials recognized by the commission.
Guliye explained that the directive is to ensure a minimal disruption of the process.
"From this minute forwards this tallying center will only have the presence of presidential agents, chief agents, deputy chief agents, observers, clerks doing the verification process, the media and the diplomats," said Guliye during a press update on Saturday.
"Nobody else will be allowed to sit in this auditorium from this minute on."
Commissioner Guliye added that they have heightened security in the area and have forwarded instructions that nobody should access the venue.
The IEBC boss Wafula Chebukati also raised concern with the flow of the process which he said is taking a toll on meeting their deadlines.
He reviewed the results process flow, saying it will optimize the process and guarantee faster processing of the results.
"It is taking about 3 to 4 hours to process one Returning Officer. As a result of this flow some of our officers have stayed here for three days which is totally unacceptable," said Chebukati.
"Returning officers in the queue will hand over their original results to the national returning officer thereafter they report to the ICT desk for the verification of the transmitted results Forms 34A against the original Forms 34A," he added.
"Thereafter presidential agents will be given copies of the results Forms 34A ad Forms 34B for their own use."
So far 265 returning officers have reported to the centre and 141 have been processed. Chebukati said about 124 are still on the queue.

13/08/2022

Verified Presidential Results: Igembe Central Constituency - Meru County
Raila Odinga - 13,343
William Ruto - 45,497
Waihiga Mwaure - 165
George Wajackoyah - 294
Registered- 93,471
Valid- 59,299
Rejected- 438

13/08/2022

Verified Presidential Results: Mogotio Constituency - Baringo County
Raila Odinga - 982
William Ruto - 30,824
Waihiga Mwaure - 34
George Wajackoyah - 49
Registered- 38,922
Valid- 31,889
Rejected- 122

13/08/2022

Verified Presidential Results: Ijara Constituency - Garissa County
Raila Odinga - 18,214
William Ruto - 1,367
Waihiga Mwaure - 07
George Wajackoyah - 56
Registered - 29,666
Valid - 19,664
Rejected - 65

13/08/2022

Verified Presidential Results: Bomet Central Constituency - Bomet County
Raila Odinga - 2,024
William Ruto - 55,486
Waihiga Mwaure - 55
George Wajackoyah - 105
Registered- 71,409
Valid- 57,670
Rejected- 329

13/08/2022

Verified Presidential Results: Mathioya Constituency - Murang'a County
Raila Odinga - 6,293
William Ruto - 32,313
Waihiga Mwaure - 149
George Wajackoyah - 214
Registered- 58,102
Valid- 38,969
Rejected- 262

13/08/2022

Verified Presidential Results: Keiyo South Constituency - Elgeyo Marakwet County
Raila Odinga - 1,611
William Ruto - 46,436
Waihiga Mwaure - 30
George Wajackoyah - 55
Registered- 62,397
Valid - 48,132
Rejected- 455

13/08/2022

Verified Presidential Results: Nakuru Town West Constituency - Nakuru County
Raila Odinga - 36,824
William Ruto - 32,922
Waihiga Mwaure - 111
George Wajackoyah - 209
Registered- 112,308
Valid- 70,014
Rejected- 628

13/08/2022

Verified Presidential Results: Embakasi East Constituency - Nairobi County
Raila Odinga - 53,982
William Ruto - 30,976
Waihiga Mwaure - 271
George Wajackoyah - 388
Registered- 154,599
Valid- 85,623
Rejected- 492

13/08/2022

William Ruto Congratulates Election Winners

Kenya Kwanza Alliance presidential candidate William Ruto has sent a congratulatory message to the coalition's aspirants who secured seats in Tuesday’s General Election.
Through his Twitter handle on Saturday, the Deputy President specially lauded the female leaders who have been elected in various capacities across the country, saying they had broken barriers.
“Congratulations to all election winners. In particular, we celebrate the many women who have broken barriers to climb the political ladder,” said Dr. Ruto.
He further wished them success in their roles, telling them: “Best wishes as you embark on your new responsibilities. Hustlers are counting on you.”
Among the various Kenya Kwanza female aspirants who have scooped seats are governor-elects Cecily Mbarire of Embu, Nakuru’ Susan Kihika and Anne Waiguru of Kirinyaga, as well as senator-elect Tabitha Karanja (Nakuru).
Vote tallying entered its fourth day on Friday at the national tallying centre in Bomas of Kenya, Nairobi.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission is meanwhile expected to have announced the results for all the various seats by Monday, August 15, per the law, which gives it seven days to tally and announce the results.

13/08/2022

Govt suspends Sh100 maize flour subsidy
Kenyans will have to go back to digging deeper into their pockets after the government on Saturday suspended the National Maize Flour Subsidy Program due to inadequate funds.
Agriculture CS Peter Munya in a memo said that the suspension was due to inadequate funds from the treasury.
“Due to inadequate exchequer releases from the National Treasury, it has been decided that, the Maize Flour Subsidy Program be suspended with immediate effect,” Mr Munya said.

13/08/2022

Aircraft Ferrying Tourists Crash-Lands In Njoro

A pilot and two occupants escaped unhurt after their chopper failed to advance, forcing them to crash-land at a farm in Ewaat village, Njoro, Nakuru County.
In the Saturday afternoon accident, the pilot named Joshua Kwam, 27, told police that the passengers he was carrying were headed to the Maasai Mara game reserve.
The two comprise of a 28-year-old Peruvian and a 29-year-old French national.
Nakuru County Police Commander Peter Mwanzo said the passengers came out of the aircraft safely and were in fair condition.

05/06/2020

Health Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) Mercy Mwangangi announced on Friday that the total number of confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Kenya had risen to 2,474.

Giving the ministry's daily update on new infections following the testing of 3,177 new samples, Dr Mwangangi said 134 more people had tested positive for the coronavirus.

The ministry said a total of 90, 875 samples had been tested in Kenya by June 5.

Dr Mwangangi told the country that 67 of the new patients were in Mombasa, 31 in Nairobi, 15 in Busia, five in Machakos, four in Taita Taveta, two in Kilifi, Kiambu and Nakuru counties.

More cases were recorded in Garissa, Kericho and Kajiado counties

04/06/2020

The Best Penalty Takers in Premier League History - Ranked

Penalties are a real skill. To some, they're a pressure-laden chance to humiliate yourself, but for others, they're the easiest way to score a goal.

The Premier League has seen plenty of players who have specialised in taking penalties. If your team is feeling the pressure and needs a goal, you'd want one of these guys stepping up to the plate.

Here are the 20 best penalty takers in Premier League history.

20. Mikel Arteta

Mikel Arteta celebrates
During his time in England with both Everton and Arsenal, Mikel Arteta built up a reputation as a deadly finisher from the spot.

He netted ten for the Toffees before heading to Arsenal to score another seven, missing just one at each of his two clubs.

19. Gareth Barry

Gareth Barry celebrates scoring
Reliable in every sense of the word, not only is Gareth Barry the all-time leading appearance maker in the Premier League, but he's up there with the best when it comes to penalties as well.

As Aston Villa's star from the spot, Barry fired home 18 penalties and missed just three across his nine years with the club.

18. Wayne Rooney

Wayne Rooney scores a goal
Wayne Rooney may not have the greatest conversion rate from penalties - he scored 23 and missed ten during his time in the top flight - but that does not harm his reputation.

He's Manchester United's top-scoring penalty taker of all time, and given the calibre of player he's up against in those rankings, that's a pretty good achievement.

17. Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United
The Cristiano Ronaldo we saw in England didn't get the chance to take many penalties. He scored 11 and missed two before departing for Real Madrid, but his record after leaving Manchester United proves his status as an all-time great.

With well over 100 penalties scored in his career, Ronaldo is one of the most reliable scorers you're ever likely to find. Had he stayed in England for longer, he'd be far higher on this list.

16. Ruud van Nistelrooy

Manchester United's Ruud van Nistelrooy
Ruud van Nistelrooy could score goals from anywhere. He managed 95 goals in the Premie

30/05/2020

Hong Kong officials say Trump 'wrong' to end special status

Hong Kong officials lashed out on Saturday at moves by US President Donald Trump to strip the city of its special status in a bid to punish China for imposing national security laws on the global financial hub.

Speaking hours after Trump said the city no longer warranted economic privileges and that some officials could face sanctions, security minister John Lee told reporters that Hong Kong could not be threatened and would push ahead with the new laws.

"I don't think they will succeed in using any means to threaten the [Hong Kong] government, because we believe what we are doing is right," Lee said.

Justice minister Teresa Cheng said the basis for Trump's actions was "completely false and wrong", saying national security laws were legal and necessary for the former British colony.

Trump had announced the decision at a White House news conference on Friday, saying Beijing had broken its word over Hong Kong's autonomy.

He said its move was a "tragedy" for the people of Hong Kong, China and the world.

"We will take action to revoke Hong Kong's preferential treatment," he said, adding that Washington would also impose sanctions on individuals seen as responsible for smothering Hong Kong's autonomy.

Trump said he was directing his administration to begin the process of eliminating policy agreements on Hong Kong, ranging from extradition treatment to export controls.

He said he would also issue a proclamation to better safeguard vital university research by suspending the entry of foreign nationals from China identified as potential security risks - a move believed to be aimed at Chinese graduate students studying in the US.

"It is said that we are becoming 'one country, one system' and we've lost [our] autonomy," said Cheng, Hong Kong's pro-Beijing justice secretary.

"That is completely false and wrong... We are one country... and therefore, as far as national security is concerned, as in any other country in the world, this is a matter that belongs to the central authorities."

UN Security Council divided over Hong Kong (2:36)

On Friday, representatives from the US and the United Kingdom raised concerns about China's Hong Kong plans at the United Nations Security Council, prompting protests from both China and Russia.

The 15-member council informally discussed Hong Kong in a closed virtual meeting after China opposed a US call on Wednesday for a formal open council meeting, arguing that it was not an issue of international peace and security.

US Ambassador to the UN Kelly Craft asked: "Are we going to take the honourable stand to defend the human rights and the dignified way of life that millions of Hong Kong citizens have enjoyed and deserve ... or are we going to allow the Chinese Communist Party to violate international law and force its will on the people of Hong Kong?"

"This legislation risks curtailing the freedoms that China has undertaken to uphold as a matter of international law," the UK's acting UN ambassador, Jonathan Allen, said after the council discussion. "We are also extremely concerned that ... it will exacerbate the existing deep divisions in Hong Kong."

Diplomats said Russia and China responded during the council discussion by criticising the US over the Minneapolis killing of an unarmed Black man - who was seen on video gasping for breath while a white police officer knelt on his neck - and its handling of growing unrest.

"Why US denies China's right to restore peace & order in Hong Kong while brutally dispersing crowds at home?" Russia's deputy UN ambassador Dmitry Polyanskiy posted on Twitter after the council discussion.

China's UN ambassador Zhang Jun said in a statement after the meeting that the US and UK should "mind their own business," adding that: "Any attempt to use Hong Kong to interfere in China's internal matters is doomed to fail."

30/05/2020

BREAKING NEWS: UK permits sport behind closed doors from June 1, Premier League welcomes decision,

The Premier League welcomed the UK government's decision to allow pro sports to return under strict conditions from Monday.

The United Kingdom government has permitted the return of competitive sport behind closed doors from Monday, with Premier League chief executive Richard Masters welcoming the decision.

Masters said: "The Premier League welcomes the government's announcement today [Saturday]. All major sports, including the Premier League, have been working together with the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport to produce this stage three protocol.

"We could not have reached this point without the full support of the government, especially DCMS, Public Health England and the chief medical officer's team.

"We have provisionally planned to restart the Premier League on June 17, but there is still much work to be done to ensure the safety of everyone involved.

"This includes consulting with our clubs, players and managers - along with all our other stakeholders - as the health and welfare of our participants and supporters is our priority.

"If all goes well, we will be thrilled to resume the 2019-20 season in just over two weeks' time."

29/05/2020

Liverpool look set to clinch the Premier League title at a neutral venue as part of a request from police.

The 2019-20 top-flight season is set to return on June 17 following a lengthy delay due to the coronavirus pandemic, with all fixtures to be staged behind closed doors.

Most will take place at the scheduled venues, though local police have asked for six – including the game in which Jurgen Klopp's side could wrap up the league – to be moved.

The Reds sit 25 points clear at the top of the table and require just two more victories to be crowned champions for the first time in 30 years.

The Merseyside derby is among the list revealed by police, as well as Liverpool's trips to reigning champions Manchester City and Newcastle United.

City's clash with Newcastle is also included, plus Manchester United against Sheffield United.

Deputy chief constable Mark Roberts – the national football policing lead – said in a statement: "Our discussions with the Premier League throughout this process have been positive, with a shared focus on the priority of public health.

"As such we have reached a consensus that balances the needs of football, while also minimising the demand on policing. The majority of remaining matches will be played at home and away as scheduled, with a small number of fixtures taking place at neutral venues, which, contrary to some reports, have yet to be agreed.

"The views and agreement of forces which host Premier League clubs have been sought and where there were concerns, the Premier League has been supportive in providing flexibility in arranging alternative venues where requested.

"This plan will be kept continually under review to ensure public health and safety and a key part of this is for supporters to continue to respect the social distancing guidelines, and not to attend or gather outside the stadiums."

28/05/2020

The Serie A season is set to resume from June 20, Italy's sports minister has confirmed.

Italy's top flight was suspended in March due to the coronavirus pandemic, but clubs were permitted to return to contact training this month.

Following a meeting with prime minister Giuseppe Conte, Vincenzo Spadafora announced on Thursday that the intention is for the 2019-20 campaign to return next month.

Coppa Italia semi-final games are to be held on June 13, with Serie A to get back underway the following week.

"Italy is starting up again and it is only right that football does, too," Spadafora said on Thursday.

"The league resumes on June 20 - I have already consulted with prime minister Conte. I hope we can complete the Coppa Italia in the week from June 13 to 20. It would be a signal to the benefit of all Italians, given it's the competition shown on public service [television].

"My wish is coming true for the whole world of sport to start again at the same time. We deny the story that I had any reservations about the world of football."

Juventus were a point clear of Lazio at the top of the table with 12 games remaining when the league season was suspended.

They were due to face Milan in the second leg of the Coppa semi-final in Turin on March 4, with the first leg having finished 1-1.

The other semi-final was also finely poised, with Napoli 1-0 up against Inter ahead of their second leg at the San Paolo.

The news comes after the Premier League announced plans to resume 2019-20 from June 17, having also suspended matches in March.

The Bundesliga returned last month and LaLiga intends to get back underway in June, with only Ligue 1 from among Europe's top-five leagues to declare the season over.

28/05/2020

Premier League agree to restart the season in THREE WEEKS with Manchester City v Arsenal and Aston Villa v Sheffield United lined up as the first games on Wednesday, June 17

26/05/2020

The Muslim community in the US state of Georgia is searching for answers after a sheriff's deputy shot and killed a Sudanese-American man earlier this month.
Yassin Mohamed, 47, was killed on May 9 by an Evans County sheriff's deputy near the rural town of Claxton, which sits roughly 200 miles (320km) southeast of Atlanta, the state capital.

26/05/2020

The US military accused Russia of deploying fighter aircraft to Libya "repainted to camouflage" their origin in support of mercenaries fighting for eastern-based commander Khalifa Haftar's forces.
The allegation came as Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Tuesday told a Haftar ally that Moscow backed an immediate ceasefire and political talks that would culminate in united governing authorities.

24/05/2020

Sacked Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino has named his best three players in the Premier League.
Pochettino - who was sacked last November - picked no stars from his old team, so England captain Harry Kane and winger Son Heung-min missed out.
When asked by Sky Sports to name his picks, he replied: "[Kevin] De Bruyne, one. [Sergio] Aguero. Another?
"De Bruyne is going to be unfair, I don't know what I can tell you, [Roberto] Firmino, maybe?
"Yes, but there are hundreds of players I can describe."

18/05/2020

The FBI has found mobile phone evidence linking al-Qaeda to the December 6, 2019, shooting at a US naval base in Florida in which three people were killed, US officials announced on Monday.
The attacker, Second Lieutenant Mohammed Saeed Alshamrani, 21, had been a member of the Royal Saudi Air Force. He was on the base as part of a US Navy training program designed to foster links with foreign allies, and was killed by law enforcement officers during the attack.

18/05/2020

Coronavirus: Spain aims to welcome back foreign visitors by late June

Spain will welcome back foreigners once its own nationals can move freely around the country, its transport minister has said.

18/05/2020

The Chinese ambassador to Israel has been found dead at his home north of Tel Aviv, the Israeli foreign ministry has said.
Du Wei, 58, was appointed envoy in February in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.
He previously served as China's envoy to Ukraine.

12/05/2020

Senate Speaker Lusaka greenlights Murkomen ouster

Senate Speaker Kenneth Lusaka has approved Jubilee Party leadership changes that will see Samuel Poghisio replace Kipchumba Murkomen in the office of majority leader.

Mr Lusaka, who said he will give a detailed ruling at a later date, said that he was satisfied that the due process was followed.

“I am satisfied that the changes were made in accordance with the Senate Standing Orders 19 (1), (2), (3), (40), (5), and (7), and meets the threshold required under Standing Order 19 (5) there having been a majority of votes,” Mr Lusaka ruled on Tuesday.

President Uhuru Kenyatta on Monday chaired a meeting at State House which endorsed West Pokot Senator Samwel Poghisio as the new Senate Majority Leader, replacing Elgeyo Marakwet’s Kipchumba Murkomen.

The changes also saw the ouster of Nakuru Senator Susan Kihika as the Majority whip, to be replaced by Murang’a’s Irungu Kang’ata.

Isiolo Senator Fatuma Dulo will remain deputy majority leader, while nominated senator Farhiya Ali replaces Mr Kang’ata.