Author: WAJ Team

Police Disperse Gen Z Protesters with Tear Gas in Nairobi CBD Tear gas was deployed by police near Archives in Nairobi’s CBD to scatter crowds that had gathered. Some individuals were seen rushing to escape the gas, which filled the air and caused discomfort, particularly affecting those trying to clear it from their eyes. Boda bodas were left unattended at their stage without riders. More young people were expected to join the demonstrations. Police cars were also observed patrolling the CBD while protesters waved Kenyan flags. Demonstrators sat on the pavements as crowds began to assemble, leading to the barricading…

Despite interest from several clubs, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who had recently been named captain of Olympique de Marseille, has decided to leave. To everyone’s surprise, the Gabonese international has chosen to join Al-Qadisiyah in Saudi Arabia. The deal is reportedly worth 20 million euros per season, which translates to more than 13 billion FCFA. This move comes after Aubameyang scored an impressive 30 goals in 51 games across all competitions last season. Last season, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored 30 goals in 51 games across all competitions, with 17 in Ligue 1 and 10 in the Europa League, establishing himself as the top…

Could BRICS Implement Cryptocurrency for Its Payment System. Russian Senate Leader Discusses CBDC Potential at BRICS Forum Recently, a Russian Senate leader highlighted the potential for digital currencies, specifically Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDC), to play a crucial role in the BRICS alliance’s financial framework. At a BRICS Forum in St. Petersburg, discussions centered around the alliance developing its own native financial structure, potentially integrating digital currencies. Earlier this month, Iran proposed a payment system linking all BRICS member central banks, suggesting cryptocurrency as a straightforward solution. Chairman of the Russian Federation Council, Valentina Matvienko, emphasized this could be a…

Foreign Affairs Minister, Ambassador Taye Atske-Selassie, met today with Mikhail Bogdanov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation. They discussed strategies to bolster political and economic relations between their nations. They also highlighted the importance of strengthening cooperation within the BRICS framework, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Ambassador Taye expressed that the two nations should elevate their collaboration in the areas of technology transfer and capacity-building. The meeting also addressed matters concerning peace and security at national, regional, and continental levels.

On Monday, Government Pathologist Dr. Johansen Oduor began conducting postmortem examinations on several mutilated bodies recovered from the Kware dumpsite in Nairobi. He stated that the victim’s body showed mutilation in the lumbar region, located on the lower abdomen, inflicted by a sharp object. Oduor revealed that the victim likely died from excessive bleeding caused by a head injury from a blunt object used by the perpetrator. The government pathologist mentioned that the examination of the remaining bodies would begin on Wednesday, July 17, starting with X-rays. Oduor explained, “We will continue this process until completion, as some body parts…

The UAE Lifts Travel Restrictions for Nigerians, Allowing Visa Issuance Without Limits. Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, announced this development following the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting chaired by President Bola Tinubu on Monday. The UAE has lifted a longstanding travel ban on Nigerian passport holders, which had been in place for over two years due to diplomatic tensions. Initially imposed in 2021 amid concerns over COVID-19 cases among travelers from Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo, the ban was exacerbated by disputes over flight operations involving Air Peace and the UAE’s aviation authority. This led…

Ahead of the OccupyCBD demonstration scheduled for Tuesday, most shops in Nairobi’s Central Business District remained closed, with police patrolling the streets. Activist Boniface Mwangi confirmed on Monday that the peaceful protests would proceed as planned until the government acknowledges responsibility for the deceased protesters. “He emphasized that we shouldn’t assume victory as we lack tangible gains. He questioned why the President hasn’t apologized or reached out to the families of the deceased,” he commented. The government has acknowledged the deaths of at least 25 protesters during the protests, although the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) reported 41…

Rwandan President Paul Kagame has overwhelmingly won the presidential election with 99% of the vote, according to preliminary results announced late Monday evening. The electoral body reported that 79% of the ballots had been counted, with Kagame maintaining a 99% lead. Kagame, who has been in power since 1994, achieved a similar victory in the 2017 election. Voters began lining up as early as 7 a.m. on Monday, eager to cast their ballots. Many expressed their excitement to fulfill their civic duty, with some stating they wanted a leader who could meet the population’s needs, while others praised the progress…

The group departed on a UN-chartered flight and was expected to land in Port-au-Prince by Tuesday. A second group of 200 Kenyan police officers departed Nairobi for Haiti to assist in combating gangs that have nearly taken control of the Caribbean nation. The well-trained team left Nairobi on Monday night, July 15, on a UN-chartered flight scheduled to arrive in Port-au-Prince by Tuesday at 10 am Kenyan time. Deputy Inspector General of the Administration Police and coordinator of the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) in Haiti, Noor Gabow, along with acting DIG James Kamau, were present to bid farewell to…

In Southern Kordofan, severe malnutrition affects both the indigenous population and numerous war-displaced individuals. Across the arid expanse, the wind carries echoes of tens of thousands. Dust clouds swirl around as people queue with hope in Agiri camp, nestled in Sudan’s Nuba Mountains, home to approximately 48,000 residents. In June, anticipation builds as rumors spread of a potential food aid delivery, only the third since January. Desperation grows as local food stocks dwindle, escalating a hunger crisis that has led to severe malnutrition cases and forced some Sudanese to consume leaves to endure. Among those at Agiri camp are internally…

Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), criticizes the federal government’s decision to lift the suspension on food imports. Speaking at a retreat organized by the African Primates of the Council of Anglican Provinces of Africa (CAPA) in Abuja over the weekend, AfDB President Akinwumi Adesina stated that Nigeria cannot rely on food imports to stabilize prices. His comments followed the July 8 announcement by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, that duties, tariffs, and taxes on the importation of maize, husked brown rice, wheat, and cowpeas would be suspended for 150 days through the…

Justice Francis Gikonyo ruled that Anthony Mwaura’s appointment as Chair of the Board of Directors at the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) was unlawful due to pending corruption charges against him. “The appointment was procedurally flawed and illegal. The court cannot condone such illegality,” stated Justice Gikonyo. The judge emphasized that the appointment violated both statutory law and constitutional provisions, despite Mwaura’s claim that the criminal case had been resolved in his favor. Mwaura had argued that there was no legal barrier to his appointment, but the judge disagreed. “Appointing him while charges were pending is problematic. The court cannot endorse…

President William Ruto and his Deputy Rigathi Gachagua have been publicly showcasing their newfound camaraderie following a period of rumored discord. Over the past three days, they have appeared together at various public and religious events. Their recent joint activities included attending a tree-planting event in Elgeyo Marakwet on Saturday, accompanied by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi. They also participated in a church service at A.I.P.C.A Ndogino in Nyandarua on Sunday, where Ruto emphasized the importance of prayer ahead of their plans for a unity government. On Monday, they visited Nakuru to launch development projects and engage with local residents,…

Today, Rwandans are participating in a presidential election that is likely to extend President Paul Kagame’s rule, which began in 1994. In the capital city of Kigali, some voters arrived as early as 5 a.m. to await the opening of polling stations, leading to long queues. “This is my first time voting. I’m choosing President Kagame because I haven’t seen a leader like him before,” shared Jean Claude Nkurunziza, a motorcyclist. Election officials report that 9.5 million Rwandans out of a population of 14 million are registered to vote. Preliminary results are expected later today, with Kagame anticipated to secure…

Activist Fredrick Bikeri has dropped his petition demanding Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua retract remarks made against National Intelligence Service (NIS) Director General Noordin Haji. Fredrick Bikeri, represented by lawyer Danstan Omari, has formally notified the High Court of his decision to withdraw his petition. “Inform the court that the applicant, Fredrick Bikeri, wishes to completely and voluntarily withdraw the entire lawsuit filed on June 28, 2024, with no stipulations regarding costs,” the withdrawal notice stated. Bikeri had previously denounced the remarks against Noordin Haji as “inaccurate, inflammatory, and unlawful,” arguing they did not align with the standards expected of a…

Shakira Wafula, the activist who famously confronted a police officer during the anti-tax protests, reassured everyone of her well-being in a recent TikTok video. “I want to clarify the rumors about me being shot,” she said firmly. “That’s false. I am alive, in good health, and I have never been shot.” Shakira urged fellow Kenyans to help combat misinformation by reporting any fake social media accounts or posts claiming to be hers. She emphasized the importance of discernment in consuming information, urging, “Don’t be misled by attention-seekers or those trying to distract us from the critical issues facing our country.”…