Author: admin

Through the Kenya Media Sector Working Group, journalists carrying placards with messages such as ‘Shoot Not the Messenger’ brought business to a standstill as they marched across Nairobi streets to deliver their petition to the police.

In the petition, the members of the press listed several demands including accountability for illegal shooting, beating, abduction, and harassment of journalists by state operatives.

They demanded immediate prosecution of rogue police officers including the one who shot a journalist in Nakuru.

The journalists also castigated the government over threats to shut down media houses covering the anti-government protests that continue to be witnessed in the country.

'Today, we have appropriated our rights as citizens and professionals to gather and express our anger over police brutality against journalists, threats to shut media houses, and other primitive strategies by state organs and agencies, politicians, and their ill intentions bent on curtailing the hard-won freedom of expression and media,' the journalists said.

Journalist shot

Catherine Wanjeri Kariuki, a journalist working with K24TV, was shot four times by police during an anti-government protest on July 16, 2024. Medics confirmed that three rubber bullets were lodged in her thighs, with one of them causing a serious injury.

Narrating her ordeal at a Nakuru hospital where she was admitted, Wanjeri told local media recently that she was being targeted by the police alongside other journalists for covering the anti-government protests.

“Nobody would convince me that I was not a target, it is not the first time I have been targeted. I had been hit by a teargas canister but I did not report nor escalate the matter. I just showed my colleagues the scar on the same leg that I was shot at,” she recounted.

In the same week, veteran journalist and newspaper columnist Macharia Gaitho was violently arrested while driving around Nairobi with his son. However, the police later freed the scribe without charge, terming the arrest a case of mistaken identity.

Recently, the Communications Authority of Kenya cautioned the media against broadcasting content pertaining to the ongoing protests, arguing that airing such content violates the Constitution.

Citing violent protests that have resulted in the loss of lives and destruction of property, the authority said the media is mandated with the critical role of maintaining public order and sensitivity.

Through the Kenya Media Sector Working Group, journalists carrying placards with messages such as ‘Shoot Not the Messenger’ brought business to a standstill as they marched across Nairobi streets to deliver their petition to the police.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The Government, through Rwanda Development Board (RDB), has entered into a long-term strategic partnership with Rio Tinto Minerals Development Limited for the exploration of lithium, tin, tantalum, tungsten, and other associated metal deposits in the country.

According to RDB, the goal of this partnership is to align with Rwanda’s strategic objectives to develop its mining sector as a key driver of economic growth. It is a remarkable step forward in advancing Rwanda’s contribution to the global green energy transition.

Francis Gatare, Chief Executive Officer at RDB, has expressed delight in partnering with Rio Tinto on the groundbreaking project.

'This collaboration elevates Rwanda’s standing in the global mining industry and promises substantial economic and technological advancements for our country. We are dedicated to supporting this endeavor and ensuring its success,' he stated.

The initiative will initially focus on the early stages of regional exploration, utilizing innovative technologies and modern exploration methodologies. The program will begin by collecting and interpreting high-quality data collection using advanced geological, geochemical, and geophysical techniques.

This venture brings on board Rio Tinto’s extensive global mineral exploration experience to blend with local expertise, setting new standards in Rwanda’s sustainable and responsible mining practices.

Francis Kamanzi, CEO of the Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board (RMB), expressed confidence that the partnership will advance Rwanda’s mining industry, making it a major economic enabler and contributor to sustainable development.

'With this remarkable partnership, we look forward to blending our local expertise in mining with Rio Tinto’s global experience to leverage our mineral resources potential and enhance our geological capabilities,' he noted.

Dave Andrews, Head of Rio Tinto Exploration, expressed commitment to working with the Government of Rwanda to explore the country’s geological potential.

This strategic partnership follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between both parties in January 2024 for the exploration and mining of lithium in Rwanda’s Western Province.

Last year, Rwanda launched a three-year exploration campaign as part of a strategy to modernize the mining sector. This strategy aligns with other key areas, including mineral extraction and beneficiation, mineral value addition, and mineral trading. The mining sector contributes about 3% to Rwanda’s GDP and employs more than 72,000 people.

Rio Tinto Group is a British-Australian multinational corporation, holding the position of the world’s second-largest metals and mining company.

IGIHE

The MPs were reacting to horrific scenes witnessed as security forces clamped down on demonstrators who had planned a peaceful demonstration demanding for the resignation of the Speaker, Rt Hon Anita Among over corruption allegations.

On Tuesday early morning, a security blanket rolled over Kampala as Uganda Police Force and Military deployed hundreds of personnel in what authorities described as a precautionary measure to avoid law breakers from disorganizing the city.

During plenary sitting, security services had deployed heavily outside Parliament preventing demonstrators from accessing the premises in a planned Anti-Corruption march.

In downtown Kampala, the army deployed armored vehicles and heavily-armed personnel to patrol the streets resulting in over 60 demonstrators being detained at various police stations in Kampala, according to local media reports.

This did not go well with some MPs who accused the speaker of selectively applying the law when it comes to public demonstrations.

Hon Joel Senyonyi, the Leader of Opposition and MP for Nakawa West Constituency asked the Deputy Speaker Rt Hon Thomas Tayembwa why the “protesters” against people pursuing the censure motion against corrupt Parliamentary officials are well received while those demanding the resignation of his boss are stopped.

'When protesters against corruption in Parliament and other entities want to come to Parliament, they are brutally arrested but when those against people pursuing the censure motion against corrupt Parliamentary officials show up, they are well received. These double standards must stop, peaceful young people should be listened to,' Senyonyi said.

The security deployments and eventual arrests follow the youth’s declaration to hold a peaceful demonstration against corruption in government, especially Parliament

The youth are calling for the resignation of the top leadership of Parliament and reduction of lawmakers’ salaries and allowances.

Several protesters were arrested and detained at various Police Posts as they held placards condemning corruption in government.

Meanwhile, the Uganda Law Society (ULS) has set up a team of lawyers to secure bail for the arrested protestors.

Led by Bernard Oundo, the President of ULS, lawyers from the Legal Aid Project of ULS are already at Jinja Road Police Station to secure bond for the detained protesters.

'They have been told to wait for a while. All the stations where the protesters have been detained have already been visited by our lawyers from the Uganda Law Society to represent them. The Law Society is more than ready to assist in the provision of legal aid,' Oundo said.

The Uganda Human Rights Commission Chairperson Justice Mariam Wangadya has advised government to present those arrested during the ongoing anti-corruption protests before the Courts of Law within the stipulated time.

Wangadya also asked government to consider releasing those arrested without any charge, and implored security agencies to exercise their mandate within the realms of the law.

The youth are calling for the resignation of the top leadership of Parliament and reduction of lawmakers’ salaries and allowances

Sam K Nkurunziza

The incident occurred in Karongi Village, Nyarusazi Cell, Bwishyura Sector in Karongi District on July 22, 2024.

On the night of July 21st to 22nd, 2024, residents noticed the shed of Mukeshimana Dative on fire. Security patrols and residents rushed to extinguish the fire, but the pig inside did not survive.

After extinguishing fire, they saw another shelter belonging to Emmanuel Nshimyumukiza, which housed a calf, also up in flames but residents managed to save the calf before it was harmed.

Saïba Gashanana, the Executive Secretary of Bwishyura Sector, has told IGIHE that they went to the scene and spoke with the residents, but have not yet determined the exact cause of the arson.

He however, disclosed that three individuals have been arrested in relation to this case. 'Three people have been arrested on suspicion of setting these shelters on fire. They are detained at Rwanda Investigation Bureau [RIB] station in Bwishyura Sector,' he stated.

There are reports suggesting that the arson might be rooted in property disputes, but Gashanana mentioned that the information provided by residents could not be immediately verified.

They are waiting for the results of the investigation being conducted by relevant authorities.

Following the incident, a meeting was held in the area, attended by the Vice Mayor of Karongi District in charge of Economic Development, Theophile Niragire, and security personnel and other sector officials.

The authorities commended the residents and patrols for swift response to help their neighbors. They urged them to continue reporting incidents promptly and to seek assistance from authorities when conflicts arise.

The incident occurred in Karongi Village, Nyarusazi Cell, Bwishyura Sector in Karongi District on July 22, 2024.

IGIHE

In Rwanda, marriage is viewed as a significant decision that involves careful consideration of various factors, including financial stability, maturity, societal expectations, and individual needs.

In the wake of a legal proposal by the Rwanda government to reduce the marriage age from 21 to 18 years, the public is widely divided.

While some marry before the age of 25, others wait until their 40s or beyond based on personal experiences or observations. To some others, age is just a number.

To comprehensively explore perspectives on the ideal age for marriage and the factors influencing this decision, IGIHE spoke to different members of the society.

A 25-year-old motorcyclist, who preferred to remain anonymous, believes that marriage should begin from age 20.

“Marriage goes with financial ability. From my understanding, a person who is 20 years old or above can get married because at that age someone is at least financially stable to run a family,' he explained.

Yassin Munyentwari, a local journalist in his thirties thinks that there should be no specific age for getting married.

“A person should consider marriage when they feel fully prepared, both mentally and emotionally. This decision should be made after finding someone they believe can spend the rest of their life with them,' he reasoned.

According to him, once consensus between a couple is reached at considering current and future life needs, the decision to get married should apply equally to both girls and boys.

'Everyone should have the autonomy to decide when they feel ready for marriage, without being restricted by age,” he said.

Pascal Baziki, a 33-year-old airtime vendor from Rusizi District, observes that societal pressure often influences people to marry early.

“Some people do it under pressure basing on others who have got married or even given birth. However, I personally think this should be an individual choice,' he said.

Baziki has decided to marry in two years’ time when he clocks the age of 35 because that’s when he will be ready and well equipped to conduct a wedding ceremony without being a burden to anyone.

Solange Niyoniringiye is a 22-year-old businesswoman in Kigali. She shared her views emphasizing that no one should be compelled to marry just because others have.

“A person should be prepared enough to get married. Being engaged is one thing but transforming into a legal marriage involves many factors especially financially. It would be weird to get married and start soliciting for food from neighbors the next day,” she said.

Richard Twizeyimana, a 33-year-old man from Gatsibo District, says that engagements should last at least three years to allow for thorough consideration of one’s life partner.

“Nowadays, people’s engagements can last for one month, but it should be at least three years. That is when you will have enough time to get a thorough understanding of your life partner,' he says.

For ladies in particular, Twizeyimana explains that the perfect age for marriage should be 24 years old and above.

These diverse views highlight that marriage is a subject with varying perspectives.

To address this complex issue, the focus should be put on ensuring the well-being and future prospects of marriage as an institution. Young citizens should be empowered to enter marriage with the maturity and resources necessary for a stable and fulfilling relationship.

Rwandan family law currently sets the legal marriage age at 21. However, in March 2024, the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion reported that numerous girls aged 18 to 20 sought permission from the Ministry of Local Government to marry, but their requests were denied.

Sources say that many of those seeking to marry before 21 were either pregnant or sought to take on employment opportunities abroad that require an affirmative marital status.

A legislative proposal is currently under review by the Rwandan Parliament that could potentially lower the marriage age to 18 if individuals have valid reasons.

According to The Barrett Academy, an international think-tank on human consciousness, there are seven stages of psychological development.

Between age 20 and 25, individuals typically reach physical and mental maturity, completing the first three stages: surviving, conforming, and differentiating.

Research by Nicholas H. Wolfinger from the University of Utah suggests that the optimal age for marriage is between 28 and 32.

Marriage is a legally and socially sanctioned union, typically between two individuals, that is regulated by laws, rules, customs, beliefs, and attitudes.

Théophile Niyitegeka

The AU chief made the comments while congratulating President Paul Kagame on his re-election in the recently concluded general election.

'H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat warmly congratulates President Paul Kagame upon his brilliant re-election as Head of state following the announcement of the official presidential and legislative election results by the Rwandan National Elections Commission on 22 July 2024,' a statement issued by AUC on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, reads in part.

'The Chairperson also commended the Government and the National Elections Commission for the successful organization and conduct of the elections judged to be peaceful, transparent, free and fair by both national and international observers, including the joint African Union/COMESA Election Observation Mission.'

According to Faki, the Rwandan authorities’ self-financing of the entire electoral process illustrates strong national ownership and commitment to the country’s democratic and governance credentials.

Meanwhile, Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Togolese counterpart Faure Gnassingbé also joined other world leaders on Tuesday in congratulating Kagame for his landslide victory.

In his message to President Kagame, Jinping highlighted that Rwanda has traditionally been a friendly nation to China. He noted that in recent years, relations between China and Rwanda have developed rapidly, yielding fruitful results in various sectors and deepening their traditional friendship.

He committed to working with President Kagame to further enhance mutual political trust and to expand and deepen practical cooperation in various fields.

President Gnassingbe, on his part, said Kagame’s re-election reflects the renewed confidence of the Rwandan people in the RPF Inkotanyi leader’s leadership and vision for the country.

'I hope that this new term will strengthen the ongoing cooperation between our countries and the fraternity between our peoples,' he added.

Kagame secured a landslide victory in last week’s general election, garnering 99.18% of the votes. His opponents, Dr. Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda and independent candidate Philippe Mpayimana, received 0.50% and 0.32% of the votes, respectively.

AU Commission chief Moussa Faki has congratulated President Paul Kagame on his re-election in the recently concluded general election.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The incident occurred this month at a rally in Pennsylvania, where a gunman nearly succeeded in bringing down the 2024 Republican presidential candidate.

The resignation follows increasing bipartisan pressure and investigations by lawmakers and an internal government watchdog into the agency’s handling of Trump’s security.

During a House Oversight Committee hearing, Cheatle admitted to 'significant' security lapses but resisted calls for her resignation. 'I think I am the best person to lead the Secret Service at this time,' she stated.

Speaking to the media, House Speaker Mike Johnson deemed the resignation “overdue” and emphasized the need to restore public trust in the Secret Service.

Cheatle, appointed by President Joe Biden in 2022, initially insisted she would not step down following the shooting.

US Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle has resigned following Trump assassination attempt.

IGIHE

In a new wave of protests, the angry citizens took to the streets alleging that the Kenyan government planned to sell the country’s main airport to foreign investors.

Despite a police warning issued on Monday evening, the youth made an effort to enter the national airport on Tuesday morning to protest using the slogan ‘OccupyJKIA’.

The youths erected barricades along the road leading to the airport in Embakasi, paralyzing transport.

Police were forced to lob tear gas canisters into the air to disperse the demonstrators and clear the road leading to the busy international airport.

Due to the anticipated protests, the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) and national carrier Kenya Airways had advised passengers to arrive at JKIA at least four hours before their flights because of enhanced security checks.

The protests come a day after Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi denied plans to sell JKIA.

Mudavadi told the National Assembly Budget and Appropriations Committee that the sale of such a high-value asset can only be done after public memoranda and approval by parliament.

'The airport is not on sale. This is a public asset, a strategic asset. If it was going to be sold, you can only do it after a full public process that parliament endorses,' Mudavadi told MPs on Monday.

Mudavadi, however, noted that there are plans to expand the airport and build a new terminal.

'The Kenya Airport Authority (KAA) must look at its investment programme very carefully, make sure that everything is transparent. So that during the expansion process of the second terminal, let it be done through the legal process so that everybody knows what is going on,' he added.

The anti-government protests began last month with calls for President William Ruto to withdraw a bill that sought to introduce additional taxes on Kenyans. However, despite the withdrawal of the bill and even the dissolution of his Cabinet, the protesters changed course and are now demanding the President’s resignation.

Over the weekend, the Kenyan Head of State vowed to crack down on the youthful protesters, saying 'enough is enough'.

President Ruto said on Sunday that going forward he will ”protect the nation” saying he had already given everybody a chance to air their views.

“I dropped the Finance Bill, I called them to come to the table and talk to me, they refused and asked me to go to X, I went there but they ran away,” Ruto said.

“I have called them for talks but they have refused saying they are faceless and formless.”

According to the Kenya National Human Rights Commission (KNHRC), the protests have so far claimed 50 lives. At least 20 of the victims were shot dead when angry protesters stormed Parliament buildings in Nairobi shortly after the passing of the Finance Bill on June 25 2024.

Police were forced to lob tear gas canisters into the air to disperse the demonstrators and clear the road leading to the busy international airport.

Wycliffe Nyamasege