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Kindiki, 52, was sworn in during a brief ceremony held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, a day after the High Court lifted conservatory orders that had blocked his swearing-in for about two weeks following a litany of cases filed challenging Gachagua’s ouster.

In his inaugural speech as Kenya’s Second-in-Command, Kindiki pledged unwavering loyalty and faithfulness to President William Ruto—a quality believed to have been lacking in Gachagua, contributing to the fallout between them and ultimately resulting in his hasty removal from office.

'I commit to being loyal and faithful. I will do my best to work hard alongside my colleagues to lighten the burden you have on your shoulders,' Kindiki stated.

Kindiki is among the top candidates considered as President Ruto’s running mate for his presidential campaign in 2022. He is a seasoned lawyer and former senator who represented Tharaka Nithi County between 2013 and 2022.

He was also part of a team of lawyers who represented Ruto at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands, in the crimes against humanity case related to the 2007-2008 post-election violence. The charges against Ruto were later vacated due to insufficient evidence.

President Ruto, in his remarks during the swearing-in ceremony on Friday, lauded the former Minister of Interior as a dedicated professional whose commitment to excellence has helped the country overcome daunting challenges, describing him as a tireless public servant in national leadership.

He praised Kindiki as a patriot whose dedication to cohesion, national unity, and inclusivity is beyond reproach and a loyal steward of the government’s economic transformation agenda.

As Minister of Interior, President Ruto noted, Kindiki had consistently delivered results beyond expectations.

The Kenyan Head of State urged his new deputy to serve selflessly and with dedication, loyalty, and integrity to the people of Kenya.

'My brother, serve the nation without bias or favouritism, so the people of Kenya see that we are united as one country, one people, bound by our constitutional duty,' President Ruto said.

'The people of Kenya require a patriotic public servant and consummate champion of our constitutional dispensation, our broad-based national governance framework, and the bottom-up economic transformation agenda to support the cabinet and the President in delivering in full and on time,' he added.

In his speech, the President appeared to take a dig at Gachagua, who had been accused of undermining the President and Cabinet resolutions.

President Ruto expressed frustration over feeling like a 'lonely voice' within the Executive, lacking support to effectively communicate his administration’s programs.

'I need your voice. I need your intellect to help me and members of our cabinet to profile and articulate the things we are doing,” President Ruto told Kindiki while commenting on what his administration has been missing over the past two years.

During his impeach in parliament, the former Deputy President faced 11 grounds for removal from office. A majority of the Senators upheld his impeachment on five grounds, including inciting ethnic divisions by likening the government to a sharing holding company and violating his oath of office. He was cleared of six charges, including corruption and money laundering.

Recently, Gachagua went berserk on his boss, accusing him of sponsoring his impeachment after disagreements over government policies, including additional taxes.

The former Deputy President claimed that his impeachment followed two failed assassination attempts, involving poisoning of his food, by state operatives.

He made the claims after being discharged from Karen Hospital in Nairobi, where he had been hospitalized with chest pains as the Senate debated his impeachment motion on October 17, 2024.

The 59-year-old is in court to challenge his removal from office, hoping to clear his name, as the impeachment means he cannot hold public office again or enjoy his retirement benefits.

Kindiki was sworn in during a colourful ceremony held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, a day after the High Court lifted conservatory orders that had blocked his swearing-in for about two weeks following a litany of cases filed challenging Gachagua’s ouster.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The British High Commissioner to Rwanda, Alison Thorpe, announced the funding on Thursday, October 31, 2024. She expressed confidence in Rwanda’s response to the crisis and highlighted the UK’s commitment to saving lives and preventing further spread of the virus.

'We are proud to collaborate with the government of Rwanda, the WHO, and partners to end this outbreak. The UK contribution will support Rwanda’s impressive efforts in tackling Marburg and saving lives,' said Thorpe.

'The UK stands with the government and people of Rwanda in ending this outbreak as quickly as possible.'

Of the allocated funds, £0.5 million is designated for UNICEF to implement infection prevention and control (IPC) measures, including water, sanitation, and hygiene interventions, as well as risk communication and community engagement to educate the public about MVD and necessary precautions.

Up to £0.45 million will support an 11-person UK Emergency Medical Team providing IPC assistance to ambulance services for MVD and non-MVD patients and intensive care support in non-MVD wards.

Additionally, £0.6 million is allocated for expert support to bolster the overall response. This includes surge support for UN agencies to address key gaps through the Standby Partnerships mechanism, as well as technical expertise based within the British High Commission to guide the UK’s support for Rwanda’s Response Plan.

Lastly, £0.4 million is directed to the WHO Africa Regional Office for the procurement of essential supplies, including MVD test kits.

UK experts in Viral Haemorrhagic Fevers have been involved since the early days of the outbreak, supporting the Ministry of Health in Rwanda to launch a groundbreaking Marburg treatment trial. This trial, facilitated in partnership with the WHO and other agencies, is expected to contribute valuable insights into potential treatments for Marburg Virus Disease.

Funding has also been directed to key partners, including the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), to aid vaccine and therapeutic trials led by Rwanda’s Ministry of Health. These trials aim to develop effective preventative measures and treatments, supporting both current efforts and future readiness.

The UK’s support extends to research that examines the origins and zoonotic transmission of the Marburg Virus, crucial for understanding and managing future outbreaks.

The UK-Rwanda collaboration comes amid growing global health concerns, with a recent discovery of a more contagious strain of Mpox in London underscoring the urgency of effective containment strategies.

The British High Commissioner to Rwanda, Alison Thorpe, announced the funding on Thursday, October 31, 2024. She expressed confidence in Rwanda’s response to the crisis and highlighted the UK’s commitment to saving lives and preventing further spread of the virus.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Right from kickoff, Amavubi charged forward, determined to reverse their fortunes. Just two minutes into the game, Kevin Muhire launched a powerful attempt, narrowly missing the target but setting the tone for an aggressive offensive.

As the game settled, Rwanda’s Olivier Dushimimana, affectionately nicknamed “Muzungu,” took the stage. At seven minutes, he claimed the game’s first corner kick, pressuring Djibouti’s defense and rallying the crowd.

The breakthrough came swiftly in the 10th minute when Muzungu drove a sleek tap into the net, throwing the crowd into ecstatic celebration. Muzungu, who was arguably the game’s standout player in its opening stages, nearly doubled the lead three minutes later with a powerful cross that Djibouti’s defense narrowly blocked.

On 23 minutes, he made no mistake, once again finding the net to double Amavubi’s lead and solidify his status as the match’s early hero.

His two goals provided much-needed confidence to Rwanda’s midfield trio comprising of Bosco Ruboneka and Gilbert Mugisha, whose creativity and agility brought balance to the squad after a disappointing first leg encounter.

Though Amavubi’s pace waned slightly toward the end of the first half, they almost clinched a third goal in stoppage time, with Muzungu, again narrowly missing a hat-trick opportunity before the half time whistle.

As the second half prepared to commence, excitement erupted as President Paul Kagame entered Amahoro Stadium. The Head of State’s arrival energized both players and fans alike, elevating the atmosphere to a fever pitch.

The second half began with Rwanda maintaining their offensive pressure. Kevin Muhire came close to extending the lead in the 57th minute but missed a one-on-one chance with the Djibouti goalkeeper.

Djibouti’s attempts at retaliation were quickly quashed by Gorilla FC’s skilled goalkeeper Gad, who denied Djibouti a glimmer of hope at the hour mark.

Rwanda appeared to seal their third goal when Mugisha scored at the 78th minute, but the celebration was cut short by an offside call. The close call only intensified Rwanda’s determination.

As the second half prepared to commence, excitement erupted as President Paul Kagame entered Amahoro Stadium.

As the game neared its end, Amavubi showed relentless resolve to secure their place in the next round. In the 90th minute, Mugisha skillfully delivered a through pass to Arsene Tuyisenge, who confidently slotted in Rwanda’s third goal, ensuring an aggregate victory and a resounding near qualification.

With three minutes of added time, Rwanda held their line firmly, finishing the game with a decisive 3-1 on aggregate. The final whistle marked a triumphant moment, as Amavubi kept their CHAN qualification dreams alive and set their sights on the next challenge.

The next game in this campaign will be a showdown with the winner of the Kenya and South Sudan tie, slated for November 3, 2024 at Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, Uganda.

For Rwanda, this match was more than a win; it was a declaration of resilience, team spirit, and national pride and some fans say, Amavubi stands ready with their eyes fixed firmly on a place in the finals jointly hosted by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania between February 1 to 28, 2025.

Sam K Nkurunziza

Recently, M23 and the Congolese Army (FARDC) were asked to observe a ceasefire, but fighting persists in Masisi territory, North Kivu. The latest Luanda talks called for Rwanda to reduce its security measures, contingent on DR Congo addressing the FDLR threat to Rwanda.

In a recent exclusive interview with IGIHE, Rwanda’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Olivier Nduhungirehe, discussed challenges in the Rwanda-DRC talks, Rwanda’s security measures that concern DR Congo, and potential solutions. He highlighted that FARDC consistently violates agreements, with recent fighting reportedly provoked by FARDC and its allied FDLR and Wazalendo forces.

“The information we have on recent clashes is that Wazalendo and FDLR attacked M23 bases, provoking a response. This pattern has recurred as DR Congo’s government uses such groups in violation of ceasefire agreements, prompting M23 to retaliate,' Nduhungirehe noted.

He emphasized that Rwanda’s security measures remain necessary due to FARDC’s continued alliance with the FDLR. Nduhungirehe explained that President Tshisekedi’s threats against Rwanda and his collaboration with the FDLR, which includes individuals responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, leave Rwanda no choice but to prioritize defence.

The Solution Lies in Dialogue with M23

Nduhungirehe reiterated that Rwanda’s stance in Luanda talks has been for DR Congo to address grievances by engaging directly with M23, representing Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese, primarily Tutsis, who have long faced persecution and discrimination.

'The Congolese government needs to address this internal issue, involving M23 and the larger Congolese community, through direct dialogue,' the minister added.

When asked whether DR Congo’s reluctance to dismantle the FDLR undermines Rwanda’s participation in the talks, Nduhungirehe remarked, 'There’s no political will to eliminate the FDLR. Even in Luanda, where strategies to dismantle the FDLR were discussed, reports emerged that the FDLR continued to receive arms and hold military meetings with Congolese officials. Recent attacks branded as efforts to root out the FDLR were superficial and intended to appease international audiences.'

On October 30, experts from Rwanda, DR Congo, and Angola met in Luanda to refine plans to counter the FDLR, which will be submitted to foreign ministers from both countries for approval. However, Congo’s government continues to view Rwanda and M23 as the primary issue, downplaying the FDLR threat.

In a recent exclusive interview with IGIHE, Rwanda’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Olivier Nduhungirehe, discussed challenges in the Rwanda-DRC talks, Rwanda’s security measures that concern DR Congo, and potential solutions.

IGIHE

In a ruling delivered on Thursday, October 31, 2024, a three-judge bench lifted the conservatory orders issued by a magistrate court in Kerugoya, which temporarily suspended the swearing-in of Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki as Deputy President following his hasty nomination and approval by the National Assembly.

In its ruling, the bench argued that the office of Deputy President cannot be vacant.

“Allowing the conservatory orders to stand will leave the office of the Deputy President vacant… This court firmly holds that no court should issue orders that have the effect of suspending the operation of any provision of the Constitution, as such an outcome is clearly not envisioned by the document itself,” the judges ruled.

The court directed that the consolidated cases challenging Gachagua’s impeachment be mentioned on November 7, 2024, and noted that the ousted Deputy President is at liberty to file an appeal against the judgment.

Earlier, Gachagua had moved to the Court of Appeal seeking orders to stay proceedings at the High Court, but his request was declined.

In his appeal, Gachagua argued that he was dissatisfied with last week’s ruling that the three-judge bench hearing his petition at the High Court was properly constituted.

Gachagua is the first Deputy President in Kenya’s history to be removed from office through an impeachment process.

He was removed from office on October 17, 2024, after the Senate upheld the resolutions of the National Assembly to impeach him, despite his failure to testify at his impeachment trial after his lawyer stated that he had been taken to the hospital.

A majority of the Senators upheld his impeachment on five grounds, including inciting ethnic divisions and violating his oath of office. He was cleared of six charges, including corruption and money laundering.

The 59-year-old, who played a key role in President Ruto’s election in 2022, recently accused the Kenyan Head of State of sponsoring his impeachment after disagreements over government policies, including additional taxes.

Gachagua’s impeachment means he cannot hold public office again, and he also loses any retirement benefits.

Rigathi Gachagua’s impeachment means he cannot hold public office again, and he also loses his retirement benefits.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

With the aim of driving progress towards SDG7 (affordable and clean energy), the AEE will focus on furthering the Africa Power Vision goals and objectives, and is organized by Informa Markets.

Ade Yesufu, Exhibition Director — Energy, Informa Markets said that this Expo represents a significant milestone for Africa’s energy sector since for the first time, high-level audiences, including government ministers, regulators, and utility CEOs, will come together to collaborate on transformative strategies for Africa’s energy future.

It also seeks to encourage investment in renewable energy projects and accelerate the adoption of cutting-edge technologies across the continent.

Boasting a top-calibre line-up, this event is set to become a regular feature on Africa’s energy and utilities calendar. Our specific thanks go to Tetracore for demonstrating their commitment to the sustainable growth of the industry in their role as a Gold Conference Sponsor,' Yesufu said.

Scheduled to take place from November 4 to 6 at the Kigali Convention Centre, the AEE promises to be a truly Pan-African event that features more than 150 exhibitors representing the continent’s rapidly expanding energy sector.

The Expo will bring together high-level audiences, including government ministers, regulators, and utility CEOs

Exhibitors include providers of renewable and clean energy, transmission and distribution, energy consumption and management, backup generators and critical power, and smart solutions.

Some of the international actors expected to attend include National Energy Regulatory Authorities in Tanzania, Morocco, Nigeria, Malawi, Uganda, Namibia, Eswatini, Zambia, Ghana, to mention but a few.

The 3-day event includes a Technical Seminar that will serve as a knowledge hub to learn and share industry best practices and scientific developments, and several roundtable discussions that will delve into some critical issues requiring attention from various stakeholders.

An exclusive Leadership Summit, themed 'Investments, integration, infrastructure, and governance to fuel the energy transition’, features an impressive line-up of esteemed speakers, interactive deep-dive sessions, roundtables, and networking opportunities.

Under discussion at the Leadership Summit will be critical themes shaping Africa’s energy future, including the development of a roadmap to universal electrification and the creation of robust policy frameworks through the African Single Electricity Markets.

Speakers will explore enhancing feasibility studies and business plans to reduce financial risks in large-scale infrastructure projects, as well as the significant role of innovation in advancing last-mile rural electrification through decentralized renewable energy (DRE).

Additionally, experts will discuss strategies for designing effective carbon market mechanisms that reduce emissions while boosting investment.

The potential of green hydrogen in facilitating a low-carbon transition, the importance of financing energy access, and the role of gas-to-power infrastructure as a catalyst in the energy transition will also be key focus points.

The 2024 Africa Energy Expo kicks off in Kigali on Monday, November 4, 2024

Sam K Nkurunziza

The beauty queen appeared at Kicukiro Primary Court, where she faced multiple charges, including driving without a license, driving under the influence of alcohol, damaging public infrastructure, and fleeing the scene.

The prosecution informed the court that the defendant had been drinking at a bar identified as “Atelier du Vin” around midnight before driving home. They alleged that due to her limited driving skills and high level of intoxication, she crashed into an electricity pole and a tree.

According to the prosecution, after the crash, she allegedly fled the scene but later returned to retrieve her phones, only to find the police had arrived. She reportedly then claimed that she was not the driver of the vehicle.

The prosecution also noted that this was not her first offence, pointing out that she had previously been cautioned and apologized for similar behaviour on September 23, 2024. They urged the court to find her guilty of all charges.

The prosecution stated that Muheto’s blood alcohol level was measured at 4.00, while the legal limit is 0.8.

Accompanied by three lawyers, Muheto pleaded guilty to three charges but denied the prosecution’s allegations that she fled the scene after causing an accident.

'I admit to driving under the influence, driving without a license, and causing the accident, but I do not admit to fleeing,” Muheto said in her defence.

She explained that after the crash, she moved aside due to the crowd that had gathered but remained nearby, awaiting the police.

One of her attorneys argued that Muheto accepts responsibility for her actions, has apologized, and has cooperated with the authorities throughout the investigation. He added that she had a provisional driving license, meaning she was aware of traffic regulations, although she made the mistake of driving without a full license.

The defence attorney pointed out to the court that the electricity pole and tree Muheto struck are still standing, indicating that she did not flee. He asserted that if she had intended to escape, she would have done so immediately after the crash, as she had the means to drive away.

The prosecution is seeking a one-year and eight-month jail term for Muheto: six months for drink-driving, two months for driving without a permit, and one year for fleeing after causing an accident.

Miss Muheto admitted to driving under the influence and causing an accident but denied fleeing the scene.

IGIHE

Republican candidate Donald Trump leads Democratic candidate Kamala Harris by an average of 0.4 percentage points in national polls as of Tuesday, according to the U.S. election information website Real Clear Politics.

Trump leads by just a hair in many swing states, including Georgia, Arizona, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and North Carolina, while Harris leads by half a point in Michigan.

The swing states are likely to determine the election outcome, and both candidates have been actively campaigning there, attending rallies to present their case to voters.

“The presidential race remains tight, but Harris has been outspending Trump by a 2 or 3 to 1 margin in advertising,” Brookings Institution Senior Fellow Darrell West told Xinhua.

Inflation and the economy are among the main issues. While President Joe Biden and Vice President Harris have overseen an economy with low unemployment, many voters are outraged over the high prices that have taken hold during the current administration.

Besides, Trump’s campaign has been accusing the Biden-Harris administration of leading to a major increase in crime in urban areas.

Stores are now locking up their merchandise, as shoplifters brazenly fill up garbage bags full of goods and simply walk out of the store without paying. Drug addicts shoot up heroin and other hard drugs in broad daylight in many cities. They harass and physically assault passersby, and urinate and defecate on sidewalks in downtown areas.

At the same time, Trump has ruffled several feathers, as he is known to do, with what critics call incendiary rhetoric.

Critics also blasted Trump for his plan to launch the mass deportation operation of millions of immigrants who illegally poured over the border since the current administration took office. Trump’s critics fear this could lead to problems including breaking up families and giving law enforcement too much power.

It remains unknown what undecided voters will do.

“Many undecided voters will not vote at all,” Clay Ramsay, a researcher at the Center for International and Security Studies at the University of Maryland, told Xinhua, adding that the people who are unlikely to vote, based on past elections, accounts for a large percentage of adults.

Republican candidate Donald Trump leads Democratic candidate Kamala Harris by an average of 0.4 percentage points in national polls as of Tuesday, according to the U.S. election information website Real Clear Politics.

Xinhua

The Advocates-General, in charge of the prosecution had requested for 30 years for the 65-year-old former doctor, born on June 6, 1959, and a few hours ago he has received a sentence just 3 years less.

This is a developing story……

Eugène Rwamucyo on Wednesday October 30, 2024, became a convicted man when he was sentenced to 27 years in jail for his role in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutssi

IGIHE

There was no evidence of community transmission from the patient, who is being treated at the Royal Free Hospital in London.

The person involved had been on holiday in Africa and travelled back to the UK on an overnight flight on 21 October.

More than 24 hours later, the person developed flu-like symptoms and on 24 October, started to develop a rash which got worse in the following days. It was later discovered October 27 that the person had contracted Mpox.

About 10 direct contacts are being traced after the discovery, and Professor Susan Hopkins, chief medical adviser at UKHSA, said 'the risk to the UK population remains low, it is thanks to our surveillance that we have been able to detect this virus,” she said.

This is the first time Clade 1b has been detected in the UK. Germany reported its first Clade 1b case earlier this month.

Over 1,000 deaths from the strain have been reported across Africa prompting the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare the increasing spread of the disease a global health emergency for the second time in two years.

Common symptoms of Mpox include a skin rash or pus-filled lesions which can last two to four weeks. It can also cause fever, headaches, muscle aches, back pain, low energy and swollen lymph nodes.

Mpox, and the Clade 1b strain is usually passed on by close physical contact, contact with infected animals or sexual transmission. Professor Hopkins said there was no evidence of a transpiration route of infection.

Clade Ib Mpox has been widely circulating in the Democratic Republic of Congo in recent months and there have also been cases reported in neighboring countries.

A health worker prepares a syringe with the mpox vaccine.

Sam K Nkurunziza