Some groups of Madagascan soldiers have defied orders and joined thousands of antigovernment protesters assembled in the capital, Antananarivo, as demonstrations against President Andry Rajoelina’s rule gain momentum. The youth-led protesters entered the capital’s May 13 Square on Saturday for the first time in one of the biggest gatherings since a protest movement inspired by what has become known as the Gen Z protests in Kenyaand Nepal erupted on the Indian Ocean island on September 25. After police used stun grenades and tear gas to try to disperse the demonstrators, soldiers arrived at the scene, where they were welcomed with…
Author: Oki Bin Oki
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki said Kenya Kwanza’s development record is unmatched, challenging opposition leaders to get ready to account for their time in public service when the time comes. The DP said President Ruto’s government is wholly focused on fulfilling its expansive development agenda covering every part of the country, reiterating its commitment to serve all Kenyans equally. “We are doing a lot to develop every part of the country. The President is working hard to ensure every region is developed. No part will be left behind because of how they voted or where they are located or which tribe.…
Former US President Joe Biden is receiving radiation therapy as part of his treatment for prostate cancer, his spokesman has said. The spokesman also said that Biden, 82, was undergoing hormone treatment, without giving any further details. The radiation treatment was expected to span five weeks and marked a new point in his care, a source told NBC News. In May, Biden’s office announced that he was diagnosed with a more aggressive form of the disease, which had spread to his bones. The discovery was made after the Democrat politician reported urinary symptoms which led doctors to find a small…
Hamas is pressing Israel to include prominent Palestinians in a prisoner-release list – part of a ceasefire deal that will also see hostages returned from Gaza. Hamas’s insistence comes after the Israeli justice ministry published the names of 250 prisoners to be freed, but excluded seven high-profile prisoners, including Marwan Barghouti and Ahmad Saadat. The men, who are serving sentences after being convicted of involvement in separate deadly attacks in Israel, have long been seen by Palestinians as symbols of resistance. Twenty Israeli hostages are expected to be released before 12:00 (09:00 GMT) on Monday as part of the deal…
Hamas has recalled about 7,000 members of its security forces to reassert control over areas of Gaza recently vacated by Israeli troops, according to local sources. The Palestinian group also appointed five new governors all with military backgrounds, some of whom previously commanded brigades in its armed wing. The mobilisation order was reportedly issued via phone calls and text messages which said the aim was to “cleanse Gaza of outlaws and collaborators with Israel” and told fighters to report within 24 hours. Reports from Gaza suggest that armed Hamas units have already deployed across several districts, some wearing civilian clothes…
At least 27 people have died and others are missing, according to authorities, after floods in Mexico triggered landslides and swept away homes, vehicles and bridges. Heavy rainfall on Thursday and Friday caused rivers to burst their banks. Hidalgo in east Mexico was one of the worst affected areas, with 16 deaths reported. Thousands of houses have been damaged or destroyed as fast-running water careered down streets, carrying cars, while highways were blocked with debris and electricity cut off. Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum said the government has deployed 5,400 personnel to help communities, clear roads and hand out aid. She…
At least 60 people have been killed in a drone strike at a displacement shelter in El-Fasher, a besieged Sudanese city on the brink of collapse. The resistance committee for El-Fasher, made up of local citizens and activists, said the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) hit Dar al-Arqam camp. located within a university, with two drone strikes and eight artillery shells. “Children, women and the elderly were killed in cold blood, and many were completely burned,” a statement from the group said, as quoted by AFP news agency. The RSF has surrounded El-Fasher for the last 17 months, in an…
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki warned against attempts by the opposition to force them to engage in premature and useless politics saying it is time wasting and counterproductive. Kindiki said it is not yet time for political battles outlining a busy development-filled schedule targeting faster completion of development projects aimed at improving the lives of the people. “It is not yet time to engage in premature and useless politics. Those who are enticing us to politick now are our enemies who don’t mean well for us. We must refuse their invitation because we have a lot to deliver including ensuring roads,…
What does it truly mean to live well during the golden years? For many, it’s about maintaining freedom while feeling secure and supported. Seniors today seek lifestyles that balance independence with the right amount of care. Modern communities are answering this call with creative living options. They focus on safety, comfort, and social engagement that enrich every day. The right choice can transform aging into a new adventure. This blog will explore the best paths to comfort, independence, and fulfillment in senior living. Read on! Independent Living Communities Independent living is good for older people who can handle daily tasks…
John Lodge, the singer and bassist of British rock band The Moody Blues for more than 50 years, has died. He was 82. In a statement Friday, his family said “with the deepest sadness” that Lodge died “suddenly and unexpectedly.” It added that Lodge “peacefully slipped away surrounded by his loved ones and the sounds of The Everly Brothers and Buddy Holly.” Birmingham-born Lodge joined the band in 1966, two years after its formation, along with fellow singer Justin Hayward, following the departure of Denny Laine and Clint Warwick. He remained with it until it stopped performing live in 2018.…
President Donald Trump threatened to pull out of an expected meeting with President Xi Jinping of China after Beijing tightened its rules for exports of rare earths. In a post on social media, Trump said he now saw “no reason” to meet with President Xi later this month, accusing China of “becoming very hostile” and trying to hold the world “captive”. He also threatened a “massive” increase in tariffs on Chinese goods, raising fears about further escalation of trade tensions between the two economic giants. Financial markets dropped in the wake of the remarks, with the S&P 500 down 1.8%…
KANU agreed to work with the Kenya Kwanza Alliance under the broad-based government arrangement. President William Ruto and KANU chairman Gideon Moi addressed a grassroots leaders’ meeting in Kabarak, Nakuru County, where the decision was reached, on Friday. Ruto said he had reached out to Moi because of his determination to unite Kenyans and rally the country towards a national transformation agenda. He pointed out that the government needed “more hands and broader goodwill” to achieve the goal of transformation. “I want to ask you, the good people of the founding party, to accept that we work together,” he said.…
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Friday announced a finalized agreement that will allow the Qatari Emiri Air Force to build a facility at the Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho. The agreement, which Hegseth announced alongside Qatari Minister of Defense Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani at the Pentagon, will allow Qatari pilots to receive training alongside U.S. soldiers. There are no foreign military bases in the U.S., but some foreign militaries do maintain a presence for training. The Singaporean Air Force also has a presence at the Mountain Home base. Hegseth said he is “proud that today we’re…
The Trump administration has begun firing federal workers, the White House’s budget chief announced Friday, as Republicans look to maximize pressure on the Democratic Party more than a week into the government shutdown. “The RIFs have begun,” Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought posted on X, announcing the the government-wide reductions in force that have been anticipated since federal funding lapsed on October 1. It was not immediately clear how many federal workers had received RIF – or reduction in force – notices, but an OMB spokesperson said the layoffs would be “substantial.” “It will be substantial, and…
A week-long nationwide crackdown left criminal networks across the country reeling, following a coordinated multi-agency operation spearheaded by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations’ National Central Bureau (NCB-Nairobi) and the Operations Directorate. In a show of unity and precision, officers from the National Police Service joined forces with multiple enforcement and state agencies, leading to major seizures of narcotics, counterfeit goods, and several high-profile arrests. Codenamed “Usalama XI,” the operation formed part of a joint regional initiative by the Eastern Africa Police Chiefs Cooperation Organization (EAPCCO) and the Southern Africa Police Chiefs Cooperation Organization (SARPCCO). Its mission is to disrupt serious…