Thousands of protesters returned to the streets of Tbilisi on Friday evening to protest against the government’s decision to suspend accession talks with the European Union “until the end of 2028”. Demonstrators were seen shouting “traitors” and holding photographs of journalists who they say were beaten by police overnight. The previous night’s protests saw police use pepper spray and water cannon against demonstrators, with the government saying 43 people were arrested. Earlier, more than 100 diplomats and civil servants in Georgia signed an open letter saying the government’s decision does not align with Georgia’s strategic interests. Defending his decision, Prime…
Author: David Wafula
Rebel forces in Syria say they have entered the country’s second-largest city, Aleppo, in the biggest offensive against the government in years. Video posted on a channel affiliated with the Islamist militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) appears to show their fighters in vehicles inside the city. BBC Verify has geolocated the footage to a western suburb of the city. This is the first time rebels fighting the forces of President Bashar al-Assad have reached Aleppo since being forced out by the army in 2016. Government forces meanwhile say they have regained positions in a number of towns in Aleppo and…
More than 200 households have been displaced by floods over the past week, the Ministry of Interior and National Administration confirmed on Friday. The hardest-hit areas include the North Eastern, South Eastern, Coast, Central, and South Rift Valley regions. The ministry noted that heavy rainfall in the Lake Victoria Basin and North Western regions has led to isolated flooding incidents. In Kisumu Central Sub-county, evacuation efforts are underway in areas such as Kapuothe, Nanga, Lower Katuoro, Wigwa, and parts of Dunga, where approximately 200 households have been displaced, and about 100 acres of crops destroyed. Nanga Primary School is hosting…
The government has announced stricter regulations for importing second-hand vehicles, allowing only those first registered from January 1, 2018, onwards. In a notice issued by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), only Right Hand Drive (RHD) vehicles that meet the eight-year age limit from the date of first registration will be permitted entry into the country. “According to the provisions of KS 1515:2000 – Kenya Standard Code of Practice for Inspection of Road Vehicles, and Legal Notice No. 78 of April 28, 2020, we notify all importers of used vehicles, including returning residents and diplomatic staff, that only RHD vehicles…
The National Police Service has dismissed claims that former Limuru MP Peter Mwathi was arrested following a commotion during a funeral attended by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in Limuru, Kiambu County. Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja clarified on Friday, November 29, that Mwathi is not under investigation and was not detained by officers. IG Kanja stated that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Limuru has launched an investigation into the fracas at the funeral. He assured the public that those responsible for the disruption would be identified and held accountable. Kanja also urged anyone with information regarding the…
President William Ruto traveled to Arusha, Tanzania, on Friday, November 29, to participate in the 24th Ordinary Summit of the East African Community (EAC) Heads of State. The summit brings together regional leaders to address pressing challenges within the bloc, focusing on economic integration, climate resilience, and security. According to a statement from the State House, President Ruto plans to advocate for measures aimed at eliminating trade barriers, boosting cross-border commerce, and strengthening partnerships in key sectors such as energy, agriculture, and digital innovation. These initiatives aim to create jobs and improve livelihoods across the region. “The president will push…
Lindsay Lohan has been turning heads during her press tour for her new Netflix holiday rom-com, Our Little Secret, but it’s her radiant appearance that has captured the public’s attention. The 38-year-old actress, known for her rollercoaster career and personal life, has showcased a remarkable transformation that many believe is more than just good skincare. While Lohan credits her glow to a simple beauty routine, cosmetic surgery experts speculate that her youthful look may involve a mix of procedures. Pamela Weinberger, founder of Jeune Aesthetics, suggests Lohan might have had treatments like Botox, a brow lift, lip and cheek fillers,…
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner reunited for a heartwarming Thanksgiving celebration with their children, even as Affleck navigates his ongoing divorce from Jennifer Lopez. The former couple, who were married from 2005 to 2018, spent the holiday giving back to the community at a charity event organized by the Midnight Mission in Los Angeles. Alongside their three children — Violet (18), Seraphina (15), and Samuel (12) — the family helped serve meals to over 2,000 homeless individuals. The group donned matching aprons that read, “I love the Midnight Mission,” as they worked together with other volunteers. Photos from the event…
The Principal Secretary for Higher Education and Research, Beatrice Muganda Inyangala, has expressed confidence that Moi University is regaining its footing after years of financial difficulties. After meeting with officials from the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) and the Kenya Universities Staff Union (KUSU) at Jogoo House, the PS described the university’s progress as a significant milestone. “My alma mater, the great Moi University, is on the path to roaring back stronger! Responsive and committed,” she posted on X after the meeting. Since Moi University reopened, we’ve engaged UASU & KUSU officials at Chapter & National levels. Today’s meeting at…
A Senate watchdog committee has flagged Sh390 million in questionable spending by the Samburu County Government and directed state agencies to launch thorough investigations into the irregularities. The County Public Accounts Committee (CPAC) criticized Governor Lati Lelelit’s administration for allegedly recruiting casual health workers and creating public service offices without adhering to legal requirements. In a meeting to review the Auditor General’s 2022/2023 financial year report, the committee raised concerns over Sh36 million spent on casual workers and Sh350 million on staff compensation. The report noted that there was no evidence that the funds were prudently used. Documents presented to…
President William Ruto has issued a stern warning to 34 government agencies for failing to comply with his directive to digitise their operations through the e-Citizen platform. Speaking at the first anniversary of the e-Citizen Directorate at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, the President gave the agencies a one-week ultimatum to align with the directive or face severe consequences, including possible dismissal of their Chief Executive Officers (CEOs). The President accused the listed agencies of undermining transparency by soliciting funds through questionable means, bypassing the centralised e-Citizen system. He reiterated that all services and revenue payments must…
Counties have developed laws to prevent violent extremism and radicalization within their departments and protect vulnerable people from radicalization and recruitment. The laws, based on the unique security challenges, will establish county institutions to provide linkages between national law enforcement agencies and community structures in the prevention of violent extremism in the respective counties. The Internal Security Principal Secretary Dr Raymond Omollo has said the Prevention of Violent Extremism (PVE) Model Bill is a framework that provides counties with the tools to effectively integrate prevention strategies into their governance structures. “It also mainstreams funding for these initiatives, foster collaboration between…
Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum appeared to contradict President-elect Donald Trump’s claim that the two have struck a deal to stop migration to the US border. After a phone call on Wednesday, Trump posted online: “She has agreed to stop Migration through Mexico, and into the United States, effectively closing our Southern Border.” Sheinbaum responded quickly that she had reiterated Mexico’s position was not to close borders, but to address migration while respecting human rights. On Monday, Trump alarmed US trading partners as he vowed upon taking office in January to slap an across-the-board tariff of 25% on Mexico and Canada,…
The Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) has confirmed that smallholder tea farmers under its network will receive their fertilizer suspense refunds in January 2025. In a statement issued on Thursday, November 28, the KTDA noted that the refunds would be disbursed alongside the Green Leaf (GL) payments scheduled for early January. The agency further clarified on its X account that the payments would be made by January 5, 2025. The refund process will involve reconciling records to determine the amount payable to each farmer. This reconciliation will account for factors such as the type and quantity of fertilizers ordered. This…
Taylor Swift’s record-breaking Eras Tour, which spans nearly two years and covers her 11-album career, has captivated fans worldwide. As the tour approaches its final stop in Vancouver on December 8, one question lingers: how does Swift, 34, perform for over three hours in high heels, rain or shine? The answer lies in her footwear. Legendary designer Christian Louboutin, known for his iconic red-soled shoes, crafted custom heels for Swift to meet the physical demands of her performances. How Christian Louboutin Made Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour Shoes In an interview with InStyle, Louboutin explained that he modified his signature red…