The Rise of the ‘Zuma Tsunami’: South Africa’s Political Dynamics

Voted in, charged with corruption – dismissed, charged with sexual assault – found not guilty, elected as president, accused of corruption once more – denied anew, removed from power, jailed for disrespecting the court – released, prohibited from being an MP. Almost any of these blows would have ended the careers of most politicians, but not for Jacob Zuma, the politician from South Africa. Similar to a determined boxer, the 82-year-old ex-president might have been knocked to the ground at times, but he has never been knocked unconscious. In the most recent election campaign, he’s been performing his well-known routine, and the outcomes of last week’s ballot reveal he continues to hold significant sway. Leading a fresh party, he challenged the African National Congress (ANC), securing 15% of the votes. The outcomes have been embarrassing for the ANC, the freedom movement formerly guided by Mr. Zuma, as it has surrendered its complete control of parliament for the first time in 30 years – and the so-called “Zuma wave” bears some responsibility for this. At the heart of Durban, the primary city in KwaZulu-Natal province, Mr. Zuma’s cheerful expression shines from nearly every lamppost on election posters of his newly established party, uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) or Spear of the Nation, featuring green-and-black colors. There’s no question about the elderly leader’s revered position in his homeland, where he’s admired for maintaining his Zulu cultural and traditional beliefs. He’s praised for being a peacemaker during political turmoil in the early 1990s, which nearly disrupted the nation’s shift to democracy. Over 20 years ago, he was acknowledged for persuading voters in KwaZulu-Natal to switch allegiance from the Zulu nationalist Inkatha Freedom Party to the ANC. Zuma during swearing  in 2009 In this year, he managed to bring his faithful followers along to MK, named after the ANC’s previous armed division, bearing immense political significance due to its efforts in battling against white-minority governance. A week before the 29th of May election, the presentation of MK’s manifesto at a crowded stadium with a seating capacity of 40,000 sent a clear message that “uBaba” (father), as Mr. Zuma is affectionately called, and has returned. Despite the blistering sun, his countless supporters in the crowd shouted: Zuma! Zuma! A voice cried out: Uyinsizwa nxamala, which roughly means in Zulu a brave fighter who never retreats. When he arrived at his voting spot on Election Day, a small primary school lacking proper sanitation, the leader of the MK party was welcomed by hundreds of individuals shouting out his clan titles: “Msholozi, Nxamalala, Maphum’ephethe.” South Africans in a rally Before casting his vote, the ex-president acknowledged the crowd with a wave and a smile, then proceeded to enter a classroom. Exiting the voting venue, his backers serenaded him with a Zulu tune in support of Zuma, a song that gained popularity years back when the ex-president faced corruption allegations. They sang a line that goes, What has Zuma done? Don’t fall for the lies spread by those big companies controlled by rich white people. While most politicians have a group of loyal supporters, what distinguishes Mr. Zuma is his genuine connection with the impoverished and marginalized. This could clarify why he remains popular even when confronted with multiple scandals and severe accusations. Back in 2018, it appeared his fortune had come to an end when he was ousted from his position as president, amid a string of corruption charges, all of which he refuted. Cyril Ramaphosa took over as president, and Mr. Zuma was cast aside as a political outcast and a tarnished figure in politics. Three years back, his situation worsened: he was imprisoned for disobeying a court order to provide testimony in a corruption probe from his nine-year tenure as president. The riots following his apprehension in July 2021 marked the most lethal unrest since the demise of white-minority governance in 1994, resulting in the fatalities of over 300 individuals. Zulu woman protesting holding a placard Given a 15-month sentence, he was freed by President Ramaphosa after just three months served, in an effort to appease both him and his enraged followers. Only a short while back, it appeared Mr. Zuma faced another setback when he was legally prevented from running for a parliamentary seat due to his conviction. But voters didn’t seem to care about any of that, and his knack for outmaneuvering his political rivals was clear, as recognized by the ANC. Jacob Zuma is a significant presence in South African politics… we never overlooked his influence, confessed ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula, reflecting on his party’s poor showing. Even though he’s been temporarily removed from the ANC, Mr. Zuma still holds membership in the party that played a pivotal role in ending apartheid. Having received no formal education and growing up in humble circumstances, his involvement in the anti-apartheid movement led to his imprisonment for 10 years at the infamous Robben Island penitentiary, where he was incarcerated alongside Nelson Mandela. When the white government lifted the ban on the ANC in 1990, Mr. Zuma came back from exile and climbed the party’s hierarchy. By 1999, he was named the country’s deputy president. In 2005, he became embroiled in corruption accusations related to a 1999 arms agreement, which he refuted, and as a result, he was dismissed by then-President Thabo Mbeki. The legal proceedings regarding this matter persist, and he is still confronted with charges linked to the multi-billion dollar controversy. In December of that same year, allegations surfaced that he had sexually assaulted the daughter of a fellow party member. While he acknowledged engaging in sexual activity with the woman, who was HIV positive, he maintained that it was consensual. In December of that same year, allegations surfaced that he had sexually assaulted the daughter of a fellow party member. While he acknowledged engaging in sexual activity with the woman, who was HIV positive, he maintained that it was consensual. The next year, he was cleared of the rape charges. Afterwards, he clawed his

Auc Chairmanship Ambitions: Raila Odinga’s Strategy for Securing Kenyan Support and Meeting Requirements

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, together with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, have emphasized Kenya’s strategic plan and firm dedication to promoting unity and advancement in Africa. They addressed journalists on Wednesday regarding Kenya’s nomination for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship. Dr. Mudavadi began the briefing by expressing gratitude to Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga for the fruitful discussions, stressing the vital importance of Kenya’s bid for the AUC chairmanship. He emphasized again that Odinga, Kenya’s representative for the post in the upcoming February 2025 elections, represents the visionary leadership essential to raise the African Union to new levels. For Raila to be allowed to vie for the chairmanship, he must get approval from the leaders of the country. Despite the many differences that Raila had with Ruto, he still received all the support that he needed from the Kenyan leaders. Dr. Mudavadi praised President H.E. Dr. William Ruto for wholeheartedly supporting Rt. Hon. Odinga’s candidacy and for actively interacting with leaders across the continent. Stressing the importance of Eastern Africa putting forth a candidate for the AUC chairmanship, Dr. Mudavadi underscored the necessity for strategic planning and efficient coordination in Kenya’s campaign endeavors. With the full support of the Kenyan government and the steadfast backing of its citizens, Rt. Hon. Odinga’s candidacy demonstrates not only his leadership qualities but also Kenya’s dedication to shaping the continent’s future. A photo of Raila, Kalonzo and Faki in a past event As Kenya progresses with its campaign, the country is poised to create history, driven by a shared vision of a prosperous, peaceful, and unified Africa under the guidance of Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga. As the countdown to the AU Commission chairmanship elections commences, all attention is on Kenya as it embarks on this significant journey toward a brighter future for Africa and its people. To be eligible for the position of African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson, a candidate must meet specific qualifications. Here are the key requirements: Educational Qualification The candidate must hold a Master’s degree in one of the following fields: Law International Relations Economics Diplomacy Management Business Administration Political Science Social Sciences Experience While not explicitly stated, relevant experience in leadership, diplomacy, and management is essential. The AUC chair needs to be both technically sound in managing the commission and a seasoned diplomat capable of engaging with various stakeholders in the diplomatic space. Language Proficiency Fluency in at least one of the African Union’s official languages is crucial. These languages include English, French, Arabic, Portuguese, and Spanish. Transformational Leadership Candidates should demonstrate proof of transformational leadership, emphasizing their ability to drive positive change and impact within the organization and across the continent. Remember that the AUC Chairperson is elected by the Assembly for a four-year term, which can be renewed once. The role involves overall responsibility for the Commission’s administration, finances, and promoting the AU’s objectives. Faki the current AUC chairman Responsibilities of the AUC Chairman include: Administration and Finances The Chairperson oversees the overall administration and financial management of the Commission. Promoting AU Objectives They work to promote and popularize the AU’s objectives, enhancing its performance. Consultation and Coordination The Chairperson consults and coordinates with key stakeholders, including Member States, Development Partners, and regional economic blocks. Staff Management They appoint and manage Commission staff. Depository for Treaties The Chairperson acts as a depository for all AU and OAU treaties and legal instruments. So far there are 3 candidates vying for the AUC chairman position. They include Raila Odinga of Kenya, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf of Djibouti and Fawzia Yus

Spotlight on Endometriosis: Surgical Procedures and Celebrities’ Experiences

Endometriosis is among the most painful conditions that ladies undergo.  It can interfere with your fertility, sexual intercourse, and menstrual periods. Have you ever wondered why many surgeries are performed on women with endometriosis? On Tuesday, Kenya lost an entertainment star Jahmbi Koikai who had struggled with thoracic endometriosis for 15 years. Jahmbi confessed that she had undergone 21 surgeries which showed her strong nature in battling with thoracic endometriosis. Jahmbi is just one of the many celebrities who are struggling with endometriosis and have undergone several surgeries in an attempt to treat their conditions. Here are some of the surgeries that Jahmbi who was struggling with thoracic endometriosis went through: Thoracoscopy        A thoracoscopy procedure Thoracoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat thoracic endometriosis. It involves inserting a thoracoscope, equipped with a camera and surgical instruments, through small incisions in the chest wall. Surgeons visualize the thoracic cavity to identify and remove endometrial implants or lesions from the lungs, diaphragm, or other affected tissues. It is done through targeting and excising endometrial tissue and aims to relieve symptoms like chest pain and shortness of breath. Compared to traditional open chest surgery, thoracoscopy offers advantages such as smaller incisions, reduced postoperative pain, shorter recovery times, and lower risk of complications. Diaphragmatic Resection Diaphragmatic resection is a surgical procedure employed in treating thoracic endometriosis, particularly when endometrial implants infiltrate the diaphragm. During the procedure, surgeons carefully remove affected portions of the diaphragm, removing endometrial lesions. This aims to alleviate symptoms such as chest pain and respiratory difficulties associated with thoracic endometriosis. Diaphragmatic resection is performed to eradicate endometrial tissue, restore diaphragmatic function, and prevent recurrence. While it may require open chest surgery, advancements in minimally invasive techniques are increasingly utilized, leading to shorter recovery times and reduced postoperative discomfort. Pleurectomy Pleurectomy is a surgery done to manage thoracic endometriosis by targeting endometrial implants on the pleura, the lining of the lungs, and the chest cavity. Surgeons meticulously excise the affected pleural tissue to alleviate symptoms such as chest pain and difficulty breathing. By removing endometrial lesions, pleurectomy aims to restore normal lung function and prevent recurrence. While it may necessitate open chest surgery, minimally invasive techniques are increasingly utilized for quicker recovery and reduced postoperative discomfort. Lung Surgery Lung surgery, a vital intervention for severe thoracic endometriosis cases, targets endometrial nodules or lesions within lung tissue. This procedure aims to alleviate symptoms like chest pain and respiratory distress by excising the affected lung tissue. Surgeons may perform wedge resection or segmentectomy to remove these nodules while preserving lung function. Successful lung surgery can significantly improve quality of life and alleviate thoracic endometriosis symptoms. Thoracotomy Thoracotomy is a surgical procedure employed in severe cases of thoracic endometriosis, where endometrial implants infiltrate deep within the thoracic cavity. It involves making a larger incision in the chest wall to access and remove affected tissues, such as endometrial nodules or lesions. Thoracotomy allows surgeons to meticulously address complex thoracic endometriosis and perform extensive tissue excision when necessary. It is more invasive than thoracoscopy and is important in cases that need comprehensive surgical intervention. Nerve Blocks Nerve blocks are a non-surgical intervention used to manage thoracic endometriosis-related pain. During the procedure, medication, typically a local anesthetic or corticosteroid, is injected near specific nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals from the thoracic region. By blocking these nerve signals, nerve blocks can provide temporary relief from chest pain and discomfort associated with thoracic endometriosis. While not a curative treatment, nerve blocks offer a valuable option for pain management, particularly for individuals who may not be surgical candidates or those seeking additional pain relief alongside surgical interventions. Other procedures which can be performed on women struggling with other types of endometriosis include the following: Laparoscopic Surgery surgeons performing a laparoscopic surgery This is the most common surgical approach for diagnosing and treating endometriosis. It involves making small incisions in the abdomen and using a thin, lighted tube with a camera (laparoscope) to view the pelvic organs and remove endometrial tissue. Excision Surgery Excision surgery involves the precise removal of endometrial implants and lesions from affected organs, such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, and surrounding pelvic tissues. This approach aims to remove the endometriosis while preserving healthy tissue. Laparotomy In cases of severe endometriosis or when laparoscopic surgery is not feasible, a laparotomy may be performed. This involves making a larger incision in the abdomen to access and remove endometrial implants and scar tissue. Hysterectomy In cases of severe or treatment-resistant endometriosis, a hysterectomy may be recommended. This surgical procedure involves the removal of the uterus and sometimes the cervix. In some cases, the ovaries and fallopian tubes may also be removed (salpingo-oophorectomy). Oophorectomy This procedure involves the surgical removal of one or both ovaries. It may be performed to reduce the production of estrogen, which can fuel the growth of endometrial implants. Presacral Neurectomy (PSN) PSN is a surgical procedure aimed at relieving chronic pelvic pain associated with endometriosis. It involves cutting or disrupting the nerves in the presacral area of the pelvis to reduce pain signals. Bowel Resection In cases where endometrial implants have infiltrated the bowel, a bowel resection may be necessary. This involves removing the affected portion of the bowel and reconnecting the healthy sections. Bladder Surgery If endometriosis affects the bladder, surgical procedures may be performed to remove implants and repair any damage to the bladder wall. List of Celebrities Struggling With Endometriosis Senjee Comedy Senjee Comedy Kenyan entertainer Senjee Comedy, also known as Slyvia Savai, recently shared her struggle with endometriosis. She revealed that every month during her period, her right side becomes paralyzed, causing some organs to stop working. When I get my period, my whole right side goes numb, and the pain is unbearable.So, some organs might need to be removed, she said. Senjee Comedy also mentioned she’s set for two surgeries in June 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. I’m nervous but mostly anxious. For those following my journey,

KeNHA Announces Partial Closure of Section of Mombasa Road

On Friday, the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) stated that they would partially shut down the Mombasa (A8) Road close to Imaara shopping center. This is to enable the placement of culverts and repair activities at these parts. The closure will affect both lanes leading towards Nairobi. The shutdown will impact the lanes towards Nairobi near Imaara Mall, starting from Friday, May 31, 2024, at 8 pm until Monday, June 3, 2024, at 6 am, as stated by KeNHA Director General Kung’u Ndung’u. Subsequently, there will be another closure on the lanes bound for Mombasa starting from Friday, June 7, 2024, at 8 pm until Monday, June 10, 2024, at 6 am. Ndung’u reminded drivers to exercise caution while passing through the affected sections. Motorists were given guidance by the authority to use the two main lanes and approach the affected sections with care. They were also reminded to follow the traffic signs and directions provided by the traffic police and marshals. Imaara Mall KeNHA declared its commitment to ensuring smooth connections for safe travel to foster economic growth. In September of the previous year, the road agency reported that they were progressing with expanding the construction of the Imaara Outfall drain. The waterway stretches for 3.5 kilometers to the Ngong River and when completed, it will redirect floodwaters that have been a problem for the community for decades. The drainage channel begins at A8, goes through Imaara Mall, Imara estate, Embakasi Girls, Mukuru Kwa Njenga, Kware, and ends at Ngong River (Outering Road). KeNHA mentioned in February that they are in the process of enhancing the old Mombasa road to the level of the Nairobi expressway. This project, costing Sh24.8 billion, will involve the creation of new footbridges and pathways for pedestrians. Kungu Ndungu, the Director General of Kenha, stated that construction would start soon after the repair of the road sections damaged during the construction of the expressway is completed. Lately, both KeNHA and the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) have been closing off segments of roads in Nairobi County for refurbishment and upkeep. In a notice dated March 23, KeNHA declared the temporary closure of Nyerere Road near the University of Nairobi roundabout, effective from Friday, May 24, and also issued a traffic advisory for drivers. A bridge in Mombasa Road The Highways Authority stated that the traffic interruption was needed to conduct maintenance tasks along that stretch of the highway. Meanwhile, KURA had also declared the shutdown of Valley Road, warning drivers in Nairobi County about a three-day traffic disturbance affecting three segments along the road. The notice mentioned that there will be traffic disturbance along Valley Road in Nairobi beginning at 6 AM on Saturday, May 18th, until 6 PM on Monday, May 20th, 2024. President Ruto had earlier said that he is focusing on boosting the economy sector of Kenya, including the transport sector.

South Africa Shares Initial Results From a Pivotal Ballot

The initial outcomes from what’s seen as South Africa’s most fiercely debated elections since the African National Congress (ANC) assumed power three decades back are out. This marks an important time in the country’s democratic past. So far, counting of the votes has been wrapped up in almost 27% of the total voting stations.  With the counting so far done, ANC is at the front with 43%, next in line is Democratic Alliance (DA) which has 25%. The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) which is famous for their hardline approach is at 9%, compared to the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party), headed by former President Jacob Zuma, which is at approximately 8%. The South African election process is spearheaded by Uhuru Kenyatta, the former president of Kenya. The complete results of the election will be disclosed over the weekend. ANC has maintained the majority number in parliament since 1994 when the apartheid system was terminated in South Africa. However, these first results predict that they may lose that position for the first time in history. Just like any other African country, South Africa is facing a lot of challenges like crime, unemployment, and increasing corruption levels. A lot of citizens point fingers at the ANC for causing these issues. A young girl playing with her teddy bear while people are voting In the 2019 elections, ANC experienced a win of 57%. However, this year it is likely to experience a decrease to 42% which is a huge loss to the party. This information was predicted by the News24 website and the respected Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) The decrease is likely to push ANC into forming collaborations with one or more other parties to reach the majority needed in parliament. Before forming the collaborations, ANC will have to bear in mind that Democratic Alliance has market oriented policies, while the two other parties prefer nationalisation and more state intervention. Choosing a partner is expected to bring a huge difference to the route South Africa is taking. Democracy Works Foundation, a non-profit organization, through their leader Prof William Gumede, stated that it’s uncertain whether President Cyril Ramaphosa will stay in his role.  Prof William also added that President Ramaphosa could get a lot of pressure from the ANC to resign. The pressure can be caused by the party attaining less than 45% in the end results. He explained that the deputy, Paul Mashatile, might be in line to take over from the president. A citizen arguing with the polling station officer In South Africa, unlike in many other African countries, voters do not directly elect the president; instead, they vote for members of parliament who later elect the president. In KwaZulu-Natal, Mr. Zuma’s party possesses 43% of the votes, while the ANC has 21%. These results from this area indicate a few of the difficulties that ANC is experiencing from MK. Mr. Zuma surprised many in December when he revealed that he was leaving the ANC to campaign for MK. KwaZulu-Natal, the province with the second-highest number of registered voters and Mr. Zuma’s home will be important in determining whether the ANC can maintain its majority control in the parliament. Despite being prohibited from running for parliament due to a disrespect of a court order, Mr. Zuma’s name emerged on the ballot paper as the leader of MK. In Gauteng, South Africa’s business capital, the ANC holds 36% of the vote, while the DA has 29%. This is another region where the ANC is projected to fall behind.  The South African elections, conducted on Wednesday, drew crowds of citizens, and the voting process went into the wee hours. People queuing to vote Reports from the electoral board indicate that the last polling station was on until 0300 on Thursday morning local time. The last time South Africa had such long queues during an election was in 1994, when black people were granted the freedom to vote for the first time. In the election, a total of 11 independents and 70 parties ran for office as the country chose nine provincial legislatures and a new parliament. The DA had earlier agreed to cooperate with 10 parties to form a government if they gathered enough votes. This coalition could potentially kick the ANC from their long-held position of power since 1994.

India Reports at Least 15 Deaths as Temperatures Rise

As temperatures continue to increase in northern and central India in the past day, several individuals have lost their lives due to heat-related illnesses. Authorities stated that on Thursday, ten deaths were reported at the state hospital in the Rourkela area of Odisha. Deaths caused by increased heat have also been recorded in Delhi, the capital city of India, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, and Bihar. The scorching heat coincides with India’s ongoing general election, with results scheduled to be released on 4 June. Mr. Kumar reported that election day was among the hottest days, and despite medical facilities being present at all centers, they failed. He stated that one home guard, a volunteer policeman, lost consciousness at his location. He added that the individual passed away in the hospital while receiving treatment. He also indicated that around 30 to 40 individuals had been admitted to the hospital on Thursday suffering from conditions related to excessive heat. Due to the ongoing increased heat, the number of hospital admissions in medical facilities is also increasing. A laborer who was admitted to a hospital in Delhi with heatstroke passed away on Thursday while undergoing treatment.  A staff pouring water on a patient  Heat strokes are termed “life-threatening” by India’s National Centre for Disease Control, with a mortality rate of 40 to 64%. Over the last two weeks, northern, central, and portions of western India have experienced persistent heat, with maximum temperatures floating at 45-46 C for days and peaking at 50 C in some areas. Due to the increased consumption of electricity and water in many areas, severe shortages of the two basic needs have also been experienced. The rising temperatures have led to an increase in fires across India, provoking officials to use drones to monitor forest fires in Kashmir and Jammu. Over the last week, the city of Delhi and its nearby areas witnessed temperatures reaching nearly 50C, breaking previous records. A photo of a vehicle covered with a cloth  On social media, videos of people in Delhi struggling to access water from tankers have been shared widely. Furthermore, many parts of the capital are undergoing frequent electricity disruptions. There is an ongoing investigation to determine if the temperature reading of 52.9C in the Mungeshpur area on Wednesday resulted from a sensor malfunction at the nearby weather station. A study published in the medical journal, The Lancet, revealed that India experienced a 55% increase in fatalities caused by severe heat between 2000-2004 and 2017-2021. In 2021, exposure to heat caused a reduction of 167.2 billion possible labor hours for Indians, as stated in the study. Even though many parts of the country have been experiencing heat waves in summer as usual, experts have pointed out that these are now lasting for longer periods, intensifying, and occurring more frequently.

President Ruto Reveals the Cost of His U.S. Visit

On Thursday, President Ruto struggled to explain himself to Kenyans and clarify that he did not spend a lot of money on his U.S. visit. This comes after Ruto used a private jet for his tour instead of the normal Kenya Airways or the President’s Jet. On his visit, Ruto boarded a chartered Boeing 737-700 which is operated by the Royal Jet of Dubai. The total amount the trip from Nairobi-Atlanta-Washington. DC would cost 98 million, with an additional round trip which would eventually go beyond 200 million. All this money would be catered for by the taxpayers. President Ruto noted that he had received a lot of concerns questioning his means of transport to the U.S. He stated that he is a leader who leads from the front and understands that public resources should be utilized responsibly. He stated that in his U.S. state visit, he made sure that he kept his slogan that Kenyans should live within their means. Due to that, he made it clear that the amount he used to travel with a private jet was much cheaper compared to using Kenya Airways. The president, however, did not disclose the amount he used to board the private jet versus that the amount he would have used in Kenya Airways. This left Kenyans not satisfied with his explanations. When the State House was asked why Ruto did not use his Presidential Jet, an official stated that the jet, since it was purchased in the 90s, had never been to the U.S. The official also stated that the jet is specifically structured to function in the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. Emmanuel Talaam, State House Press secretary, was reported by local reporters saying that the plane would not be effective for the journey as it would have to stop five times for it to be fueled. The U.S. embassy had also rejected claims that they funded the president’s journey. President Ruto at the National Breakfast Prayer Day At the National Prayer Breakfast which was held at Safari Park in Nairobi, Ruto made it clear to Kenyans that he did not misuse the taxpayer’s money. Ruto stated that he did not use the rumoured 200 million as he is a very responsible Kenyan. He said that he had seen the debate in Kenya of how huge the plane was and people goggled to know how much it would cost. Ruto revealed that it cost the Kenyan Republic less than 10 million, and there is no way he would have used 200 million. Ruto stated that during his planning for the visit, he was informed that the cheapest jet was 70 million. Upon receiving that information, he sent his officer to buy a flight ticket from Kenya Airways. Nevertheless, his friends asked him for 10 million and they would grant him the plane. Ruto also stated that he is focusing on having a balanced economy in three years. Rigathi Gachagua, the deputy president, praised Ruto for his eloquent speech, dismissing rumours that the two are not on good terms. Gachagua stated that Ruto placed Kenya on the world map and he negotiated so much for the country.

A Woman Pretending To Be a Representative of Raila Conned a Bank CEO 25 Million Shillings

A Kenyan Woman, Faith Mwikali Ndiwa, has been arrested for scamming a bank CEO by claiming to be Raila’s personal doctor. Faith’s case, which is almost similar to the notorious 419 scam, consists of a fake KEMSA procurement deal. In a report given by investigators, Faith’s arrest resulted from a situation in May 2022, when Faith visited Guarantee Trust Bank and asked for a talk with the CEO. Faith requested help with some money advice from the CEO as she had some 70 million in her bank account, according to a statement from the bank CEO. The CEO gave Faith a piece of financial advice and told her to make her own decision.. Faith later returned to the bank, borrowing money which she stated that she needed to settle her mother’s medical bills. The CEO asked her about the 70 million which she said she had in her bank account. Faith, responding to the claims, stated that she used the money to buy a house in Karen. A clear photo of Faith  The CEO, satisfied with the information from Faith, told her to visit the bank where she was given eight million Kenya Shillings loan. Faith called the CEO after a period of one month. This time round, she declared to be Raila Odinga’s representative, whom she stated that he had acquired a Ksh. 19 million procurement deal with Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) to provide them with permanent Insecticidal Nets (LLINs). Detectives stated that Faith showed them the contract, bill of lading documents and procurement deal documents to the complainant which were under the name of Raila Odinga for them to finish the deal. Faith stated that Ksh. 8 million was already cleared by Raila’s son in law, but the remaining amount was urgently required to unload the nets which were already pending at the Mombasa Port. A photo of Raila Odinga whom Faith claimed to be representing Faith guaranteed the CEO that once KEMSA disbursed money for the tender she would pay a portion of the profits. The complainant agreed to send the money to the suspect’s bank account after Faith assured him the loan would be repaid in a period of one month. Investigators later came to discover that Faith gave account numbers belonging to Al Husinaim Motors Limited, a motor vehicle company, where she bought a modern Range Rover motor vehicle, with registration number KDM 311N. After obtaining the required money, Faith immediately turned her phone off.  This made the CEO suspect her and he immediately reported the case to the police.  Further investigations by the detectives revealed that the KEMSA deal never existed. The detectives later came to discover that Faith had been involved in another similar case where she lied that she was working as a physician for the First Lady before the Nairobi DCI area. They later found that the job card which she had presented to them was a fake one. On Monday, May 28, 2024, Faith made a plea for seven criminal offenses when she was put on trial at the Milimani law courts. Faith, who is now at Lang’ata Women’s Prison, is awaiting her bail application hearing.

Catholic Priest Bites Woman During Holy Communion

Have you ever wondered whether a priest can bite you while celebrating the Holy Communion? A woman in Florida is now a victim and has blamed a priest of biting her during a communion service. According to Orlando Diocese, the woman whose identity was not disclosed, had attended a 10 a.m. service at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in St. Cloud on Sunday. A statement from the diocese stated that Rev. Fidel Rodriguez had a quick talk with the woman. He pointed out she hadn’t followed the correct steps for Communion. After that, he blessed her and told her to leave. The diocese reported that two hours later, she returned for the service and attempted to receive Communion again. Rodriguez requested about her Confession, which is needed for the Eucharist, the woman said, That’s none of your business. The church stated that Rodriguez, unaware of the woman’s background, gave her Holy Sacrament. The diocese noted that the woman aggressively placed her hand into the container and took some Lord’s Supper bread, crushing them. Rodriguez, limited to only one hand, had a hard time with the woman as she wouldn’t let go of the Holy Communion Bread. As per the church, the woman then pushed Rodriguez, causing him to bite her hand so she would release the hosts she had grabbed. The woman was requested to leave immediately. Police investigated what happened at the church in St. Cloud, which is around 30 miles south of Orlando. A priest giving sacrament According to the charging affidavit, Rodriguez was charged with battery. The woman informed the police that Rodriguez attempted to forcefully push the sacred host when he got frustrated with her for not completing the necessary steps for Communion. The woman claimed in the report that he grasped and gnawed her arm while she was trying to get a wafer from him. As per the police report, Rodriguez claimed she initiated the attack, and he was attempting to maintain the holiness of the Lord’s Supper. He told the police that the woman pushed him and wouldn’t give up the tray. He explained that he had to resort to biting her arm because he couldn’t find any other way to get her to release it, according to the police report. The police reported that there was video footage of the incident from witnesses. According to the Diocese of Orlando, they don’t approve of physical altercations like this one, but they believe Father Rodriguez was acting in good faith to protect the Holy Communion from being desecrated. The diocese said that it’s not something that can be demanded arbitrarily by someone, and it’s certainly not just a cookie like the person who complained called it. The affidavit stated that the woman declined medical attention, and the police photographed the bite mark. The St. Cloud Police have sent the summary of the affidavit’s events to the State Attorney’s Office for evaluation. The Ninth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office stated to CNN on Friday that they have received the case and are now evaluating it to decide what actions to take next.