Kenya

President Ruto, CS Duale Disagree Over Linda Mama

President William Ruto has disagreed with Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale over the Linda Mama programme during former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration. Speaking at Umma University in Kajiado County, during the launch of a Phase Three engineering course complex and the commissioning of the Dr Abdulrahman Al Sumait building, Ruto stated that he was among those who championed the programme while serving as Deputy President, describing it as a noble model that had fulfilled its purpose. Ruto’s comments came shortly after Duale sharply criticised Linda Mama as a pointless initiative that led the country into fictitious debts. Duale claimed that Linda Mama left the Ruto government struggling with a KSh 5.6 billion debt, and argued that the initiative did not effectively address maternal mortality.

(Source: Citizen Digital)

 

Tanzania

Samia’s Health, Water, and Infrastructure Pledge in Kilimanjaro

President Samia Suluhu Hassan launched her election campaign in the Kilimanjaro Region, focusing strongly on infrastructure, healthcare, water supply, and education, while pledging to build on the achievements of her administration over the past four years. Speaking in Same District, President Hassan told residents and party supporters that the government had laid a foundation for nationwide reforms aimed at expanding services to rural and underserved communities. She said electrification remained a top priority. “Our manifesto promised to electrify every village – but we have gone further. We have reached hamlets too,” she said. 

(Source: The Citizen)

 

Uganda

Kenyan Activists Bob Njagi, Nicholas Oyoo Abducted in Uganda

Two Kenyan activists, Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo, were allegedly abducted on Wednesday afternoon by four armed men believed to be security officials. The two, who had joined National Unity Platform Presidential candidate Bobi Wine’s campaign trail on Tuesday, were reportedly forced into a vehicle and their phones switched off. A friend who escaped the ordeal claims the incident is linked to their support for Bobi Wine.

(Source: Citizen Digital)

 

Rwanda

Court Denies Victoire Ingabire’s Request for Judge Recusal

The High Court in Kigali has rejected a request by Victoire Ingabire to disqualify the panel of judges presiding over her trial. Ingabire, who is facing six charges, including conspiring to undermine the government, had previously argued that she could not expect a fair trial before the same judges who ordered an investigation that led to her prosecution. In its decision, the High Court explained that Ingabire’s request did not meet the legal threshold required for judicial recusal.

(Source: The New Times)

 

Ethiopia

Fano Forces Claim Another Military Gain in Wollo

Fano Forces on Tuesday announced another military success, this time in West Wollo in the Amhara region. Amhara Fano National Force (AFNF) stated, “The East Amhara Zone Menelik Command has killed over 75 government militia members, including commanders, after a few days of operation.”   Michael Ali, of the Core Division of Menelik Command, is cited as saying that there were four consecutive days of military operations in the Mekane Selam area of west Wollo. “Key commanders of the enemy’s military forces were annihilated.” Shambel Haile, head of the Borena militia office; Seid Abye, head of the Mekane Selam militia office; and Aregaw Kibret, another militia commander, were among those killed in the operation.

(Source: Borkena Ethiopian News)

 

Sudan 

US Restricts Sudan Delegation at UNGA Meeting

The US has once again imposed movement restrictions on Sudan’s delegation attending the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. A protocol note from the State Department’s Office of Foreign Missions stated that Sudanese military leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his delegation required prior approval to travel beyond a 25-mile (40 km) radius from Columbus Circle in New York City. Burhan did not travel to New York and was represented by Prime Minister Kamal Idris. However, the restrictions remained in force throughout UNGA’s High-Level Week, highlighting the ongoing struggle of Sudan’s military government to gain international legitimacy.

(Source: The East African)

 

Somalia

Somali Speaker Urges Parliament to Create Constitutional Court and Define Special Status for Mogadishu

Somalia’s Upper House speaker urged lawmakers on Tuesday to speed up judicial reforms and pass long-overdue legislation defining Mogadishu’s status as the capital. Speaker Abdi Hashi Abdullahi called for the establishment of the High Judicial Service Council and the Constitutional Court, institutions he said are crucial for creating an independent judiciary and strengthening the rule of law.

“We call for the establishment of the High Judicial Service Council and the Constitutional Court, and for both houses to jointly legislate Mogadishu’s status,” Hashi said in remarks to Parliament.

The appeal renews a longstanding call for a special law clarifying the capital’s authority, boundaries, and its relationship with the federal government. The 2012 provisional constitution recognised Mogadishu as the capital but left its final status unresolved until Parliament passed legislation — a step that has yet to be taken.

(Source: Hiiraan Online)