KENYA

Gachagua fights off Ruto’s claims

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua launched a bare-knuckle pushback against President William Ruto’s claims that he demanded Sh10 billion to market the government’s agenda in the Mount Kenya region, making a raft of fresh allegations against his former boss. The former DP claimed the President sent a senior government official as an emissary to offer him Sh2 billion in exchange for his resignation, failing which he would face removal from office. “On the Sh10 billion claims, the purpose was to show that Gachagua is a selfish man. I did not blackmail him, and if I did, it would have been charge number one in my impeachment motion because he is the one who crafted the motion, assisted by NIS,” claimed Mr Gachagua. The former DP further claimed that he has secret recordings of the financial offer, describing the President as a liar and a master of doublespeak.

(Daily Nation)

TANZANIA

Police detain Chadema chairman in Ruvuma after rally

Opposition party Chadema’s national chairman Tundu Lissu, is reportedly being held by police in Ruvuma shortly after he addressed a public rally in Mbinga District, Ruvuma Region. The exact reason for Lissu’s detention, along with his two bodyguards and a party member, Shija Shibeshi, remains unclear. The incident is said to have caused a confrontation between the police and the public. Ruvuma Regional Police Commander Marco Chilya told Mwananchi on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, that he is monitoring the situation to verify the details.

(The Citizen)

UGANDA

Sh100m cash bonanza for MPs is street talk, says Tayebwa

The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Mr Thomas Tayebwa, dismissed claims that legislators received a Sh100 million gift, labelling the allegation “street talk.”  Tayebwa’s comments came after Mr Muwanga Kivumbi, who was standing in for the Leader of the Opposition, Mr Joel Ssenyonyi, demanded that the House leadership address the rumours circulating about the Shs100 million MPs were allegedly given on Tuesday. “As the head of this institution, when its name is mentioned in the media in such a context, I expect you, as the leader, to clarify what has happened,” Mr Kivumbi said during the plenary session at 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

(Monitor)

ETHIOPIA

Ethiopia, Netherlands discuss strengthening bilateral ties

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gedion Timothewos, received the Ambassador of the Netherlands to Ethiopia, Ambassador Christine Pirenne, at his office. The two sides discussed further strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries. On the occasion, the Minister noted the ongoing macroeconomic reforms in Ethiopia and called on Dutch companies to invest in the country. He also briefed the Ambassador on the progress of implementing the Pretoria Peace Agreement. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, they also exchanged views on regional peace and security aspects.

(ENA)

ERITREA

Commissioner of Culture and Sports announces theme for 34th Independence Anniversary

Eritrea’s 34th Independence Anniversary will be celebrated under the theme “Our Cohesion: Our Armour,” announced Ambassador Zemede Tekle, Commissioner of Culture and Sports. Speaking to the Eritrean News Agency, Ambassador Zemede stated that this year’s theme is timely and reflective of the Eritrean people’s unwavering commitment to the country’s core principles. He further noted that all necessary preparations are underway domestically and abroad to ensure a vibrant and memorable celebration of the national event.

(Shabait)

SOUTH SUDAN

S.Sudan orders truce with rebels

The South Sudanese military has directed its soldiers to cease hostilities against Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army-in-Opposition (SPLM/ A-IO) forces. South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) spokesman Lul Ruai Koang, said Chief of Defence Forces Paul Nang issued the order, which applies specifically to opposition soldiers around capital Juba who are in designated cantonment areas or engaged in routine activities “The Chief of Defence Forces would like to renew calls for the rank and file of SPLM/A-IO soldiers, specifically those who had gone into hiding and the ones scattered all over, to report to the nearest government/ SSPDF barracks to resume their duties” the statement said.

(Daily Nation)

SOMALIA

Prime Minister of Somalia hosts Chinese Embassy’s Charge d’Affaires to discuss strengthening bilateral ties and cooperation

The Prime Minister of the Federal Government of Somalia, Mr. Hamza Abdi Barre, received Mr. Chen Wendi, the Charge d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Somalia, at his office in Mogadishu. The discussions focused on further strengthening the longstanding bilateral relations between Somalia and China, particularly emphasising expanding cooperation across various sectors, including humanitarian aid and development initiatives. Prime Minister Barre and Ambassador Chen engaged in a detailed dialogue regarding the continued partnership between the two countries, exploring avenues for deepening cooperation in key areas such as infrastructure development, trade, and humanitarian support.

(Radio Dalsan)