Following the discovery of 12 more bodies, the total number of fatalities in the Kenyan cult inquiry has topped 400; the majority of the deceased were malnutrition victims. The cult leader Paul Nthenge Mackenzie pushed his members to starve themselves to death in the Shakahola jungle, where the search for him is still ongoing.

The tragic starvation cult case in Kenya

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<p>Two people were killed on Wednesday following anti-government protests in&nbsp;<strong>Kenya</strong>, a hospital official said, as the interior ministry announced the arrest of over 300 others in connection with the demonstrations.</p>

<p>Veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga has held several rounds of protests since March against the government, alarming the international community which has joined calls for a political solution after earlier demonstrations left more than a dozen dead.</p>

<p>Clashes between police and protesters led to two deaths in the opposition bastion of Kisumu, said George Rae, CEO of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga hospital.</p>

<p>"There are two bodies recorded at the morgue with gunshot wounds," he told AFP by telephone, adding that 14 others were hospitalised.</p>

<p>Odinga's Azimio alliance has vowed to stage three straight days of protests this week, and on Wednesday evening urged "Kenyans to come out in an even bigger way tomorrow".</p>

<p>Although Wednesday's protests in Nairobi and other towns appeared to be more muted than earlier demonstrations, with fewer reports of casualties resulting from sporadic clashes, Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki said the authorities had recorded many cases of vandalism and looting.</p>

<p>"More than 300 people have been arrested across the country and will be charged with various crimes, including looting, malicious damage of property, arson, robbery with violence, assaulting law enforcers," Kindiki said.</p>

<p>Schools and shops were closed in Nairobi, Kisumu and the port city of Mombasa, with small groups of mostly young men setting fire to tyres and engaging in running battles with police.</p>

<p>Police fired tear gas at scattered groups of demonstrators in Nairobi's Kibera slum and the towns of Homa Bay, Kisii and Migori, all Odinga strongholds, while offices in the capital's business district were largely shuttered.</p>

<h2>&nbsp;'Wrong direction'</h2>

<p>It is the third time this month that Odinga has staged mass rallies against a government he says is illegitimate and responsible for a cost-of-living crisis.</p>

<p>The government in turn has accused the opposition of derailing efforts to improve the economy and fomenting chaos.</p>

<p>"We do not want a country of violence or fighting or destruction of property," President William Ruto said during a visit to the Rift Valley town of Kericho.</p>

<p>"The police must make sure they are firm on criminals, gangs and anarchists and all the people who want to cause mayhem."</p>

<p>The use by police of live rounds and tear gas to disperse stone-throwing protesters has drawn accusations of heavy-handedness from civil groups.</p>

<p>Last week police arrested 312 people who were accused of directly or indirectly planning, orchestrating or financing the protests, including a member of parliament who was later released.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The demonstrations have divided Kenyans, who are struggling to cope with high inflation and a jobs crisis.</p>

<p>Fred Onzere, a 47-year-old unemployed man, told AFP&nbsp;<strong>Kenya</strong>&nbsp;was "going in the wrong direction" and said he supported the protests.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Others said the shutdowns would only worsen the economic problems.</p>

<p>"Even if we are (employed)... we can't work," said businessman Peter Kajinji, 62.</p>

<p>"It's better for our leaders to sit together, talk and solve this problem," he told AFP.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>'Resolve differences'</h2>

<p>Ruto, a former deputy president, rose to the top job after winning a narrow election victory last August over Odinga, who claimed the vote was "stolen".</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Kenya becomes the dumping ground for textile waste</strong></p>

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<p>But he took office as&nbsp;<strong>Kenya</strong>'s economy reeled from debt and soaring inflation, and was criticised for raising taxes despite campaigning to bring prices down.</p>

<p><strong>Kenya</strong>&nbsp;is seen as a stable democracy in the often-turbulent East Africa region, and 13 western nations issued a joint statement on Tuesday expressing concern over the recent violence.</p>

<p>"We... urge all parties to table their concerns through a meaningful dialogue and resolve their differences peacefully to build the nation together, ensuring no further loss of life," the foreign missions said.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kenya-protesters-clash-with-police-as-three-day-protest-over-tax-hikes-begins-over-300-arrested-617599"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Kenya: Protesters clash with police as three-day protest over tax hikes begins; over 300 arrested</strong></a></p>

<p>Odinga called off anti-government demonstrations in April and May after Ruto agreed to dialogue, but the talks broke down.</p>

<p>Opposition protests following Odinga's election loss in 2017 continued until he brokered a surprise pact with his erstwhile foe, former president Uhuru Kenyatta, that became known as "the handshake".</p>

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Two people were killed on Wednesday following anti-government protests in Kenya, a hospital official said, as the interior ministry announced the arrest of over 300 others in connection with the demonstrations.

Two people were killed on Wednesday following anti-government protests in Kenya, a hospital official said, as the interior ministry announced the arrest of over 300 others in connection with the demonstrations. Veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga has held several rounds of protests since March against the government, alarming the international community which has joined calls for a political solution after earlier demonstrations left more than a dozen dead. Clashes between police and protesters led to two deaths in the opposition bastion of Kisumu, said George Rae, CEO of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga hospital. "There are two bodies recorded at the morgue with gunshot wounds," he told AFP by telephone, adding that 14 others were hospitalised. Odinga's Azimio alliance has vowed to stage three straight days of protests this week, and on Wednesday evening urged "Kenyans to come out in an even bigger way tomorrow". Although Wednesday's protests in Nairobi and other towns appeared to be more muted than earlier demonstrations, with fewer reports of casualties resulting from sporadic clashes, Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki said the authorities had recorded many cases of vandalism and looting. "More than 300 people have been arrested across the country and will be charged with various crimes, including looting, malicious damage of property, arson, robbery with violence, assaulting law enforcers," Kindiki said. Schools and shops were closed in Nairobi, Kisumu and the port city of Mombasa, with small groups of mostly young men setting fire to tyres and engaging in running battles with police. Police fired tear gas at scattered groups of demonstrators in Nairobi's Kibera slum and the towns of Homa Bay, Kisii and Migori, all Odinga strongholds, while offices in the capital's business district were largely shuttered. 'Wrong direction' It is the third time this month that Odinga has staged mass rallies against a government he says is illegitimate and responsible for a cost-of-living crisis. The government in turn has accused the opposition of derailing efforts to improve the economy and fomenting chaos. "We do not want a country of violence or fighting or destruction of property," President William Ruto said during a visit to the Rift Valley town of Kericho. "The police must make sure they are firm on criminals, gangs and anarchists and all the people who want to cause mayhem." The use by police of live rounds and tear gas to disperse stone-throwing protesters has drawn accusations of heavy-handedness from civil groups. Last week police arrested 312 people who were accused of directly or indirectly planning, orchestrating or financing the protests, including a member of parliament who was later released. The demonstrations have divided Kenyans, who are struggling to cope with high inflation and a jobs crisis. Fred Onzere, a 47-year-old unemployed man, told AFP Kenya was "going in the wrong direction" and said he supported the protests. Others said the shutdowns would only worsen the economic problems. "Even if we are (employed)... we can't work," said businessman Peter Kajinji, 62. "It's better for our leaders to sit together, talk and solve this problem," he told AFP. 'Resolve differences' Ruto, a former deputy president, rose to the top job after winning a narrow election victory last August over Odinga, who claimed the vote was "stolen". Watch: Kenya becomes the dumping ground for textile waste × But he took office as Kenya's economy reeled from debt and soaring inflation, and was criticised for raising taxes despite campaigning to bring prices down. Kenya is seen as a stable democracy in the often-turbulent East Africa region, and 13 western nations issued a joint statement on Tuesday expressing concern over the recent violence. "We... urge all parties to table their concerns through a meaningful dialogue and resolve their differences peacefully to build the nation together, ensuring no further loss of life," the foreign missions said. Also read: Kenya: Protesters clash with police as three-day protest over tax hikes begins; over 300 arrested Odinga called off anti-government demonstrations in April and May after Ruto agreed to dialogue, but the talks broke down. Opposition protests following Odinga's election loss in 2017 continued until he brokered a surprise pact with his erstwhile foe, former president Uhuru Kenyatta, that became known as "the handshake". WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Kenya: Two killed, over 300 arrested as govt cracks down on massive demonstrations

<p>Several people were reported to have been shot, some possibly fatally, after police and demonstrators clashed in several cities and towns across Kenya, on Wednesday (July 19), amid protests over the new finance law that has sought to raise taxes amid the high cost of living. Meanwhile, Kenyan authorities have arrested over 300 people amid protests, said the interior minister.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Violence in Kenya</strong></h2>

<p>The three-day protests began Wednesday morning as hundreds of protesters hurled rocks and burned tyres on the streets, across Kenya. While&nbsp;the police fired volleys of tear gas in the crowd, witnesses told Reuters.</p>

<p>According to local media reports, several people across the country were injured. This comes after two previous rounds of protests, earlier this month, where the police not only fired tear gas but also live rounds at the crowds. So far, at least 15 people have been killed while hundreds of others have been arrested.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The third round of anti-government demonstrations called for by the opposition leader Raila Odinga comes amid the continued struggle to protest a raft of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kenyan-police-fire-tear-gas-to-stop-opposition-protests-over-tax-hikes-613122">controversial tax hikes</a> that President William Ruto signed into law.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The government has previously argued that the tax hike would also help create jobs and reduce public borrowing. Meanwhile, Odinga’s Azimio alliance has vowed to stage three straight days of protests this week starting Wednesday evening urging “Kenyans to come out in an even bigger way tomorrow”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The opposition leaders have also called for protests on Thursday and Friday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“This government is violating the constitution by being brutal on us while we are trying to uphold the same constitution through peaceful protests,” a protester in Mombasa who gave only his first name, Eric, told Reuters.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Who all were arrested?</strong></h2>

<p>“More than 300 people have been arrested across the country and will be charged with various crimes, including looting, malicious damage of property, arson, robbery with violence, assaulting law enforcers,” said Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Opposition lawyer, Danstan Omari told Reuters that nine senior opposition figures were detained by the police among whom were two lawmakers and county officials, who were either arrested or abducted during the protests.</p>

<h2><strong>Schools closed</strong></h2>

<p>The Kenyan government had closed schools a day prior to the protest on Wednesday in Kisumu, Mombasa and Nairobi. However, a joint statement released by the country’s interior and education minister Ezekiel Machogu said that the government has taken measures to ensure students’ safety and schools can be opened from Thursday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“On the basis of the evaluation, it is hereby directed that all day primary and secondary schools in Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu counties re-open for normal school activities on 20th July, 2023,” said the joint statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A report by Al Jazeera citing local media reports said three school children were rushed to the hospital in Kangemi after police used tear gas on their school premises while dispersing protesters.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
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Several people were reported to have been shot, some possibly fatally, after police and demonstrators clashed in several cities and towns across Kenya, on Wednesday (July 19), amid protests over the new finance law that has sought to raise taxes amid the high cost of living.

Several people were reported to have been shot, some possibly fatally, after police and demonstrators clashed in several cities and towns across Kenya, on Wednesday (July 19), amid protests over the new finance law that has sought to raise taxes amid the high cost of living. Meanwhile, Kenyan authorities have arrested over 300 people amid protests, said the interior minister. Violence in Kenya The three-day protests began Wednesday morning as hundreds of protesters hurled rocks and burned tyres on the streets, across Kenya. While the police fired volleys of tear gas in the crowd, witnesses told Reuters. According to local media reports, several people across the country were injured. This comes after two previous rounds of protests, earlier this month, where the police not only fired tear gas but also live rounds at the crowds. So far, at least 15 people have been killed while hundreds of others have been arrested. The third round of anti-government demonstrations called for by the opposition leader Raila Odinga comes amid the continued struggle to protest a raft of controversial tax hikes that President William Ruto signed into law. The government has previously argued that the tax hike would also help create jobs and reduce public borrowing. Meanwhile, Odinga’s Azimio alliance has vowed to stage three straight days of protests this week starting Wednesday evening urging “Kenyans to come out in an even bigger way tomorrow”. The opposition leaders have also called for protests on Thursday and Friday. “This government is violating the constitution by being brutal on us while we are trying to uphold the same constitution through peaceful protests,” a protester in Mombasa who gave only his first name, Eric, told Reuters. Who all were arrested? “More than 300 people have been arrested across the country and will be charged with various crimes, including looting, malicious damage of property, arson, robbery with violence, assaulting law enforcers,” said Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki. Opposition lawyer, Danstan Omari told Reuters that nine senior opposition figures were detained by the police among whom were two lawmakers and county officials, who were either arrested or abducted during the protests. Schools closed The Kenyan government had closed schools a day prior to the protest on Wednesday in Kisumu, Mombasa and Nairobi. However, a joint statement released by the country’s interior and education minister Ezekiel Machogu said that the government has taken measures to ensure students’ safety and schools can be opened from Thursday. “On the basis of the evaluation, it is hereby directed that all day primary and secondary schools in Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu counties re-open for normal school activities on 20th July, 2023,” said the joint statement. A report by Al Jazeera citing local media reports said three school children were rushed to the hospital in Kangemi after police used tear gas on their school premises while dispersing protesters. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Kenya: Protesters clash with police as three-day protest over tax hikes begins; over 300 arrested

The East African nation of Kenya has been rocked by anti-government protests against a raft of tax hikes. Opposition leader Raila Odinga initiated a string of anti-government rallies this year after narrowly losing to William Ruto in presidential elections last August. On the 12th of July, in the second round of protests in less than a week, at least 6 people were killed in clashes between police and demonstrators across the country. These clashes on Wednesday followed rallies in several cities last week that also saw six people being killed. Opposition politicians and rights campaigners have accused the Kenyan police of being heavy-handed. Kenya's constitution includes the right to peacefully demonstrate. But the police have asserted that any demonstration needs advance notification "in the interest of national security".

Kenya rocked by anti-government protests

<p>In a shocking development, the death toll in the Kenyan cult linked to a Kenyan pastor, who advised followers to starve themselves in order to "meet Jesus Christ", has surpassed 400 after 12 more bodies were discovered on Monday, a senior official said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Coast Regional Commissioner Rhoda Onyancha told news agency AFP in a message, "Total death Toll - 403," after disinterments were performed in the Shakahola forest, where cult leader Paul Nthenge Mackenzie allegedly asked his followers to starve to death.</p>

<p>Onyancha further added, "Exhumation continues tomorrow," as the investigators are on the lookout for more graves in the forest, where the victims were found for the very first time on April 13.</p>

<p>As per reports by the government over autopsies performed on the victims, starvation has been considered as the probable cause of death. However, some victims, including children, were either choked, beaten or suffocated.</p>

<p>Mackenzie, a former taxi driver-turned-preacher, has been in police custody since mid-April.</p>

<p>According to reports, state prosecutors said that he is facing terrorism or genocide-related charges, however, he hasn't yet been required to enter any plea.</p>

<p>In the month of May, Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki had expressed concern that some of Mackenzie's rescued followers were refusing food.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-he-will-establish-peace-in-ukraine-within-24-hours-of-coming-to-power-616620">Trump says he will establish peace in Ukraine within 24 hours of coming to power</a></p>

<h2><strong>Suspect in cult starvation deaths dies in custody after hunger strike</strong></h2>

<p>Last month, a Kenyan accused of involvement in the deaths related to the starvation cult, died after a 10-day hunger strike in police custody, said a prosecutor.</p>

<p>Joseph Buyuka was among 30 people, including pastor Paul Mackenzie of Good News International Church, in custody over the deaths of followers of the church.</p>

<p>"The police believe that these individuals... played significant roles in the offences leading to the deaths and illegal disposal of bodies in Shakahola (forest)," court papers said of Buyuka and four others arrested with him.</p>

<p>"He died ...(due to) ... complications from hunger strike and starvation, but we will await postmortem report," Jami Yamina, senior prosecution counsel told a court in Mombasa.</p>

<p>"Two other suspects ... have also taken ill. Police believe it is related to their hunger strike."</p>

<h2><strong>Kenya doomsday cult deaths’ site to be turned into national memorial</strong></h2>

<p>In the month of June, the Kenyan authorities said that the coastal forest where bodies of people linked to the doomsday cult were buried will be converted into a national memorial.</p>

<p>Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki said the forest "where grave crimes have been committed will not remain as it was".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The government will convert it into a national memorial, a place of remembrance so that Kenyans and the world do not forget what happened here," he said in a statement.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
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In a shocking development, the death toll in the Kenyan cult linked to a Kenyan pastor, who advised followers to starve themselves in order to "meet Jesus Christ", has surpassed 400 after 12 more bodies were discovered on Monday, a senior official said.

In a shocking development, the death toll in the Kenyan cult linked to a Kenyan pastor, who advised followers to starve themselves in order to "meet Jesus Christ", has surpassed 400 after 12 more bodies were discovered on Monday, a senior official said. Coast Regional Commissioner Rhoda Onyancha told news agency AFP in a message, "Total death Toll - 403," after disinterments were performed in the Shakahola forest, where cult leader Paul Nthenge Mackenzie allegedly asked his followers to starve to death. Onyancha further added, "Exhumation continues tomorrow," as the investigators are on the lookout for more graves in the forest, where the victims were found for the very first time on April 13. As per reports by the government over autopsies performed on the victims, starvation has been considered as the probable cause of death. However, some victims, including children, were either choked, beaten or suffocated. Mackenzie, a former taxi driver-turned-preacher, has been in police custody since mid-April. According to reports, state prosecutors said that he is facing terrorism or genocide-related charges, however, he hasn't yet been required to enter any plea. In the month of May, Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki had expressed concern that some of Mackenzie's rescued followers were refusing food. Also read: Trump says he will establish peace in Ukraine within 24 hours of coming to power Suspect in cult starvation deaths dies in custody after hunger strike Last month, a Kenyan accused of involvement in the deaths related to the starvation cult, died after a 10-day hunger strike in police custody, said a prosecutor. Joseph Buyuka was among 30 people, including pastor Paul Mackenzie of Good News International Church, in custody over the deaths of followers of the church. "The police believe that these individuals... played significant roles in the offences leading to the deaths and illegal disposal of bodies in Shakahola (forest)," court papers said of Buyuka and four others arrested with him. "He died ...(due to) ... complications from hunger strike and starvation, but we will await postmortem report," Jami Yamina, senior prosecution counsel told a court in Mombasa. "Two other suspects ... have also taken ill. Police believe it is related to their hunger strike." Kenya doomsday cult deaths’ site to be turned into national memorial In the month of June, the Kenyan authorities said that the coastal forest where bodies of people linked to the doomsday cult were buried will be converted into a national memorial. Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki said the forest "where grave crimes have been committed will not remain as it was". "The government will convert it into a national memorial, a place of remembrance so that Kenyans and the world do not forget what happened here," he said in a statement. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Kenyan starvation cult death toll surpasses 400 after authorities find 12 more bodies

The Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi is on a three-day visit to Africa. On his first day, he received a red carpet welcome from his Kenyan counterpart William Ruto. Raisi is also scheduled to visit Uganda and Zimbabwe. This is the first trip by an Iranian president to Africa in more than a decade.

Iranian President Raisi on a three-day visit to Africa

The East African nation of Kenya was rocked by anti-government protests on the 7th of July. Thousands of Kenyans took to the streets on Friday, answering an opposition call to demonstrate over a raft of controversial tax hikes. Bonfires were lit and some major roads were blockaded by protesters. Tear gas canisters were fired upon them to break up the protests. 3 people lost their lives in these protests against tax hike. President William Ruto won the closely-contested August 2022 elections on the promise of improving the economic fortunes. He is now accused of rowing back on those very promises. In a country already suffering economic hardship & soaring prices for essential commodities, how fair is it to implement new taxes? Mohammed Saleh explores.

Kenya rocked by opposition protests over tax hike

Thousands of Kenyans are protesting against multiple tax hikes. Several instances of scuffles with the police being deported tear gas was fired on the protesters as they defied a police ban to join the demonstrations. Six people have ended up losing their lives in the protests that first broke out last week.

Kenya on the boil as protests erupt against tax hikes

<p>The visit comes as the Islamic republic tries to shore up diplomatic support to ease its international isolation, with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi also due to travel to Uganda and Zimbabwe this week on the first Africa tour by an Iranian leader in 11 years.</p>

<p>In addition to meeting Kenyan President William Ruto, Raisi will head to Uganda later Wednesday for talks with his Ugandan counterpart Yoweri Museveni and see Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Thursday.</p>

<p>Africa has emerged as a diplomatic battleground in recent months, with Russia and the West also trying to court support over Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, which has had a devastating economic impact on the continent, sending food prices soaring.</p>

<p>Western powers have also sought to deepen trade ties with the continent, along with India and China, which has been on an infrastructure spending spree in Africa.</p>

<p>Raisi described his visit to Kenya as "a turning point in the development of relations between (the) two countries".</p>

<p>He said his talks with Ruto reflected "the determination and resolve of both countries for expansion of economic and trade cooperation, political cooperation, cultural cooperation".</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-president-ebrahim-raisi-delays-africa-tour-says-kenya-614358">Iran President Ebrahim Raisi delays Africa tour, says Kenya</a></strong></p>

<p>Ruto described Iran as "a critical strategic partner for Kenya" and said the two governments had signed five MoUs (memoranda of understanding) focusing on areas including information technology, investment promotion and fisheries.</p>

<p>"These memoranda will enhance and further deepen our bilateral relations for sustainable growth and development between our two countries."</p>

<p>Ruto told reporters that Raisi had also shared plans for Iran to set up a plant in the port city of Mombasa "to manufacture an indigenous Iranian vehicle that has now been given the Kiswahili name, 'Kifaru', meaning rhino."</p>

<p>According to Iran's official IRNA news agency, Raisi is heading a delegation that includes the foreign minister as well as senior businesspeople.</p>

<p>Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani earlier expressed optimism that the three-day trip could help bolster economic and trade ties with African nations.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-men-hanged-in-public-over-shrine-attack-in-iran-613343">Two men hanged in public for attack on shrine in Iran that killed 13 people</a></strong></p>

<p>He also said on Monday that Tehran and the African continent share "common political views", without elaborating further.</p>

<p>Iran has stepped up its diplomacy in recent months to reduce its isolation and offset the impact of crippling sanctions reimposed since the 2018 withdrawal of the United States from a painstakingly negotiated nuclear deal.</p>

<p>On Saturday, Raisi welcomed Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf in a bid to boost ties with Algiers.</p>

<p>Last week, Iran became a member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), which includes Russia, China and India.</p>

<p>In March, Tehran agreed to restore ties with regional rival Saudi Arabia under a China-mediated deal. It has since been looking to re-establish relations with other countries in the region including Egypt and Morocco.</p>

<p>In June, Raisi undertook a Latin American tour that included Venezuela, Nicaragua and Cuba before a trip to Indonesia.<br />
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The visit comes as the Islamic republic tries to shore up diplomatic support to ease its international isolation, with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi also due to travel to Uganda and Zimbabwe this week on the first Africa tour by an Iranian leader in 11 years.

The visit comes as the Islamic republic tries to shore up diplomatic support to ease its international isolation, with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi also due to travel to Uganda and Zimbabwe this week on the first Africa tour by an Iranian leader in 11 years. In addition to meeting Kenyan President William Ruto, Raisi will head to Uganda later Wednesday for talks with his Ugandan counterpart Yoweri Museveni and see Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Thursday. Africa has emerged as a diplomatic battleground in recent months, with Russia and the West also trying to court support over Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, which has had a devastating economic impact on the continent, sending food prices soaring. Western powers have also sought to deepen trade ties with the continent, along with India and China, which has been on an infrastructure spending spree in Africa. Raisi described his visit to Kenya as "a turning point in the development of relations between (the) two countries". He said his talks with Ruto reflected "the determination and resolve of both countries for expansion of economic and trade cooperation, political cooperation, cultural cooperation". Also read | Iran President Ebrahim Raisi delays Africa tour, says Kenya Ruto described Iran as "a critical strategic partner for Kenya" and said the two governments had signed five MoUs (memoranda of understanding) focusing on areas including information technology, investment promotion and fisheries. "These memoranda will enhance and further deepen our bilateral relations for sustainable growth and development between our two countries." Ruto told reporters that Raisi had also shared plans for Iran to set up a plant in the port city of Mombasa "to manufacture an indigenous Iranian vehicle that has now been given the Kiswahili name, 'Kifaru', meaning rhino." According to Iran's official IRNA news agency, Raisi is heading a delegation that includes the foreign minister as well as senior businesspeople. Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani earlier expressed optimism that the three-day trip could help bolster economic and trade ties with African nations. Also read | Two men hanged in public for attack on shrine in Iran that killed 13 people He also said on Monday that Tehran and the African continent share "common political views", without elaborating further. Iran has stepped up its diplomacy in recent months to reduce its isolation and offset the impact of crippling sanctions reimposed since the 2018 withdrawal of the United States from a painstakingly negotiated nuclear deal. On Saturday, Raisi welcomed Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf in a bid to boost ties with Algiers. Last week, Iran became a member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), which includes Russia, China and India. In March, Tehran agreed to restore ties with regional rival Saudi Arabia under a China-mediated deal. It has since been looking to re-establish relations with other countries in the region including Egypt and Morocco. In June, Raisi undertook a Latin American tour that included Venezuela, Nicaragua and Cuba before a trip to Indonesia. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Iran and Kenya leaders sign trade agreements, pledge to strengthen ties

<p>Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has delayed his tour of Africa and now will kick it off a day late on Wednesday (July 12), said Kenyan foreign ministry. The announcement was made after Raisi failed to appear at a scheduled press event in Nairobi.</p>

<p>The rare visit by the Iranian president to Kenya, Uganda and Zimbabwe has come as the Islamic Republic attempts to forge new alliances and tackle its international isolation. The three-day trip will be the first by an Iranian president to Africa in 11 years.</p>

<p>On Tuesday morning, Raisi was scheduled to hold a press conference with Kenyan President William Ruto. But neither of them showed up.</p>

<p>"The schedule of the president has now been reviewed to allow for finalisation of key MoUs (memoranda of understanding) that are central to the furtherance of relations," Kenya's foreign ministry said.</p>

<p>"The Iranian president will now arrive tomorrow for a state visit," it said, adding that the two leaders would hold bilateral talks at 7:00 am (0400 GMT) on Wednesday.</p>

<p>A Ugandan official said Raisi's trip to the East African country would proceed as previously scheduled, with his two-day visit due to begin on Wednesday.</p>

<p>President Yoweri Museveni and his Iranian counterpart will hold talks, address the media and a business forum during the visit, said Faruk Kirunda, deputy press secretary to the Ugandan leader.</p>

<h2><strong>Iran not pursuing nuclear weapons currently: US</strong></h2>

<p>A United States assessment has said that Iran is not pursuing nuclear weapons at the moment. However, it says that Iran has ramped up activities which could help it develop them.</p>

<p>The assessment has come from the office of the Director of National Intelligence and was released on Monday (July 10). It says that Iran has taken steps to increase its capacity to make an atomic bomb since 2020 but has stopped short of that so far.</p>

<p>The findings corresponded with previous U.S. assessments about Iran's nuclear programme, although many in Congress and elsewhere have been sceptical of those.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-men-hanged-in-public-over-shrine-attack-in-iran-613343">Two men hanged in public over shrine attack in Iran</a></strong></p>

<p>The Biden administration has been intent on returning to the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran. The deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action or JCPOA was struck during the Obama administration but his successor, former president Donald Trump pulled USA out of it.</p>

<p>The effort to revive the deal has become complicated in recent months due to suspension of chief negotiator Rob Malley who has been placed on unpaid leave last month pending investigation into claims that he mishandled information.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has delayed his tour of Africa and now will kick it off a day late on Wednesday (July 12), said Kenyan foreign ministry. The announcement was made after Raisi failed to appear at a scheduled press event in Nairobi.

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has delayed his tour of Africa and now will kick it off a day late on Wednesday (July 12), said Kenyan foreign ministry. The announcement was made after Raisi failed to appear at a scheduled press event in Nairobi. The rare visit by the Iranian president to Kenya, Uganda and Zimbabwe has come as the Islamic Republic attempts to forge new alliances and tackle its international isolation. The three-day trip will be the first by an Iranian president to Africa in 11 years. On Tuesday morning, Raisi was scheduled to hold a press conference with Kenyan President William Ruto. But neither of them showed up. "The schedule of the president has now been reviewed to allow for finalisation of key MoUs (memoranda of understanding) that are central to the furtherance of relations," Kenya's foreign ministry said. "The Iranian president will now arrive tomorrow for a state visit," it said, adding that the two leaders would hold bilateral talks at 7:00 am (0400 GMT) on Wednesday. A Ugandan official said Raisi's trip to the East African country would proceed as previously scheduled, with his two-day visit due to begin on Wednesday. President Yoweri Museveni and his Iranian counterpart will hold talks, address the media and a business forum during the visit, said Faruk Kirunda, deputy press secretary to the Ugandan leader. Iran not pursuing nuclear weapons currently: US A United States assessment has said that Iran is not pursuing nuclear weapons at the moment. However, it says that Iran has ramped up activities which could help it develop them. The assessment has come from the office of the Director of National Intelligence and was released on Monday (July 10). It says that Iran has taken steps to increase its capacity to make an atomic bomb since 2020 but has stopped short of that so far. The findings corresponded with previous U.S. assessments about Iran's nuclear programme, although many in Congress and elsewhere have been sceptical of those. Also Read | Two men hanged in public over shrine attack in Iran The Biden administration has been intent on returning to the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran. The deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action or JCPOA was struck during the Obama administration but his successor, former president Donald Trump pulled USA out of it. The effort to revive the deal has become complicated in recent months due to suspension of chief negotiator Rob Malley who has been placed on unpaid leave last month pending investigation into claims that he mishandled information. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Iran President Ebrahim Raisi fails to appear at Nairobi press meet; Africa tour delayed, says Kenya

Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi has postponed his State visit to Kenya. Raisi was set to tour Kenya, Uganda and Zimbabwe for a three-day official tour. This would have been the first such trip for an Iranian president in 11 years. The postponement comes without any explanation or prior public intermission from the Iranian government.

Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi cancels Kenya state visit

<p>In what comes as a violation of workers as well as human rights, three senior managers at a Kenyan dairy company have been arrested over allegations of indecent assault. The managers forced a group of female employees to strip in order to determine which of them were on their period.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The shocking incident took place last week at&nbsp;Brown’s Food Company’s dairy factory&nbsp;located in Limuru, central Kenya. Interestingly, all three managers were women and they undertook the strip search to find out who had put the sanitary pad in the wrong bin.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sub-County Police Commander Philip Mwania said the three managers had been arrested and would be presented before the court once investigations were complete.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Company issues statement&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>After the controversy snowballed, the company took evasive measures and suspended the managers. It also released a statement saying an investigation had been launched to reach the end of the "shocking" incident.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Brown’s is a women-led business and works hard to provide a working environment that is safe for all employees. Brown’s has formal HR policies and systems in place and this incident does not reflect the procedures of the company as a whole. We realise we must do better and understand how this happened,” the company said.</p>

<p>“The public is holding us accountable and we will continue to update you on the progress which is being made and the resolution to those affected.”</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kenya-doomsday-cult-death-site-to-be-turned-into-national-memorial-601942"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Kenya doomsday cult deaths’ site to be turned into national memorial: Minister</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>The incident came to light late&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Although the incident took place last week, it only gained prominence after&nbsp;Senator Gloria Orwoba posted a video on social media saying she had received some distress calls about it.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It is unfortunate that the matter at Brownscheese Company in Limuru has escalated despite this morning's intervention through my office. All institutions should purpose to implement the MHM Policy in Kenya for the good of all stakeholders," tweeted&nbsp;Orwoba.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-plus-experiencing-painful-periods-it-could-be-endometriosis-610911"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas Plus: Experiencing painful periods? It could be endometriosis</strong></a></p>

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<p>The company is now corresponding with&nbsp;Orwoba, known for campaigning against period shaming, to learn the best practices to "implement a menstrual hygiene management policy”.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the Institute of Human Resource Management said it was "shocked" by the allegations and would conduct an investigation into the&nbsp;“unprofessional conduct”. According to experts, period shaming is a serious problem in the African nation. A 14-year-old girl was forced to take her life in 2019 when she was allegedly shamed by a teacher in class after her uniform was stained by period blood.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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In what comes as a violation of workers as well as human rights, three senior managers at a Kenyan dairy company have been arrested over allegations of indecent assault.

In what comes as a violation of workers as well as human rights, three senior managers at a Kenyan dairy company have been arrested over allegations of indecent assault. The managers forced a group of female employees to strip in order to determine which of them were on their period. The shocking incident took place last week at Brown’s Food Company’s dairy factory located in Limuru, central Kenya. Interestingly, all three managers were women and they undertook the strip search to find out who had put the sanitary pad in the wrong bin. Sub-County Police Commander Philip Mwania said the three managers had been arrested and would be presented before the court once investigations were complete. Company issues statement After the controversy snowballed, the company took evasive measures and suspended the managers. It also released a statement saying an investigation had been launched to reach the end of the "shocking" incident. “Brown’s is a women-led business and works hard to provide a working environment that is safe for all employees. Brown’s has formal HR policies and systems in place and this incident does not reflect the procedures of the company as a whole. We realise we must do better and understand how this happened,” the company said. “The public is holding us accountable and we will continue to update you on the progress which is being made and the resolution to those affected.” Also read | Kenya doomsday cult deaths’ site to be turned into national memorial: Minister The incident came to light late Although the incident took place last week, it only gained prominence after Senator Gloria Orwoba posted a video on social media saying she had received some distress calls about it. "It is unfortunate that the matter at Brownscheese Company in Limuru has escalated despite this morning's intervention through my office. All institutions should purpose to implement the MHM Policy in Kenya for the good of all stakeholders," tweeted Orwoba. WATCH | Gravitas Plus: Experiencing painful periods? It could be endometriosis × The company is now corresponding with Orwoba, known for campaigning against period shaming, to learn the best practices to "implement a menstrual hygiene management policy”. Meanwhile, the Institute of Human Resource Management said it was "shocked" by the allegations and would conduct an investigation into the “unprofessional conduct”. According to experts, period shaming is a serious problem in the African nation. A 14-year-old girl was forced to take her life in 2019 when she was allegedly shamed by a teacher in class after her uniform was stained by period blood. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Kenya: 3 arrested for forcing women employees to strip over sanitary pad

Anti-government demonstrators in Kenya lit bonfires and barricaded major roads in the capital Friday as part of nationwide protests against the government’s plans to increase taxes. Police detained more than 20 protesters.

Kenya: Police clash with anti-tax hike protesters, dozens arrested

<p>Kenyans in multiple cities across the country took to the streets in protest of a new finance law which has sought to raise taxes including doubling the fuel tax as well as introducing a housing levy for employees, reported the local media. This has since reportedly prompted the Kenyan police to fire teargas in a crowd of thousands of opposition protesters, on Friday (July 7) to disperse the protesters in the capital city of Nairobi.</p>

<h2><strong>Protests&nbsp;on Friday</strong></h2>

<p>According to local media reports, the protests that began at around 9:00 am (local time), on Friday called for by the opposition leader Raila Odinga, gained momentum across the country by afternoon,&nbsp;over a raft of controversial tax hikes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Kenyan police also fired tear gas in the capital city of Nairobi to disperse the protesters who had barricaded sections of two roads, reported the Daily Nation newspaper. Additionally, the local media has also reported that shops and businesses were closed in downtown Nairobi, while they were still open in the main central business district.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There was also reportedly a heavy deployment of police in the capital city’s central business district where the main government buildings are located with officers patrolling on foot, in vehicles and on horseback. Additionally, several roads in Nairobi were also closed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The protests have been dubbed “Saba Saba” (Seven Seven) as it is taking place on the seventh day of the seventh month. Odinga also addressed a crowd of at least 2,000 supporters in an open ground just outside of the main business district in the afternoon.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the Daily Nation, police also fired tear gas at the Azimio la Umoja leader’s convoy after the party leaders told supporters at Kamukunji Grounds to march to Nairobi’s Central Park. However, some protesters also threw rocks at officers before turning back after the police started firing teargas to stop the crowd, reported Reuters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tear gas was fired to disperse protesters in the city of Mombasa as people chanted “the struggle is not over,” reported the news agency AFP. Meanwhile, footage aired by&nbsp;KTN News shows motorists taking u-turns and scrambling to get away from the tear-gas-drenched street in Mombasa while protesters fled on foot.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to reports protesters also clashed with the police in Kisii municipality where demonstrators blocked several roads into the area.</p>

<p><strong>Dozens arrested</strong><br />
<br />
According to a coalition of human rights groups said police&nbsp;arrested 17 protesters in&nbsp;Nairobi. In a statement, the&nbsp;group of 10 watchdogs said "We witnessed protesters being dragged on the ground," and called for an investigation into police&nbsp;during the protests. However, the arrests were not immediately confirmed by officials.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What is the new finance bill about?</strong></h2>

<p>In recent weeks, Odinga’s Azimio alliance has repeatedly called for anti-government protests over the impact of the tax increases which have been opposed at a time when people in the country are struggling to buy basic commodities such as maize flour.</p>

<p>“I hope this demo will make a difference,” a 24-year-old manual worker, Alex Dwisa, told AFP. He added, “The cost of living is too high, I don’t have 10k (10,000 Kenyan shillings/$70) to send my two kids to school.”</p>

<p>The Finance Act would impose new taxes or increases on a range of basic goods such as fuel, food as well as mobile money transfers. The bill recently signed into law has also sought to levy additional taxes on Kenyans to fund a housing scheme.</p>

<p>This comes as President William Ruto signed the finance bill into law which is expected to raise an extra 200 billion shillings ($1.42 billion) a year to help the country’s growing debt repayment. Ruto’s government has previously defended the decision to raise taxes and said it would also help create jobs and reduce public borrowing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Critics have also accused Ruto of backing out on his election campaign promises. “Kenyans elected leaders to parliament and they have betrayed them,” said Odinga on Friday, as quoted by AFP. He added, “Ruto himself who took over power illegally has betrayed Kenyans.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>This also comes as last week, the High Court suspended the implementation of the finance law. However, the incumbent government raised retail prices of petrol anyway, prompting an opposition senator to file a case against the head of the energy sector regulator for contempt and sought imprisonment.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
<br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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Kenyans in multiple cities across the country took to the streets in protest of a new finance law which has sought to raise taxes including doubling the fuel tax as well as introducing a housing levy for employees, reported the local media.

Kenyans in multiple cities across the country took to the streets in protest of a new finance law which has sought to raise taxes including doubling the fuel tax as well as introducing a housing levy for employees, reported the local media. This has since reportedly prompted the Kenyan police to fire teargas in a crowd of thousands of opposition protesters, on Friday (July 7) to disperse the protesters in the capital city of Nairobi. Protests on Friday According to local media reports, the protests that began at around 9:00 am (local time), on Friday called for by the opposition leader Raila Odinga, gained momentum across the country by afternoon, over a raft of controversial tax hikes. The Kenyan police also fired tear gas in the capital city of Nairobi to disperse the protesters who had barricaded sections of two roads, reported the Daily Nation newspaper. Additionally, the local media has also reported that shops and businesses were closed in downtown Nairobi, while they were still open in the main central business district. There was also reportedly a heavy deployment of police in the capital city’s central business district where the main government buildings are located with officers patrolling on foot, in vehicles and on horseback. Additionally, several roads in Nairobi were also closed. The protests have been dubbed “Saba Saba” (Seven Seven) as it is taking place on the seventh day of the seventh month. Odinga also addressed a crowd of at least 2,000 supporters in an open ground just outside of the main business district in the afternoon. According to the Daily Nation, police also fired tear gas at the Azimio la Umoja leader’s convoy after the party leaders told supporters at Kamukunji Grounds to march to Nairobi’s Central Park. However, some protesters also threw rocks at officers before turning back after the police started firing teargas to stop the crowd, reported Reuters. Tear gas was fired to disperse protesters in the city of Mombasa as people chanted “the struggle is not over,” reported the news agency AFP. Meanwhile, footage aired by KTN News shows motorists taking u-turns and scrambling to get away from the tear-gas-drenched street in Mombasa while protesters fled on foot. According to reports protesters also clashed with the police in Kisii municipality where demonstrators blocked several roads into the area. Dozens arrested According to a coalition of human rights groups said police arrested 17 protesters in Nairobi. In a statement, the group of 10 watchdogs said "We witnessed protesters being dragged on the ground," and called for an investigation into police during the protests. However, the arrests were not immediately confirmed by officials. What is the new finance bill about? In recent weeks, Odinga’s Azimio alliance has repeatedly called for anti-government protests over the impact of the tax increases which have been opposed at a time when people in the country are struggling to buy basic commodities such as maize flour. “I hope this demo will make a difference,” a 24-year-old manual worker, Alex Dwisa, told AFP. He added, “The cost of living is too high, I don’t have 10k (10,000 Kenyan shillings/$70) to send my two kids to school.” The Finance Act would impose new taxes or increases on a range of basic goods such as fuel, food as well as mobile money transfers. The bill recently signed into law has also sought to levy additional taxes on Kenyans to fund a housing scheme. This comes as President William Ruto signed the finance bill into law which is expected to raise an extra 200 billion shillings ($1.42 billion) a year to help the country’s growing debt repayment. Ruto’s government has previously defended the decision to raise taxes and said it would also help create jobs and reduce public borrowing. Critics have also accused Ruto of backing out on his election campaign promises. “Kenyans elected leaders to parliament and they have betrayed them,” said Odinga on Friday, as quoted by AFP. He added, “Ruto himself who took over power illegally has betrayed Kenyans.” This also comes as last week, the High Court suspended the implementation of the finance law. However, the incumbent government raised retail prices of petrol anyway, prompting an opposition senator to file a case against the head of the energy sector regulator for contempt and sought imprisonment. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Kenyan police fire tear gas to stop opposition protests over tax hikes, dozens arrested

According to reports, a truck crashed into several vehicles in Kenya, killing at least 49 people. This is thought to be the deadliest road disaster in Kenya in recent years.

Kenya: 49  killed after truck rams into multiple vehicles

<p>At least 49&nbsp;people lost their lives after a truck rammed into several other vehicles at a busy junction in western Kenya on Friday night, said the police.</p>

<p>As per AFP reports, the television images showed horrific scenes of destruction at the site of the road crash with debris of&nbsp;several minibuses and the overturned truck as rescue workers hunted in darkness for people feared trapped.</p>

<p>"So far, we can confirm 48 dead and we are suspecting one or two are still trapped under the truck," local police commander Geoffrey Mayek told AFP after the accident on the highway between the towns of Kericho and Nakuru at around 6:30 pm (1530 GMT).</p>

<p>Another 30 people had sustained serious injuries in the road crash and were rushed immediately to the hospital, he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He further warned that the death toll could rise.</p>

<p>"I have seen a very bad scene, bodies and blood all over. So many people are dead," said one witness, Maureen Jepkoech.</p>

<p>Tom Mboya Odero, the regional police commander for the Rift Valley, said the truck travelling towards Kericho "lost control and rammed into eight vehicles, several motorcycles, people who were by the roadside, vendors, and other people who were on other businesses".&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Kenyan leaders express condolences&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Kenyan leaders, including President William Ruto, expressed their condolences after the incident which took place at Londiani junction.</p>

<p>Transport Minister Kipchumba Murkomen took to Twitter and said that the rescue efforts would be followed by a probe to find out the cause of the accident.</p>

<p>Collins Kipkoech, a senior doctor at Kericho County Hospital, said his facility's morgue had so far received 45 bodies while more victims were taken to other hospitals "and the rescue is still ongoing".</p>

<p>"The truck was at high speed and it was hooting. It tried to avoid several vehicles before it came straight into the market," AFP quoted witness Jepkoech as saying.</p>

<p>"All I can say is that I am lucky to be alive because I saw what happened and I am alive because I ran, I am just lucky," she added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Another witness, Joel Rotich, said: "The accident happened in a flash, many of them had no time to escape.</p>

<p>"There was a lot of confusion because people were screaming all over and everyone was running after the accident," he added.</p>

<p>"It took some time before people gathered courage and started helping those injured."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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At least 49 people lost their lives after a truck rammed into several other vehicles at a busy junction in western Kenya on Friday night, said the police. As per AFP reports, the television images showed horrific scenes of destruction at the site of the road crash with debris of several minibuses and the overturned truck as rescue workers hunted in darkness for people feared trapped.

At least 49 people lost their lives after a truck rammed into several other vehicles at a busy junction in western Kenya on Friday night, said the police. As per AFP reports, the television images showed horrific scenes of destruction at the site of the road crash with debris of several minibuses and the overturned truck as rescue workers hunted in darkness for people feared trapped. "So far, we can confirm 48 dead and we are suspecting one or two are still trapped under the truck," local police commander Geoffrey Mayek told AFP after the accident on the highway between the towns of Kericho and Nakuru at around 6:30 pm (1530 GMT). Another 30 people had sustained serious injuries in the road crash and were rushed immediately to the hospital, he said. He further warned that the death toll could rise. "I have seen a very bad scene, bodies and blood all over. So many people are dead," said one witness, Maureen Jepkoech. Tom Mboya Odero, the regional police commander for the Rift Valley, said the truck travelling towards Kericho "lost control and rammed into eight vehicles, several motorcycles, people who were by the roadside, vendors, and other people who were on other businesses". Kenyan leaders express condolences Kenyan leaders, including President William Ruto, expressed their condolences after the incident which took place at Londiani junction. Transport Minister Kipchumba Murkomen took to Twitter and said that the rescue efforts would be followed by a probe to find out the cause of the accident. Collins Kipkoech, a senior doctor at Kericho County Hospital, said his facility's morgue had so far received 45 bodies while more victims were taken to other hospitals "and the rescue is still ongoing". "The truck was at high speed and it was hooting. It tried to avoid several vehicles before it came straight into the market," AFP quoted witness Jepkoech as saying. "All I can say is that I am lucky to be alive because I saw what happened and I am alive because I ran, I am just lucky," she added. Another witness, Joel Rotich, said: "The accident happened in a flash, many of them had no time to escape. "There was a lot of confusion because people were screaming all over and everyone was running after the accident," he added. "It took some time before people gathered courage and started helping those injured." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Road crash in Kenya claims lives of at least 49 as rampaging truck rams several vehicles

According to reports, a truck crashed into several vehicles in Kenya, killing at least 48 people. This is thought to be the deadliest road disaster in Kenya in recent years.

Kenya: At least 48 killed after truck rams into multiple vehicles

As the pandemic becomes a thing of the past, various cultural events and activities have resumed in various African countries. On one hand, Morocco resumed its musical festival, 'Nau-Wa'; on the other hand, Kenya's World Rally Championship made a successful comeback.

Events galore in Morocco, Kenya: Concerts, safari rallies mark return

The escalating hunger crisis in African countries needs urgent intervention as up to 30 million people in five countries in the continent are projected to require humanitarian food assistance this year, according to a report.

Over 30 million in 5 African countries may need food aid this year: UN

<p>Al-Shabaab jihadists have killed five civilians, some by beheading, in eastern Kenya, a witness and a police source told AFP on Sunday.</p>

<p>The attack occurred on Saturday around 7:30 pm (1630 GMT) in the villages of Juhudi and Salama in Lamu county, which borders Somalia, the police source said.</p>

<p>"Five people were killed. The victims were slashed and there are others who were beheaded."</p>

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<p>Resident Hassan Abdul said that "women were locked in the houses and the men ordered out, where they were tied with ropes and butchered".</p>

<p>A secondary school student was among the five people killed, Abdul said, adding that "all those killed were slashed and some of them had been beheaded".</p>

<p>Another local resident, Ismail Hussein, said that the militants stole food supplies before leaving, firing their arms into the air.</p>

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<p>Based in Kenya's eastern neighbour Somalia, the jihadist Al-Shabaab group has been waging a bloody insurgency against the fragile government in Mogadishu for more than 15 years.</p>

<p>Kenya first sent troops into Somalia in 2011 to combat the Al-Qaeda-affiliated Islamist militants and is now a major contributor of troops to an African Union military operation against the group.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | PM Modi conferred with Egypt's highest state honour in Cairo</strong></p>

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<p>But it has suffered a string of retaliatory assaults, including a bloody siege at the Westgate mall in Nairobi in 2013 that cost 67 lives and an attack on Garissa University in 2015 that killed 148 people.</p>

<p>In Somalia itself, Al-Shabaab has continued to wage deadly attacks despite a major offensive launched last August by pro-government forces, backed by the AU force known as ATMIS.</p>

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Al-Shabaab jihadists have killed five civilians, some by beheading, in eastern Kenya, a witness and a police source told AFP on Sunday. The attack occurred on Saturday around 7:30 pm (1630 GMT) in the villages of Juhudi and Salama in Lamu county, which borders Somalia, the police source said.

Al-Shabaab jihadists have killed five civilians, some by beheading, in eastern Kenya, a witness and a police source told AFP on Sunday. The attack occurred on Saturday around 7:30 pm (1630 GMT) in the villages of Juhudi and Salama in Lamu county, which borders Somalia, the police source said. "Five people were killed. The victims were slashed and there are others who were beheaded." Also Read | Bamboo could be a game changer in renewable energy. Here's how Resident Hassan Abdul said that "women were locked in the houses and the men ordered out, where they were tied with ropes and butchered". A secondary school student was among the five people killed, Abdul said, adding that "all those killed were slashed and some of them had been beheaded". Another local resident, Ismail Hussein, said that the militants stole food supplies before leaving, firing their arms into the air. Also Read | Porn platform owner: Society proud of sexual expression, adult content to become 'boring' Based in Kenya's eastern neighbour Somalia, the jihadist Al-Shabaab group has been waging a bloody insurgency against the fragile government in Mogadishu for more than 15 years. Kenya first sent troops into Somalia in 2011 to combat the Al-Qaeda-affiliated Islamist militants and is now a major contributor of troops to an African Union military operation against the group. Watch | PM Modi conferred with Egypt's highest state honour in Cairo × But it has suffered a string of retaliatory assaults, including a bloody siege at the Westgate mall in Nairobi in 2013 that cost 67 lives and an attack on Garissa University in 2015 that killed 148 people. In Somalia itself, Al-Shabaab has continued to wage deadly attacks despite a major offensive launched last August by pro-government forces, backed by the AU force known as ATMIS. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Al-Shabaab jihadists kill five civilians, including a student, in east Kenya: Report

<p>In a shocking development, the death toll in a probe linked to a Kenyan pastor who advised followers to starve themselves in order to "meet Jesus Christ" has crossed 300 after 19 new bodies were found on Tuesday, said a senior official.</p>

<p>As per AFP reports, police believe that the dead bodies discovered in a forest close to the Indian Ocean town of Malindi are the followers of preacher Paul Nthenge Mackenzie, who has been in police custody since April 14.</p>

<p>He is due to face charges of "terrorism" in the case.</p>

<p>"The death toll has now risen to 303 after the 19 bodies were exhumed," AFP quoted Coast Regional Commissioner Rhoda Onyancha as saying.</p>

<p>As per the regional official, more than 600 people are still missing.</p>

<p>The self-styled pastor and founder of the Good News International Church handed himself over to the police on April 14 and was denied bail.</p>

<p>According to chief government pathologist Johansen Oduor, though starvation appears to be the main cause of death, some of the victims, including children, were strangled, beaten or suffocated.</p>

<h2><strong>Kenya doomsday cult deaths’ site to be turned into national memorial</strong></h2>

<p>Kenyan authorities will be converting the coastal forest where bodies of people linked to a doomsday cult were&nbsp;buried, into a national memorial, according to Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kindiki said the forest "where grave crimes have been committed will not remain as it was".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The government will convert it into a national memorial, a place of remembrance so that Kenyans and the world do not forget what happened here," he said in a statement.</p>

<p>After the exhuming process is completed, a multi-faith ceremony will be held at the site “to secure the sacred right and freedom of worship that has been violated by crooks hiding behind scriptures to radicalise and indoctrinate their followers", added Kindiki.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The mass graves were discovered in Shakahola forest, a 325-hectare (800-acre) bushland that lies inland from the Indian Ocean town of Malindi. Authorities had extended their investigation to a ranch in the area stretching over more than 14,980 hectares (37,000 acres).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last week, during a court appearance, Mackenzie told reporters that he had “never seen anybody starving” when asked about accusations that his followers and their children starved themselves following his instructions. He added that the hearing was a "matter of intimidation" and time-wasting.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per the Coast Regional Commissioner, over 600 people have been reported missing, including from villages around the forest.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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In a shocking development, the death toll in a probe linked to a Kenyan pastor who advised followers to starve themselves in order to "meet Jesus Christ" has crossed 300 after 19 new bodies were found on Tuesday, said a senior official.

In a shocking development, the death toll in a probe linked to a Kenyan pastor who advised followers to starve themselves in order to "meet Jesus Christ" has crossed 300 after 19 new bodies were found on Tuesday, said a senior official. As per AFP reports, police believe that the dead bodies discovered in a forest close to the Indian Ocean town of Malindi are the followers of preacher Paul Nthenge Mackenzie, who has been in police custody since April 14. He is due to face charges of "terrorism" in the case. "The death toll has now risen to 303 after the 19 bodies were exhumed," AFP quoted Coast Regional Commissioner Rhoda Onyancha as saying. As per the regional official, more than 600 people are still missing. The self-styled pastor and founder of the Good News International Church handed himself over to the police on April 14 and was denied bail. According to chief government pathologist Johansen Oduor, though starvation appears to be the main cause of death, some of the victims, including children, were strangled, beaten or suffocated. Kenya doomsday cult deaths’ site to be turned into national memorial Kenyan authorities will be converting the coastal forest where bodies of people linked to a doomsday cult were buried, into a national memorial, according to Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki. Kindiki said the forest "where grave crimes have been committed will not remain as it was". "The government will convert it into a national memorial, a place of remembrance so that Kenyans and the world do not forget what happened here," he said in a statement. After the exhuming process is completed, a multi-faith ceremony will be held at the site “to secure the sacred right and freedom of worship that has been violated by crooks hiding behind scriptures to radicalise and indoctrinate their followers", added Kindiki. The mass graves were discovered in Shakahola forest, a 325-hectare (800-acre) bushland that lies inland from the Indian Ocean town of Malindi. Authorities had extended their investigation to a ranch in the area stretching over more than 14,980 hectares (37,000 acres). Last week, during a court appearance, Mackenzie told reporters that he had “never seen anybody starving” when asked about accusations that his followers and their children starved themselves following his instructions. He added that the hearing was a "matter of intimidation" and time-wasting. As per the Coast Regional Commissioner, over 600 people have been reported missing, including from villages around the forest. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Kenyan starvation cult Death toll surpasses 300 after authorities find 19 more bodies

Maasai community inaugurates a festival that highlights their clothing and heritage that heavily draw tourists.

Maasai culture in spotlight

Romania is recalling its ambassador to Kenya back to Bucharest and has apologized after its envoy in Nairobi allegedly compared a monkey to African diplomats.

Romania recalls ambassador who allegedly compared a monkey to African diplomats

<p>Kenyan authorities will be converting the coastal forest where bodies of more than 250 people linked to a doomsday Christian cult were killed and buried, into a national memorial, according to&nbsp;Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kindiki said the forest&nbsp;"where grave crimes have been committed will not remain as it was".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The government will convert it into a national memorial, a place of remembrance so that Kenyans and the world do not forget what happened here," he said in a statement.</p>

<p>After the exhuming process is completed, a multi-faith ceremony will be held at the site&nbsp;“to secure the sacred right and freedom of worship that has been violated by crooks hiding behind scriptures to radicalise and indoctrinate their followers", added&nbsp;Kindiki.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-the-kenya-christian-cult-deaths-586147"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: The Kenya Christian cult deaths</strong></a></p>

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<p>The mass graves were discovered in&nbsp;Shakahola forest, a 325-hectare (800-acre) bushland that lies inland from the Indian Ocean town of Malindi. The minister, however, stated that the cult's activities spread far and beyond the Shakahola forest. Authorities had extended their investigation to&nbsp;a ranch in the area stretching over more than 14,980 hectares (37,000 acres).&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the latest reports, the total death toll in the case has risen to 251&nbsp;with&nbsp;additional bodies being discovered on Tuesday, following the start of the third phase of the exhumation process.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>The shocking Kenya religious starvation cult</strong></h2>

<p>In April, the Kenyan authorities raided the premises of Paul Makenzie Nthenge, a pastor who ran the Good News International Church and advised followers to starve themselves in order to "meet Jesus".&nbsp;</p>

<p>A former deputy preacher of the cult, Titus Katana said children were the&nbsp;first to perish and were asked to “to fast in the sun so they would die faster", according to reports.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>After Katana left the cult, he said he went to the police to report that “kids are dying” in the forest but to no avail.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“They [Police] never took any action until it was too late,” he said.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/children-were-targetted-to-die-first-in-kenya-doomsday-cult-killings-report-592510"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Children were targetted to die first in Kenya doomsday cult killings: Report</strong></a></p>

<p>Since then, the case has gained international prominence with another pastor named&nbsp;Ezekiel Odero named as the second culprit, responsible for&nbsp;murder, aiding suicide, abduction, radicalisation, crimes against humanity, child cruelty, fraud, and money laundering.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last week, during a court appearance, Mackenzie told reporters that he had&nbsp;“never seen anybody starving” when asked about accusations that his followers and their children starved themselves following his instructions. He added that the hearing was a "matter of intimidation" and time-wasting.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per the Coast Regional Commissioner, over 600 people have been reported missing, including from villages around the forest.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
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Kenyan authorities will be converting the coastal forest where bodies of more than 250 people linked to a doomsday Christian cult were killed and buried, into a national memorial, according to Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki.

Kenyan authorities will be converting the coastal forest where bodies of more than 250 people linked to a doomsday Christian cult were killed and buried, into a national memorial, according to Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki. Kindiki said the forest "where grave crimes have been committed will not remain as it was". "The government will convert it into a national memorial, a place of remembrance so that Kenyans and the world do not forget what happened here," he said in a statement. After the exhuming process is completed, a multi-faith ceremony will be held at the site “to secure the sacred right and freedom of worship that has been violated by crooks hiding behind scriptures to radicalise and indoctrinate their followers", added Kindiki. WATCH | Gravitas: The Kenya Christian cult deaths × The mass graves were discovered in Shakahola forest, a 325-hectare (800-acre) bushland that lies inland from the Indian Ocean town of Malindi. The minister, however, stated that the cult's activities spread far and beyond the Shakahola forest. Authorities had extended their investigation to a ranch in the area stretching over more than 14,980 hectares (37,000 acres). According to the latest reports, the total death toll in the case has risen to 251 with additional bodies being discovered on Tuesday, following the start of the third phase of the exhumation process. The shocking Kenya religious starvation cult In April, the Kenyan authorities raided the premises of Paul Makenzie Nthenge, a pastor who ran the Good News International Church and advised followers to starve themselves in order to "meet Jesus". A former deputy preacher of the cult, Titus Katana said children were the first to perish and were asked to “to fast in the sun so they would die faster", according to reports. After Katana left the cult, he said he went to the police to report that “kids are dying” in the forest but to no avail. “They [Police] never took any action until it was too late,” he said. Also read | Children were targetted to die first in Kenya doomsday cult killings: Report Since then, the case has gained international prominence with another pastor named Ezekiel Odero named as the second culprit, responsible for murder, aiding suicide, abduction, radicalisation, crimes against humanity, child cruelty, fraud, and money laundering. Last week, during a court appearance, Mackenzie told reporters that he had “never seen anybody starving” when asked about accusations that his followers and their children starved themselves following his instructions. He added that the hearing was a "matter of intimidation" and time-wasting. As per the Coast Regional Commissioner, over 600 people have been reported missing, including from villages around the forest. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Kenya doomsday cult deaths’ site to be turned into national memorial: Minister

<p>The UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s grandfather reportedly helped Kenyan freedom fighters organise a revolt against brutal British rule in the 1950s. As per revelations made by the Daily Mail, Rishi Sunak’s grandfather Ramdas Sunak was involved in training Kenya’s Mau Mau fighters in guerrilla techniques.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ramdas Sunak was able to carry out pro-freedom activities while being on the British payroll. He first worked as a clerk and then as a senior administrator in the finance and justice departments, as reported by the UK’s media outlet.</p>

<p>The Daily Mail report also claimed that Ramdas was a member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), India’s nationalist group associated with the ruling Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP).</p>

<h2><strong>Ramdas Sunak’s involvement in Kenya’s freedom movement</strong></h2>

<p>Ramdas reportedly went to Kenya’s Nairobi from India’s Punjab as a young man and later participated in the country’s freedom movement through a childhood friend named Makhan Singh. The latter also hailed from Punjab, who became&nbsp;a prominent trade unionist in Kenya and a supporter of the Mau Mau fighters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After independence, Ramdas decided to move to Britain after facing racism in Kenya, where his two sons were already studying at the university. As per the report, he later settled in Southampton, where he helped to establish the Vedic Society Hindu Temple.</p>

<h2><strong>Who were Mau Mau fighters?</strong></h2>

<p>The Mau Mau fighters were a group of Kenyan nationalists who played a significant role in the struggle for independence from British colonial rule in the 1950s. The term "Mau Mau" originally referred to the Land and Freedom Army, which was an armed movement composed primarily of members of the Kikuyu ethnic group, the largest ethnic group in Kenya.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Kenya becomes the dumping ground for textile waste</strong></p>

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<p>The Mau Mau uprising, also known as the Mau Mau rebellion or emergency, began in 1952 as a response to the injustices and inequalities imposed by British colonial policies, particularly the loss of land and political rights for the Kenyan people. The Mau Mau fighters aimed to reclaim their ancestral lands, oppose British domination and establish an independent Kenya.</p>

<h2><strong>British rule marked by brutality and human rights abuses</strong></h2>

<p>The Mau Mau fighters employed various guerrilla tactics, including ambushes, raids, and acts of sabotage, to challenge British rule. They targeted both colonial officials and loyalist Africans who supported the British administration. The movement gained momentum and support from various segments of the Kenyan population, and its influence spread beyond the Kikuyu community.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-hackers-attacked-kenyan-government-as-debt-strains-grew-596119"><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;Chinese hackers attacked Kenyan government as debt strains grew</strong></a></p>

<p>The British authorities responded with a heavy-handed approach, declaring a state of emergency in 1952 and launching military operations against the Mau Mau fighters. The conflict was marked by brutality and human rights abuses from both sides, with the British employing harsh measures, such as mass detentions, torture, and executions.</p>

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The UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s grandfather reportedly helped Kenyan freedom fighters organise a revolt against brutal British rule in the 1950s. As per revelations made by the Daily Mail, Rishi Sunak’s grandfather Ramdas Sunak was involved in training Kenya’s Mau Mau fighters in guerrilla techniques.

The UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s grandfather reportedly helped Kenyan freedom fighters organise a revolt against brutal British rule in the 1950s. As per revelations made by the Daily Mail, Rishi Sunak’s grandfather Ramdas Sunak was involved in training Kenya’s Mau Mau fighters in guerrilla techniques. Ramdas Sunak was able to carry out pro-freedom activities while being on the British payroll. He first worked as a clerk and then as a senior administrator in the finance and justice departments, as reported by the UK’s media outlet. The Daily Mail report also claimed that Ramdas was a member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), India’s nationalist group associated with the ruling Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP). Ramdas Sunak’s involvement in Kenya’s freedom movement Ramdas reportedly went to Kenya’s Nairobi from India’s Punjab as a young man and later participated in the country’s freedom movement through a childhood friend named Makhan Singh. The latter also hailed from Punjab, who became a prominent trade unionist in Kenya and a supporter of the Mau Mau fighters. After independence, Ramdas decided to move to Britain after facing racism in Kenya, where his two sons were already studying at the university. As per the report, he later settled in Southampton, where he helped to establish the Vedic Society Hindu Temple. Who were Mau Mau fighters? The Mau Mau fighters were a group of Kenyan nationalists who played a significant role in the struggle for independence from British colonial rule in the 1950s. The term "Mau Mau" originally referred to the Land and Freedom Army, which was an armed movement composed primarily of members of the Kikuyu ethnic group, the largest ethnic group in Kenya. Watch: Kenya becomes the dumping ground for textile waste × The Mau Mau uprising, also known as the Mau Mau rebellion or emergency, began in 1952 as a response to the injustices and inequalities imposed by British colonial policies, particularly the loss of land and political rights for the Kenyan people. The Mau Mau fighters aimed to reclaim their ancestral lands, oppose British domination and establish an independent Kenya. British rule marked by brutality and human rights abuses The Mau Mau fighters employed various guerrilla tactics, including ambushes, raids, and acts of sabotage, to challenge British rule. They targeted both colonial officials and loyalist Africans who supported the British administration. The movement gained momentum and support from various segments of the Kenyan population, and its influence spread beyond the Kikuyu community. Also Read | Chinese hackers attacked Kenyan government as debt strains grew The British authorities responded with a heavy-handed approach, declaring a state of emergency in 1952 and launching military operations against the Mau Mau fighters. The conflict was marked by brutality and human rights abuses from both sides, with the British employing harsh measures, such as mass detentions, torture, and executions. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Rishi Sunak’s grandfather helped Kenyans stage revolt against British rule: Report

<p>Chinese hackers targeted Kenya's government in a widespread, years-long series of digital intrusions against key ministries and state institutions, according to three sources, cybersecurity research reports and Reuters' own analysis of technical data related to the hackings.</p>

<p>Two of the sources assessed the hacks to be aimed, at least in part, at gaining information on debt owed to Beijing by the East African nation: Kenya is a strategic link in the Belt and Road Initiative - President Xi Jinping's plan for a global infrastructure network.</p>

<p>"Further compromises may occur as the requirement for understanding upcoming repayment strategies becomes needed," a July 2021 research report written by a defence contractor for private clients stated.</p>

<p>China's foreign ministry said it was "not aware" of any such hacking, while China's embassy in Britain called the accusations "baseless", adding that Beijing opposes and combats "cyberattacks and theft in all their forms."&nbsp;</p>

<p>China's influence in Africa has grown rapidly over the past two decades. But, like several African nations, Kenya's finances are being strained by the growing cost of servicing external debt - much of it owed to China.</p>

<p>The hacking campaign demonstrates China's willingness to leverage its espionage capabilities to monitor and protect economic and strategic interests abroad, two of the sources said.</p>

<p>The hacks constitute a three-year campaign that targeted eight of Kenya's ministries and government departments, including the presidential office, according to an intelligence analyst in the region. The analyst also shared with Reuters research documents that included the timeline of attacks, the targets, and provided some technical data relating to the compromise of a server used exclusively by Kenya's main spy agency.</p>

<p>A Kenyan cybersecurity expert described similar hacking activity against the foreign and finance ministries. All three of the sources asked not to be named due to the sensitive nature of their work.</p>

<p>"Your allegation of hacking attempts by Chinese Government entities is not unique," Kenya's presidential office said, adding the government had been targeted by "frequent infiltration attempts" from Chinese, American and European hackers.</p>

<p>"As far as we are concerned, none of the attempts were successful," it said.</p>

<p>It did not provide further details nor respond to follow-up questions.</p>

<p>A spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Britain said China is against "irresponsible moves that use topics like cybersecurity to sow discord in the relations between China and other developing countries".</p>

<p>"China attaches great importance to Africa's debt issue and works intensively to help Africa cope with it," the spokesperson added.</p>

<h2><strong>THE HACKS</strong></h2>

<p>Between 2000 and 2020, China committed nearly $160 billion in loans to African countries, according to a comprehensive database on Chinese lending hosted by Boston University, much of it for large-scale infrastructure projects.</p>

<p>Kenya used over $9 billion in Chinese loans to fund an aggressive push to build or upgrade railways, ports and highways.</p>

<p>Beijing became the country's largest bilateral creditor and gained a firm foothold in the most important East African consumer market and a vital logistical hub on Africa's Indian Ocean coast.</p>

<p>By late 2019, however, when the Kenyan cybersecurity expert told Reuters he was brought in by Kenyan authorities to assess a hack of a government-wide network, Chinese lending was drying up. And Kenya's financial strains were showing.</p>

<p>The breach reviewed by the Kenyan cybersecurity expert and attributed to China began with a "spearphishing" attack at the end of that same year, when a Kenyan government employee unknowingly downloaded an infected document, allowing hackers to infiltrate the network and access other agencies.</p>

<p>"A lot of documents from the ministry of foreign affairs were stolen and from the finance department as well. The attacks appeared focused on the debt situation," the Kenyan cybersecurity expert said.</p>

<p>Another source - the intelligence analyst working in the region - said Chinese hackers carried out a far-reaching campaign against Kenya that began in late 2019 and continued until at least 2022.</p>

<p>According to documents provided by the analyst, Chinese cyber spies subjected the office of Kenya's president, its defence, information, health, land and interior ministries, its counter-terrorism centre and other institutions to persistent and prolonged hacking activity.</p>

<p>The affected government departments did not respond to requests for comment, declined to be interviewed or were unreachable.</p>

<p>By 2021, global economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic had already helped push one major Chinese borrower - Zambia - to default on its external debt. Kenya managed to secure a temporary debt repayment moratorium from China.</p>

<p>In early July 2021, the cybersecurity research reports shared by the intelligence analyst in the region detailed how the hackers secretly accessed an email server used by Kenya's National Intelligence Service (NIS).</p>

<p>Reuters was able to confirm that the victim's IP address belonged to the NIS. The incident was also covered in a report from the private defence contractor reviewed by Reuters.</p>

<p>Reuters could not determine what information was taken during the hacks or conclusively establish the motive for the attacks. But the defence contractor's report said the NIS breach was possibly aimed at gleaning information on how Kenya planned to manage its debt payments.</p>

<p>"Kenya is currently feeling the pressure of these debt burdens...as many of the projects financed by Chinese loans are not generating enough income to pay for themselves yet," the report stated.</p>

<p>A Reuters review of internet logs delineating the Chinese digital espionage activity showed that a server controlled by the Chinese hackers also accessed a shared Kenyan government webmail service more recently from December 2022 until February this year.</p>

<p>Chinese officials declined to comment on this recent breach, and the Kenyan authorities did not respond to a question about it.</p>

<h2><strong>'BACKDOOR DIPLOMACY'</strong></h2>

<p>The defence contractor, pointing to identical tools and techniques used in other hacking campaigns, identified a Chinese state-linked hacking team as having carried out the attack on Kenya's intelligence agency.</p>

<p>The group is known as "BackdoorDiplomacy" in the cybersecurity research community, because of its record of trying to further the objectives of Chinese diplomatic strategy.</p>

<p>According to Slovakia-based cybersecurity firm ESET, BackdoorDiplomacy re-uses malicious software against its victims to gain access to their networks, making it possible to track their activities.</p>

<p>Provided by Reuters with the IP address of the NIS hackers, Palo Alto Networks, a U.S. cybersecurity firm that tracks BackdoorDiplomacy's activities, confirmed that it belongs to the group, adding that its prior analysis shows the group is sponsored by the Chinese state.</p>

<p>Cybersecurity researchers have documented BackdoorDiplomacy hacks targeting governments and institutions in a number of countries in Asia and Europe.</p>

<p>Incursions into the Middle East and Africa appear less common, making the focus and scale of its hacking activities in Kenya particularly noteworthy, the defence contractor's report said.</p>

<p>"This angle is clearly a priority for the group."</p>

<p>China's embassy in Britain rejected any involvement in the Kenya hackings and did not directly address questions about the government's relationship with BackdoorDiplomacy.</p>

<p>"China is a main victim of cyber theft and attacks and a staunch defender of cybersecurity," a spokesperson said.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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Chinese hackers targeted Kenya's government in a widespread, years-long series of digital intrusions against key ministries and state institutions, according to three sources, cybersecurity research reports and Reuters' own analysis of technical data related to the hackings.

Chinese hackers targeted Kenya's government in a widespread, years-long series of digital intrusions against key ministries and state institutions, according to three sources, cybersecurity research reports and Reuters' own analysis of technical data related to the hackings. Two of the sources assessed the hacks to be aimed, at least in part, at gaining information on debt owed to Beijing by the East African nation: Kenya is a strategic link in the Belt and Road Initiative - President Xi Jinping's plan for a global infrastructure network. "Further compromises may occur as the requirement for understanding upcoming repayment strategies becomes needed," a July 2021 research report written by a defence contractor for private clients stated. China's foreign ministry said it was "not aware" of any such hacking, while China's embassy in Britain called the accusations "baseless", adding that Beijing opposes and combats "cyberattacks and theft in all their forms." China's influence in Africa has grown rapidly over the past two decades. But, like several African nations, Kenya's finances are being strained by the growing cost of servicing external debt - much of it owed to China. The hacking campaign demonstrates China's willingness to leverage its espionage capabilities to monitor and protect economic and strategic interests abroad, two of the sources said. The hacks constitute a three-year campaign that targeted eight of Kenya's ministries and government departments, including the presidential office, according to an intelligence analyst in the region. The analyst also shared with Reuters research documents that included the timeline of attacks, the targets, and provided some technical data relating to the compromise of a server used exclusively by Kenya's main spy agency. A Kenyan cybersecurity expert described similar hacking activity against the foreign and finance ministries. All three of the sources asked not to be named due to the sensitive nature of their work. "Your allegation of hacking attempts by Chinese Government entities is not unique," Kenya's presidential office said, adding the government had been targeted by "frequent infiltration attempts" from Chinese, American and European hackers. "As far as we are concerned, none of the attempts were successful," it said. It did not provide further details nor respond to follow-up questions. A spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Britain said China is against "irresponsible moves that use topics like cybersecurity to sow discord in the relations between China and other developing countries". "China attaches great importance to Africa's debt issue and works intensively to help Africa cope with it," the spokesperson added. THE HACKS Between 2000 and 2020, China committed nearly $160 billion in loans to African countries, according to a comprehensive database on Chinese lending hosted by Boston University, much of it for large-scale infrastructure projects. Kenya used over $9 billion in Chinese loans to fund an aggressive push to build or upgrade railways, ports and highways. Beijing became the country's largest bilateral creditor and gained a firm foothold in the most important East African consumer market and a vital logistical hub on Africa's Indian Ocean coast. By late 2019, however, when the Kenyan cybersecurity expert told Reuters he was brought in by Kenyan authorities to assess a hack of a government-wide network, Chinese lending was drying up. And Kenya's financial strains were showing. The breach reviewed by the Kenyan cybersecurity expert and attributed to China began with a "spearphishing" attack at the end of that same year, when a Kenyan government employee unknowingly downloaded an infected document, allowing hackers to infiltrate the network and access other agencies. "A lot of documents from the ministry of foreign affairs were stolen and from the finance department as well. The attacks appeared focused on the debt situation," the Kenyan cybersecurity expert said. Another source - the intelligence analyst working in the region - said Chinese hackers carried out a far-reaching campaign against Kenya that began in late 2019 and continued until at least 2022. According to documents provided by the analyst, Chinese cyber spies subjected the office of Kenya's president, its defence, information, health, land and interior ministries, its counter-terrorism centre and other institutions to persistent and prolonged hacking activity. The affected government departments did not respond to requests for comment, declined to be interviewed or were unreachable. By 2021, global economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic had already helped push one major Chinese borrower - Zambia - to default on its external debt. Kenya managed to secure a temporary debt repayment moratorium from China. In early July 2021, the cybersecurity research reports shared by the intelligence analyst in the region detailed how the hackers secretly accessed an email server used by Kenya's National Intelligence Service (NIS). Reuters was able to confirm that the victim's IP address belonged to the NIS. The incident was also covered in a report from the private defence contractor reviewed by Reuters. Reuters could not determine what information was taken during the hacks or conclusively establish the motive for the attacks. But the defence contractor's report said the NIS breach was possibly aimed at gleaning information on how Kenya planned to manage its debt payments. "Kenya is currently feeling the pressure of these debt burdens...as many of the projects financed by Chinese loans are not generating enough income to pay for themselves yet," the report stated. A Reuters review of internet logs delineating the Chinese digital espionage activity showed that a server controlled by the Chinese hackers also accessed a shared Kenyan government webmail service more recently from December 2022 until February this year. Chinese officials declined to comment on this recent breach, and the Kenyan authorities did not respond to a question about it. 'BACKDOOR DIPLOMACY' The defence contractor, pointing to identical tools and techniques used in other hacking campaigns, identified a Chinese state-linked hacking team as having carried out the attack on Kenya's intelligence agency. The group is known as "BackdoorDiplomacy" in the cybersecurity research community, because of its record of trying to further the objectives of Chinese diplomatic strategy. According to Slovakia-based cybersecurity firm ESET, BackdoorDiplomacy re-uses malicious software against its victims to gain access to their networks, making it possible to track their activities. Provided by Reuters with the IP address of the NIS hackers, Palo Alto Networks, a U.S. cybersecurity firm that tracks BackdoorDiplomacy's activities, confirmed that it belongs to the group, adding that its prior analysis shows the group is sponsored by the Chinese state. Cybersecurity researchers have documented BackdoorDiplomacy hacks targeting governments and institutions in a number of countries in Asia and Europe. Incursions into the Middle East and Africa appear less common, making the focus and scale of its hacking activities in Kenya particularly noteworthy, the defence contractor's report said. "This angle is clearly a priority for the group." China's embassy in Britain rejected any involvement in the Kenya hackings and did not directly address questions about the government's relationship with BackdoorDiplomacy. "China is a main victim of cyber theft and attacks and a staunch defender of cybersecurity," a spokesperson said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Chinese hackers attacked Kenyan government as debt strains grew

Horn of Africa faces the worst drought in 40 years. aid agencies back the UN's $7 billion appeal for devastating crisis.

UN seeks $7 billion to avert Horn of Africa crisis

President Ruto seeks to raise taxes in the run-up to Kenya’s 2022 polls, economic issues, particularly public debt, and joblessness took centre stage. The Kenya Kwanza team led by William Ruto suggested that Kenya had over-borrowed, a habit they pledged to stop. The proposals in the 2023 finance bill, some of which were rejected by the previous parliaments, paint a picture of a government keen on giving its revenue authority stronger teeth to bite while making it expensive to appeal tax demands in the event of a dispute.

Kenyans brace for higher taxes as new finance bill targets petrol, beauty products

President Ruto seeks to raise taxes in the run-up to Kenya’s 2022 polls, economic issues, particularly public debt, and joblessness, took centre stage. The Kenya kwanza team led by William Ruto suggested that Kenya had over-borrowed, a habit they pledged to stop. The proposals in the 2023 finance bill, some of which were rejected by the previous parliaments, paint a picture of a government that is keen on giving its revenue authority stronger teeth to bite while making it expensive to appeal tax demands in the event of a dispute.

President Ruto seeks to raise taxes

Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Zambia, Mongolia and Laos, what do these countries have in common ? These countries are either on the brink of bankruptcy or have already gone bankrupt. A dozen poor countries are on the verge of collapse under the weight of billions of dollars in foreign loans that they had taken from China.

China's loan policy pushing poor countries to brink of collapse | World Business Watch

<p>In a big blow to the country's wildlife conservation efforts, six lions were killed by herders in Kenya on Saturday after the pride attacked 11 goats and a dog the previous night, said the wildlife officials.</p>

<p>The incident came a day after Loonkiito, believed to be the world's oldest lion in the wild, was brutally stabbed to death by herders when he rambled into a livestock pen on the outskirts of Amboseli National Park.</p>

<p>"Unfortunately this is not an isolated incident as over the last week four other lions have been killed," The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) said in a statement on Saturday.</p>

<p>"A total of 10 lions (have been) killed in the Amboseli ecosystem since last week," said KWS.</p>

<p>It further added that the officials met with the members of the community to discuss the issue.</p>

<p>"The discussions centred on exploring ways to minimise the risk of human-wildlife conflict, including developing early warning systems to alert communities of the presence of wildlife in their vicinity," the statement said.</p>

<p>"The KWS officials engaged the community in an effort to find lasting solutions that will address the conflict while protecting both human lives and wildlife."</p>

<h2><strong>Loonkiito impaled to death in Kenya</strong></h2>

<p>Kenyan lion Loonkiito, believed to be the world's oldest, died on Friday after he was brutally impaled by Maasai morans (warriors), said the local wildlife officials.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Loonkiito, who was 19 years old, died in the Olkelunyiet village, located in southern Kenya, bordering Amboseli National Park, while preying upon livestock.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Lion Guardians, a Maasai-operated conservation group, took to Instagram and informed about Loonkiito's demise, referring to him as the "oldest male lion in their ecosystem and possibly in Africa".</p>

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<p>"It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of Loonkiito (2004-2023), the oldest male lion in our ecosystem and possibly in Africa. He died yesterday, on the 10th of May 2023 at 19 years old," read the caption.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"He was a symbol of resilience and coexistence. We at Lion Guardians feel privileged to have borne witness to his life and his legacy. In the following weeks and months, we hope to share the extraordinary story of Loonkiito’s life with the world."</p>

<p>In 2021, KWS described Loonkito as a 'legendary big cat warrior' who had defended his territory for more than 10 years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Lion Guardians, a conservation group, had lauded Loonkito as "a symbol of resilience and coexistence" and said he was "the oldest male lion in our ecosystem and possibly in Africa".</p>

<p>In recent years, the reports of wildlife straying into human habitats in Kenya have increased as the animals come under growing pressure from cities that are expanding into hunting grounds.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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In a big blow to the country's wildlife conservation efforts, six lions were killed by herders in Kenya on Saturday after the pride attacked 11 goats and a dog the previous night, said the wildlife officials.

In a big blow to the country's wildlife conservation efforts, six lions were killed by herders in Kenya on Saturday after the pride attacked 11 goats and a dog the previous night, said the wildlife officials. The incident came a day after Loonkiito, believed to be the world's oldest lion in the wild, was brutally stabbed to death by herders when he rambled into a livestock pen on the outskirts of Amboseli National Park. "Unfortunately this is not an isolated incident as over the last week four other lions have been killed," The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) said in a statement on Saturday. "A total of 10 lions (have been) killed in the Amboseli ecosystem since last week," said KWS. It further added that the officials met with the members of the community to discuss the issue. "The discussions centred on exploring ways to minimise the risk of human-wildlife conflict, including developing early warning systems to alert communities of the presence of wildlife in their vicinity," the statement said. "The KWS officials engaged the community in an effort to find lasting solutions that will address the conflict while protecting both human lives and wildlife." Loonkiito impaled to death in Kenya Kenyan lion Loonkiito, believed to be the world's oldest, died on Friday after he was brutally impaled by Maasai morans (warriors), said the local wildlife officials. Loonkiito, who was 19 years old, died in the Olkelunyiet village, located in southern Kenya, bordering Amboseli National Park, while preying upon livestock. Lion Guardians, a Maasai-operated conservation group, took to Instagram and informed about Loonkiito's demise, referring to him as the "oldest male lion in their ecosystem and possibly in Africa". View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lion Guardians (@lionguardians_) × "It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of Loonkiito (2004-2023), the oldest male lion in our ecosystem and possibly in Africa. He died yesterday, on the 10th of May 2023 at 19 years old," read the caption. "He was a symbol of resilience and coexistence. We at Lion Guardians feel privileged to have borne witness to his life and his legacy. In the following weeks and months, we hope to share the extraordinary story of Loonkiito’s life with the world." In 2021, KWS described Loonkito as a 'legendary big cat warrior' who had defended his territory for more than 10 years. Lion Guardians, a conservation group, had lauded Loonkito as "a symbol of resilience and coexistence" and said he was "the oldest male lion in our ecosystem and possibly in Africa". In recent years, the reports of wildlife straying into human habitats in Kenya have increased as the animals come under growing pressure from cities that are expanding into hunting grounds. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Six more lions impaled to death by herders in Kenya

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