Africa
Kenya: Court stops police ban on Gen Z protests
![](https://newstrends.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Kenya-protesters.jpg)
Kenya: Court stops police ban on Gen Z protests
The High Court of Kenya has suspended the National Police Service’s (IG) ban on protests by Kenyan youths (Gen Z). The ban was issued by IG Douglas Kanja.
Justice Bahati Mwamuye of the Milimani High Court declared the application challenging the ban urgent. The case will be prioritized.
“Pending the hearing on 18/07/2024, a conservatory order suspending the National Police Service’s ban on demonstrations in Nairobi Central Business and nearby areas is issued,” the ruling stated.
The judge restrained the acting IG from enforcing his decision dated 17th July 2024. This order also applies to all other personnel in the National Police Service (NPS) or those supporting them.
This suspension remains until the case is heard on July 18. The judge also directed IG Kanja to communicate these orders to all NPS officers.
READ ALSO:
- LASU, UNILAG students win big at MSS undergraduate essay competition
- Socialite accused of faking birth of twins appears in court
- 14 suspected killers of Kwara monarch for arraignment July 30
“The Acting Inspector-General of Police must circulate official communication of these orders to all NPS officers and the general public by the end of 19/07/2024. Evidence of this must be filed in court,” the ruling added.
This order followed a petition by Katiba Institute against the State Law Office after the NPS banned planned protests in Nairobi CBD and surrounding areas.
Acting IG Douglas Kanja cited security concerns and previous disruptions as the reasons for the ban. He mentioned that since the protests began in June, there have been significant losses, injuries, and damage to property and businesses.
“Criminals have infiltrated the protesting groups, causing disorder and destruction. For national security, we have credible intelligence that organized criminal groups plan to use these protests for attacks, including looting,” said Kanja.
The acting IG highlighted the lack of leadership within the Gen Z protests, making it hard to enforce safety protocols. Hence, no demonstrations will be allowed in Nairobi CBD and its surroundings until further notice to ensure public safety.
Kenya: Court stops police ban on Gen Z protests
Africa
Burkina Faso issues new passport without ECOWAS logo
![](https://newstrends.ng/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Burkina-Fasos-junta-scaled.jpg)
Burkina Faso Issues New Passport Without ECOWAS Logo
Burkina Faso has taken a significant step in formalizing its exit from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) by introducing new biometric passports that notably lack the bloc’s logo or any reference to the regional organization.
This development follows a recent military coup that led to a change in the country’s leadership and marks Burkina Faso’s intention to separate itself from the 15-member alliance.
During the passport launch, Security Minister Mahamadou Sana confirmed that the absence of the ECOWAS logo signifies Burkina Faso’s decision to withdraw from the bloc, a move that has been in effect since January.
READ ALSO:
- NNPC supplies have 30m barrels of crude to Danogote
- 188 oil theft incidents recorded in one week, says NNPCL
- Killer of Ogun agric varsity student arrested in Lagos
This action illustrates the nation’s commitment to distancing itself from ECOWAS amid ongoing political shifts.
ECOWAS has voiced concerns regarding the implications of Burkina Faso’s withdrawal, along with similar actions by Niger and Mali.
Officials fear that these exits could hinder free movement within the region and undermine the integrity of the common market, which has historically benefited millions of West Africans.
This decision comes at a time when Burkina Faso is facing increasing threats from insurgent groups linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State.
The government’s move away from ECOWAS highlights the complex security and political challenges facing the region as it grapples with instability and the growing influence of extremist groups.
Burkina Faso Issues New Passport Without ECOWAS Logo
Africa
Ugandan Olympian dies after she was set on fire by boyfriend
![](https://newstrends.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Rebecca-Cheptegei.jpg)
Ugandan Olympian dies after she was set on fire by boyfriend
Ugandan Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei has tragically died in Kenya, four days after being set on fire by her boyfriend, according to Ugandan athletics officials.
The news of Cheptegei’s death has shocked the sports community, mourning the loss of a promising athlete.
Donald Rukare, President of the Uganda Olympic Committee, confirmed the news on X, describing the attack as a “cowardly and senseless act” that resulted in the loss of a great athlete.
He vowed that Cheptegei’s legacy would endure despite the tragedy.
READ ALSO:
- German police kill gunman near Israeli consulate in Munich
- NNPC supplies have 30m barrels of crude to Danogote
- 188 oil theft incidents recorded in one week, says NNPCL
Police reports indicate that Marangach, Cheptegei’s boyfriend, allegedly poured petrol on her and set her ablaze at her home in Endebess, Trans-Nzoia County, on Sunday.
This incident followed her recent participation in the marathon at the Paris Olympics, where she placed 44th.
Cheptegei, who suffered burns on 80 percent of her body, had been receiving treatment at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Kenya. According to medical staff, all her organs failed the night before her death.
Kenyan media reported that one of Cheptegei’s daughters witnessed the assault. The child recounted that she was kicked while trying to call for help, which led to a neighbor attempting to extinguish the flames with water.
Marangach was also injured in the incident, sustaining burns on 30 percent of his body.
Ugandan Olympian dies after she was set on fire by boyfriend
Africa
129 die in DR Congo jailbreak attempt
![](https://newstrends.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/129-die-in-DR-Congo-jailbreak-attempt.jpg)
129 die in DR Congo jailbreak attempt
At least 129 prisoners were killed in a failed escape attempt from the central Makala prison in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), authorities reported.
Interior Minister Shabani Lukoo announced on Tuesday that the incident occurred on Monday when a fire broke out, engulfing the prison’s administrative buildings, including the infirmary.
The chaos during the fire led to a mass breakout attempt, which ended in tragedy.
Lukoo disclosed that of the 129 fatalities, 24 were shot after warnings were issued. An additional 59 people were injured in the incident, which also caused significant material damage to the facility.
Makala prison, the DRC’s largest, was built to house 1,500 inmates but currently holds between 14,000 and 15,000 detainees.
Overcrowding has been a longstanding issue, with most of the inmates still awaiting trial, according to Amnesty International.
READ ALSO:
- Defence minister, CDS moved to Sokoto over rising insecurity ( Video)
- Late Sisi Quadri’s family constructs community mosque in memory of actor
- Petrol hits N1,200/litre in Kano, sells for N902 at NNPC stations
This is not the first escape attempt from Makala prison; in 2017, over 4,000 prisoners fled after an armed assault on the facility.
Efforts had been underway to alleviate overcrowding, including the recent release of dozens of inmates.
Justice Minister Constant Mutamba described the incident as a “premeditated act of sabotage” aimed at destabilizing ongoing efforts to improve prison conditions.
He vowed that those responsible for orchestrating the escape attempt would be identified and face severe consequences.
In response to the incident, authorities have imposed a ban on inmate transfers from Makala prison and are planning to build a new facility to help mitigate overcrowding issues.
Meanwhile, calm has reportedly been restored at the prison following the violence.
President Felix Tshisekedi, who is currently on an official visit to China, has yet to publicly comment on the incident.
129 die in DR Congo jailbreak attempt
-
metro2 days ago
FUNAAB student Christiana Idowu murdered after abduction by colleague in Lagos
-
Business2 days ago
NNPC supplies 30m barrels of crude to Dangote
-
metro2 days ago
Killer of Ogun agric varsity student arrested in Lagos
-
metro3 days ago
Three domestic workers murder Ondo popular CEO
-
Politics2 days ago
Those trying to lure Peter Obi away from LP wasting their time – Senator Umeh
-
Education1 day ago
WAEC, NECO not restricted to 18 years — FG
-
Education1 day ago
40 additional institutions get student loans (+FULL LIST)
-
metro3 days ago
I shot my friend for sleeping with my girlfriend — Suspect