For the first time in years, Somalis endured a night of gunfire in the capital, Mogadishu, on Thursday, as political factions clashed over the extension of the president’s term. International observers have expressed concern, with the US embassy in Mogadishu calling the violence “reckless” and urging dialogue. Here is what we know: What sparked the clashes? President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s supporters changed the constitution in March laying out the framework for Somalia’s first direct elections, moving away from the clan-based system in which elders pick their representatives. But opposition parties and rivals strongly opposed the reforms and boycotted the vote,…
Author: Special Correspondent
By Otieno Bildad Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has defended the government’s plan to establish an Ebola isolation facility at Laikipia Airbase despite opposition from lawmakers. Speaking before the National Assembly Health Committee on Wednesday, Duale said the facility is part of a network of 23 isolation centres the government is establishing to strengthen preparedness against infectious disease outbreaks. He maintained that the project is provided for under the Public Health Act and does not require public participation. “We shall not consult. This epidemic does not require consultation. Before Kenyans die, the government has a responsibility to protect both Kenyans…
Regional election observers have praised Ethiopia’s adoption of new electoral technologies and strong voter participation in its seventh general election, describing the process as a notable step in the country’s efforts to strengthen democratic institutions despite persistent security challenges. The polls on Monday were the second general election held since 2018 after Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed was elected. As one of Africa’s most populous nations and a key diplomatic player on the continent, developments in Ethiopia are closely watched by regional governments and international partners. Preliminary assessments released on Wednesday by observer missions from the African Union and the Intergovernmental…
Israel said on Wednesday it had killed Hamas’ newly appointed armed wing chief in Gaza, days after it killed his predecessor, while intensifying military pressure in Gaza and expanding operations in Lebanon. The Israeli military said Mohammed Odeh was killed in an operation in Gaza on Tuesday. A relative of Odeh confirmed his death to Reuters and said the funeral would take place after noon prayers in Gaza City. Hamas has yet to issue an official statement. Gaza health officials said six people were killed and more than 20 others wounded in the same Israeli strike that destroyed an upper…
By Regan Oluoch Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has suspended kidney transplant services at Mediheal Group of Hospitals in Eldoret, pending ongoing investigations into the facility’s transplant activities. According to the Ministry of Health, the decision follows concerns surrounding hundreds of kidney transplant procedures, reported at 372 cases, which are currently under review. The Ministry has not publicly disclosed detailed findings, stating that investigations are ongoing. Two Ministry of Health officials have also been suspended to facilitate the probe, according to official sources. The suspension has come amid public concern and ongoing scrutiny regarding the regulation of kidney transplant procedures…
The United States and Iran have both indicated they are close to reaching a final deal in their memorandum of understanding, but trod cautiously amid looming threats of ongoing conflict from both sides. US President Donald Trump said on Saturday he had a “good call” with Gulf leaders, Pakistan, Egypt, Turkiye and Jordan concerning Iran and “all things related to a memorandum of understanding pertaining to peace”. An agreement has been “largely negotiated subject to finalization between the US, Iran and various countries”, he said, adding it “will be announced shortly”. “In addition to many other elements of the agreement,…
Ferdinand Omanyala delivered a strong response on Saturday in Xiamen, China, storming to victory in the men’s 100m at the 2026 Diamond League meet after narrowly missing out to his South African rival last weekend in Shanghai. The Kenyan sprinter stopped the clock at 9.94 seconds, a season best and his fifth straight race under 10 seconds this year, as he edged a competitive field that included Gift Leotlela and American star Trayvon Bromell at the Egret Stadium. The win carried extra weight for Omanyala, coming just a week after he finished second in a close finish at the Shanghai…
His audacious vision to deliver news from around the world in real time, at all hours, really made him famous – once the idea finally took off… On June 1, 1980, CNN, the first 24-hour news channel, went live and has been on the air ever since By CNN Team Robert Edward Turner III, better known as Ted Turner around the globe, was an American businessman, who was nicknamed “The Mouth of the South” because his outspoken nature. However, his greatest claim to fame was that he founded CNN, the pioneering 24-hour network that revolutionised television news, building a media…
In this review, I invite you, my dear reader, to pick up Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o’s magnum opus Wizard of the Crow, which stands as one of the most ambitious literary interrogations of postcolonial Africa.
By Ayanda Holo In the cold industrial winds of Saldanha Bay, the furnaces still seem to remember. They recall the roar of production, the first whistle of the shift, trucks loaded with mineral wealth, and livelihoods built on the dignity of work. Now, ahead of the 2026 Budget Vote of the Department of Electricity and Energy, South Africa faces a defining choice: allow its industrial fires to cool for good, or reignite them, using energy policy not just for survival, but as the decisive lever for economic renewal and national dignity. Minister Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa arrives at this moment carrying…
