Sound Candid Talk

Paul Kagame is set for a fourth term as president after electoral authorities declared him the winner of the Rwanda presidential election, with 99.15 percent of the votes. This marks the fourth presidential election since the genocide 30 years ago, in which over 800,000 people, mostly from the Tutsi ethnic minority, were killed. Election Day in Rwanda. Rwandans living in Kenya turned up to exercise their democratic right in Nairobi. Kagame, who led the Rwandan Patriotic Front rebel group to defeat Hutu extremist forces and end the genocide, was elected president by parliament in 2000 following the resignation of Pasteur Bizimungu. President Kagame (center) while meeting Artists late last week.  In the three previous elections, Kagame won more than 93% of the vote each time. Eight candidates applied to run against him, but only two made it to the final list approved by the electoral commission. The others, including some of Kagame's most vocal critics, were disqualified for various ...

Police have arrested a man they believe is the primary suspect in the gruesome killings and disposal of bodies at Kware dumpsite in Embakasi, Nairobi. On Monday, Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Chief Mohammed Amin stated that the suspect, Collins Jumaisi Khalusa, had confessed to murdering 42 women, including his wife "Imelda," between 2022 and July 11, 2024. He lives approximately 500 meters from the Kware dumpsite, where the badly mutilated bodies of women have been recovered during an operation. “We are dealing with a psychopathic serial killer who has no respect for human life,” Mr. Amin stated to the media at DCI headquarters. Police described the developments as a breakthrough in the investigation that had threatened the government amid allegations of extrajudicial killings. A mobile phone belonging to one of the identified victims, Josephine Owino, was recovered from the suspect in custody. So far, two women, including Josephine, have been identified. Jose...

Raila Odinga, the leader of Azimio la Umoja, is receiving a backlash from young people for suggesting dialogue to address concerns raised by Gen Z during recent anti-government protests. On Tuesday, President William Ruto signed the IEBC (Amendment) Bill, 2024, at KICC and announced a six-day national dialogue forum beginning on July 15, 2024, which Odinga supported.  “I am happy to confirm that we have had consultations and have agreed that a dialogue is the way forward out of the crisis that we are facing today in our country.” Odinga said. The Azimio leader’s willingness to participate in the dialogue has sparked public backlash, with young people accusing him of ‘siding with their oppressors.’ In a letter titled ‘Agwambo Kaa Home’ addressed to Odinga by Gen Z on Tuesday, the youths voiced their frustrations with his decision. “We will not allow you to hijack our movement to satisfy your political greed. You do not speak for us and today you have shown that you stand with the th...

Former Defence CS Eugene Wamalwa has rejected the renewed calls by President William Ruto and Azimio leader Raila Odinga for a new national dialogue. Reacting on X, Wamalwa stated, "I am not boarding!" He is the second Azimio leader to question these calls, following Karua's assertion that for talks to be successful, all parties must genuinely cooperate; otherwise, it's a trap. The dialogue initiative was proposed during the signing of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Amendment Bill, 2024, which emerged from the National Dialogue Committee talks. Wamalwa, who represented the Opposition in the NADCO talks, denied the final report but maintained his affiliation with the Opposition. He criticized the talks for failing to address the most pressing issue for Kenyans—the cost of living—and vowed not to accept any allowances for participating in the talks, insisting the report remains a burden on Kenyans. "l didn’t and will not append my signat...

President William Ruto has today signed the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2024 at KICC Nairobi. An event that is his first official state event to be held outside State House since the protests rocked the country three weeks ago.  Azimio leaders Raila Odinga and Kalonzo Musyoka joined President William Ruto at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre for the signing of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Bill.  This event, a deviation from the usual State House location, marks a significant step following the National Dialogue Committee talks. Key attendees included Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Attorney General Justin Muturi, and other senior officials. Opposition figures like National Assembly minority leader Opiyo Wandayi, and ODM deputy leaders Hassan Joho and Wycliffe Oparanya were also present.  The bill, which aims to reform the electoral system and appoint new IEBC commissioners, faced pressure fr...

President William Ruto is leading a Cabinet meeting at State House following weeks of anti-government protests that have shaken the nation. This meeting coincides with reports of a potential Cabinet shake-up, where some Cabinet Secretaries might be reshuffled or dismissed. An anonymous Cabinet Secretary told the Daily Nation that there is anxiety among the ministers, with many eager to learn their fate before proceeding with their ministry programs. The protests, driven by youth dissatisfaction with Ruto's administration, have included calls for the president to step down due to his failure to address the country's problems. The Gen Z protesters have demanded action against government officials linked to corruption or poor performance over the past two years. Despite the mounting pressure, some analysts believe the protests could provide Ruto with an opportunity to restructure his Cabinet. Charles Owino, Chairperson of the Council of the Kenya Institute of Mass Communication, s...

The Gen Z anti-government protestors are re-evaluating their approach after Tuesday's demonstrations turned violent, leading to looting and vandalism. They fear this could undermine their movement's goals of pushing President William Ruto to resign.  The activists claim that "goons" hired by politicians are responsible for the violence, aiming to discredit legitimate demonstrators or push their own agendas. Some activists have taken to social media, urging that the planned demonstration for Thursday be called off.  "It appears the state has realized the only way to counter our movement is by using goons to incite violence, break into properties, loot, and tarnish our cause," said Ojango Omondi, an activist from Nairobi. "We need to go back to the drawing board and strategize on how to overcome this violence and keep our protests focused on their true objectives." The government spokesperson did not respond to requests for comment. However, Interior...