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Washington Post
25-06-2025
- Politics
- Washington Post
Youth-led protests erupt again in Kenya over police brutality and poor governance
NAIROBI, Kenya — Youth-led protests against police brutality and poor governance have erupted across Kenya again on Wednesday, with thousands making their way to the central business district in the capital, Nairobi. The protests, which coincided with the first anniversary of demonstrations opposing tax hikes that left 60 people dead and 20 others missing, followed last week's rallies that demanded answers for the unexplained death of a Kenyan blogger while in police custody.
Associated Press
25-06-2025
- Politics
- Associated Press
Youth-led protests erupt again in Kenya over police brutality and poor governance
NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — Youth-led protests against police brutality and poor governance have erupted across Kenya again on Wednesday, with thousands making their way to the central business district in the capital, Nairobi. The protests, which coincided with the first anniversary of demonstrations opposing tax hikes that left 60 people dead and 20 others missing, followed last week's rallies that demanded answers for the unexplained death of a Kenyan blogger while in police custody. Frustration is growing, especially among Generation Z, over police violence, economic struggles, and government mismanagement. The Communications Authority of Kenya has directed local media to stop all live broadcasts of the protests halfway through the day as President William Ruto warned that violence wouldn't be tolerated. Many turned to social media to share updates and remember slain protesters. Others posted anti-government messages and memes. On the streets, some could be seen offering protesters water. Here's why unrest is gripping Kenya: Police brutality Calls for accountability have grown louder in Kenya after a street hawker was killed during last week's protests. A Kenyan court has given detectives 15 days to complete investigations into two police officers suspected of the shooting. This came as young people flooded social media platforms throughout the week with commemorations of protesters killed last year. At the time, Ruto apologized and vowed to end police brutality as the top police chief resigned. 'Not a single officer has been held to account,' said Hussein Khaled, a human rights activist, adding that people took to the streets 'to demand justice in terms of compensation ... arrest of those officers who were involved ... police reforms because too many Kenyans are losing their lives' to police brutality. Economic frustration Last year's deadly protests strongly opposed a finance bill that raised taxes significantly to address debt, putting an undue burden on young, educated people struggling with unemployment and a rising cost of living. Ruto later scrapped the bill. Some tax proposals were reintroduced later, drawing widespread criticism and calls for Ruto's resignation, following the appointment of a new but widely criticized cabinet. A revamped healthcare levy also changed standard premiums to a progressive tax, based on income. United Nations' data shows that 70% of sub-Saharan Africa is under the age of 30, with 67% of Kenya's young people unemployed. 'Both the health and the education sectors, which greatly affect the youth, are seemingly sinking due to misguided policies and failure to provide needed resources. At the same time, there appears to be unlimited funds for 'aristocratic' luxuries,' said Macharia Munene, professor of History and International Relations at United States International University Africa in Nairobi, referring to some state people's spending that has been strongly condemned. Poor governance Ruto has been accused of misappropriating taxpayer money on lavish trips, most notably the use of a private jet on his trip to the United States right before last year's protests. He apologized and dismissed ministers accused of incompetence, corruption and displays of opulence amid complaints about the high cost of living. Meanwhile, Kenya's opposition received its share of criticism, with many saying it avoided challenging the status quo after some of its members were appointed in Ruto's new cabinet 'Enough is enough ... We are here for change, it is time for us to get our nation (back),' said protestor Sevelina Mwihaki. 'The blood that we have shed is enough.'
Arab News
25-06-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Kenyans stage street protests one year after storming parliament
*Protests mark anniversary of anti-government demonstrations*Death of blogger Ojwang fuels public anger against police*Police block roads in Nairobi*Western embassies urge peaceful protest, condemn use of forceNAIROBI, June 25 : Kenyans took to the streets on Wednesday under heavy security to mark the one-year anniversary of anti-government protests that culminated in the storming of parliament and several deaths as police fired on the protests eventually faded after President William Ruto withdrew proposed tax hikes that had initially sparked the rallies, public anger over the use of force by security agencies has not abated, with fresh demonstrations erupting this month over the death of a blogger in police people, including three police officers, were charged with murder on Tuesday over the killing of 31-year-old blogger and teacher, Albert Ojwang. All have pleaded not death of Ojwang has become a lightning rod for Kenyans still mourning the deaths of more than 60 people killed during last year's demonstrations and blaming security forces for the fatalities and dozens of unexplained officers in anti-riot gear restricted vehicular traffic along most roads leading to Nairobi's central business district, Reuters witnesses saw on interior ministry in a post on X on Tuesday warned protesters not to 'provoke police' or 'attempt to breach protected areas.'The unprecedented scenes on June 25, 2024, showing police firing at demonstrators as they broke through barriers to enter parliament, created the biggest crisis of Ruto's presidency and sparked alarm among Kenya's international Tuesday, the embassies of the United States, Britain, Canada, and other Western nations released a joint statement on X urging all involved to 'facilitate peaceful demonstrations and to refrain from violence.''The use of plain clothed officers in unmarked vehicles erodes public trust,' the statement said. Rights campaigners condemned the presence of unidentified police officers at protests last embassies also said they were troubled by the use of hired 'goons' to disrupt peaceful demonstrations, after Reuters reporters saw groups of men beating protesters with sticks and whips last foreign affairs ministry said in a statement late on Tuesday that any policing violations would be addressed through government institutions including the parliament and the judiciary.'The ministry reminds all that diplomatic partnerships flourish best in mutual respect, open channels and a recognition of each other's unique governance contexts,' it counter-protesters have defended their actions, telling Reuters that they are not goons but rather patriots protecting property from police officers were arrested last week over the shooting of an unarmed civilian during a protest in Nairobi over the death of Ojwang, the police chief initially implied that Ojwang had died by suicide but later apologized after an autopsy found that his wounds pointed to assault as the cause of Ruto said that Ojwang had died 'at the hands of the police,' which he said was 'heartbreaking and unacceptable.'
WebMD
24-06-2025
- Health
- WebMD
Dating and Dropping the C-Bomb (Spoiler: It's Not Commitment)
During my first appointment with my nurse practitioner, she asked about my support system – specifically if I had a partner to go through treatment with. In my head, I was probably thinking something along the lines of, 'Wow, getting to the juicy stuff right away.' Being 21 at the time and surrounded by college guys, the answer was a hard no. Her question has stuck with me, though, as I've often wondered how my experience would've been different if I'd been in a committed relationship. Would it have been easier having someone to consistently rely on outside of my family? Would I have pushed them away, or would the experience have brought us closer than ever? The possibilities are endless. While I didn't have a partner then, dating after my diagnosis has given me plenty to think about when it comes to sharing my story. Although I went on a few dates while I was in treatment, I didn't bring up my diagnosis to anyone. I wasn't ready to divulge that part of my life with a stranger. I just wanted to go on cute dates and feel like a normal college girl – wondering if I was being ghosted if he hadn't texted me back in three days. Now, almost six years later, I'm in a new city and a mental space where I'm excited and ready to date. I'm also a lot more open about my diagnosis – both online and in person. A quick Google search would probably lead them straight to these blogs before our first date. Over time, I've learned that how I share my story depends on the person, the moment, and my own comfort level. If we make it past the initial small talk (and verify that the person is normal), then comes the deeper conversations about life experiences and what makes us who we are (cue my diagnosis story). There's no single right way to approach this conversation, but here are three ways I've done it. Disclaimer: I'm not in a relationship with any of the people mentioned, so I can't guarantee that my methods work. Breaking the Ice With Humor While I was on vacation, I went on a date with a doctor who was about to start residency. Within the first few minutes of our conversation, I could tell that he was easygoing and had a good sense of humor. This was confirmed when he made a joke about texting his dad to let him know he made it safely and I hadn't kidnapped him. As we walked along the beach at sunset, we saw a group of kids playing soccer. He told me about his love for sports – until he tore his ACL and needed surgery. Then he asked if I'd ever had any traumatic injuries. Without missing a beat, I replied, 'I had breast cancer, if that counts.' His reaction was as expected – lighthearted yet supportive. Although I never saw him again, his reaction reassured me that sharing my story doesn't have to be a big, dramatic moment. It can be as casual as the conversation allows. Letting Work Lead the Way It's pretty common (in the U.S., at least) for occupation to be one of the first topics brought up when getting to know someone. I was texting with a guy from a dating app (which I loathe, by the way) who told me a little bit about his career as an engineer and what led him to that field. He then asked what I do for work, so I told him I work at a breast cancer nonprofit. His next question was how I ended up there, to which I replied, 'I've been working at my organization for a year, but I've been connected to it since I was diagnosed at 21.' His response was empathetic and positive – he shared that his mom had been through a breast cancer diagnosis as well. From there, we had an easy and meaningful conversation about our experiences – one that felt natural rather than heavy – all before the first of multiple dates! When It Doesn't Feel Right (and That's OK) Another dating experience involved a guy five years older than I am who works as a consultant. We met up for dinner and had Thai food (my favorite). We talked about a variety of topics – career, travel, hobbies, etc. Although he was kind and attentive, the vibe wasn't there for me – especially to bring up my diagnosis. There were several opportunities to do so, like when he asked what led me to teach English in Spain after graduation. Normally, I say something along the lines of wanting to do something fun and different after the senior year I had (insert cancer bomb). Instead, I just told him that I went through some health challenges and wanted time to recover and reflect – which is true, just not as open as I've been with other people in the past. And that was enough. Some conversations aren't meant to go deeper, and that's OK. Just as dating doesn't have a one-size-fits all approach, neither does sharing my story. It depends on the person, the moment, and how I feel. Some situations call for humor, others for depth, and sometimes, just digging deeper into my Thai dish rather than diagnosis is the best choice. Regardless of the approach, what matters most is that I get to decide when and how I tell my story.
Washington Post
19-06-2025
- Washington Post
Kenyan police officers arraigned over shooting a civilian during protests
NAIROBI, Kenya — A court in Kenya on Thursday gave detectives 15 days to complete investigations of two police officers suspected of shooting and wounding a hawker during the latest street protests over the death of a blogger in custody. The officers were arraigned in court two days after the Tuesday shooting on a busy street and under the full glare of cameras. It triggered anger and fury over persistent complaints against police brutality.
