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President Ruto’s Lavish US Trip Amid Kenya’s Economic Struggles Ignites Debate

Whatever U.S President Joe Biden told, his Kenyan counterpart must have been funny.

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: Critics argue that such extravagant spending contradicts the government’s call for austerity and living within means.

: This controversy brings to the forefront the more significant issue of government spending and the delicate balance between diplomatic requirements and fiscal responsibility.

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By Charles Wachira

President William Ruto’s recent trip to the United States sparked a heated debate, mainly due to his transportation choice. In a striking juxtaposition to Kenya’s economic hardships and government-enforced austerity measures, President Ruto chose to charter a lavish Boeing Business Jet from RoyalJet, a United Arab Emirates-based company, instead of using the conventional presidential plane, Harambee One. This stark contrast has raised eyebrows, with many questioning the fairness of such a decision in light of the country’s financial difficulties.

The cost of hiring the RoyalJet aircraft for the trip is estimated at around $1.5 million (approximately 200 million Kenyan shillings). This expenditure comes when the Kenyan government faces public backlash over proposed tax increases to raise additional revenue. Critics argue that such extravagant spending contradicts the government’s call for austerity and living within means, especially given Kenya’s rising cost of living.

The choice of aircraft was also noted for its modern luxury and advanced features, including a queen-sized bed, lie-flat seats, high-speed WiFi, and a sophisticated in-flight entertainment system. The ageing Harambee One, which has been operating for nearly 30 years, contributed to choosing a more contemporary and opulent aircraft.

Despite the justifications, the public has expressed discontent, with many Kenyans believing the funds could have been more wisely used for urgent domestic needs. This controversy brings to the forefront the more significant issue of government spending and the delicate balance between diplomatic requirements and fiscal responsibility.

Meanwhile, Kenya Airways, the national carrier, is grappling with significant financial hurdles, despite its recent operational improvements.

In 2023, the airline experienced a 120% surge in operating profit due to higher passenger numbers and increased cabin factors.  The company incurred pre-tax losses of Ksh 22 billion (US$ 166,037,735) for the year, but significant foreign exchange losses and legacy debt overshadowed this.

The Kenyan government has been actively supporting the airline, settling over half of Kenya Airways’ guaranteed debt, including a recent payment of Ksh6.9 billion (UUS$ 52,075,471.62). This intervention is part of a broader strategy to restructure the airline’s operations and mitigate its financial burdens 

Despite these efforts, Kenya Airways remains in a negative equity position, with significant liabilities and ongoing challenges related to the depreciation of the Kenyan shilling.

The airline’s management is optimistic about its turnaround strategy, focusing on cost reduction, operational efficiency, and strategic partnerships. The government and the airline are also exploring options for privatisation or introducing an equity investor to stabilise the company’s finances.

In summary, while Kenya Airways has shown some operational improvements, it grapples with deep financial issues, requiring ongoing government support and strategic restructuring to achieve long-term sustainability.

Keywords:William Ruto US trip controversy:RoyalJet Boeing Business Jet cost:Kenya austerity and government spending:Kenya Airways financial struggles:Harambee One vs luxury jet choice

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Kenyan Man Convicted in U.S. for 9/11-Style Terror Plot

In pre-trial documents, prosecutors stated that Cholo Abdi Abdullah planned to sit passively during the proceedings, accepting the outcome without challenge, as he viewed the court as an illegitimate system.

In pre-trial documents, prosecutors stated that Abdullah planned to sit passively during the proceedings, accepting the outcome without challenge, as he viewed the court as an illegitimate system.

In pre-trial documents, prosecutors stated that Abdullah planned to sit passively during the proceedings, accepting the outcome without challenge, as he viewed the court as an illegitimate system.

In pre-trial documents, prosecutors stated that Abdullah planned to sit passively during the proceedings, accepting the outcome without challenge, as he viewed the court as an illegitimate system.

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Mr Cholo Abdi Abdullah (Right in a red T-shirt)moments after being arrested at Rasca Hotel in Iba, Philippines.

: Kenyan man convicted of plotting 9/11-style attack for al-Shabab. Federal jury finds him guilty on all counts; sentencing set for March 2025.

A Kenyan man was convicted on November 4 of plotting a 9/11-style attack on a U.S. building on behalf of the terrorist organisation al-Shabab.

A federal jury in Manhattan, US, found Cholo Abdi Abdullah, 34, guilty on all six counts he faced for conspiring to hijack an aircraft and slam it into a building, according to court records.

He’s due to be sentenced next March and faces a mandatory minimum of 20 years in prison.

Abdullah represented himself during the trial, which opened last week. He declined to give an opening statement and did not actively participate in questioning witnesses.

In court papers filed ahead of the trial, prosecutors said Abdullah intended to “merely sit passively during the trial, not oppose the prosecution and whatever the outcome, he would accept the outcome because he does not believe that this is a legitimate system.”

Lawyers appointed to assist Abdullah in his self-defence didn’t respond to an email seeking comment Monday.

Federal prosecutors, who rested their case Thursday, said Abdullah plotted the attack for four years, undergoing extensive training in explosives and how to operate in secret and avoid detection

He then moved to the Philippines in 2017 where he began training as a commercial pilot.

Abdullah was almost finished with his two-year pilot training when he was arrested in 2019 on local charges.

He was transferred the following year to U.S. law enforcement authorities, who charged him with terrorism-related crimes.

Prosecutors said Abdullah also researched how to breach a cockpit door and information “about the tallest building in a major U.S. city” before he was caught.

The State Department in 2008 designated al-Shabab, which means “the youth” in Arabic, as a foreign terrorist organisation. The militant group is an al-Qaida affiliate that has fought to establish an Islamic state in Somalia based on Shariah law.

Keywords: Kenyan man convicted:9/11-style attack plot:al-Shabab terrorism: U.S. federal jury verdict: Terrorism charges

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Ethiopia-Somaliland Deal: Maritime Access and Recognition

Ethiopia’s recognition of Somaliland could have significant ramifications. Regional powers such as Djibouti, Eritrea, and various Arab states with interests in the Red Sea corridor are approaching this development with caution. Somalia, which considers Somaliland part of its territory, strongly opposes this move, fearing that Ethiopia’s support may inspire other secessionist movements and undermine its territorial integrity​

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Somaliland president, Muse Bihi Abdi sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Ethiopian Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed Ali, on Monday Janaury 1 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

: Ethiopia signs a historic deal with Somaliland for naval access, becoming the first nation to recognise it as an independent state, stirring regional tensions.

A groundbreaking agreement signed on January 1, 2024, between Somaliland—a self-declared state within Somalia—and Ethiopia could allow Ethiopia access to naval and commercial port facilities on the Red Sea.

 In return, Ethiopia would officially recognize Somaliland as an independent nation, making it the first country globally to do so. 

This Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi in Addis Ababa, is anticipated to reshape regional dynamics and has already sparked geopolitical tensions across the Horn of Africa, an area marked by conflict and complex alliances.

For Ethiopia, which is landlocked, the deal offers significant strategic advantages, providing direct access to the Red Sea for the first time since Eritrea’s independence in 1993.

 This access would enhance Ethiopia’s trade routes and bolster its security capabilities in a critical maritime region, reducing its heavy reliance on Djibouti’s port, currently its primary outlet to the sea.

This MoU also marks a significant diplomatic milestone. If it proceeds, Ethiopia’s recognition of Somaliland’s sovereignty would be the first of its kind from any country in Africa or worldwide, potentially setting a precedent that could inspire other countries. 

The official recognition would likely bolster Somaliland’s long-standing bid for international legitimacy; since declaring independence in 1991, it has sought recognition without success, remaining unrecognized under international law.

However, the implications of Ethiopia’s recognition of Somaliland could be far-reaching. Other regional powers, including Djibouti, Eritrea, and several Arab states with vested interests in the Red Sea corridor, view this development with caution. 

Somalia, which claims Somaliland as part of its territory, is particularly opposed, fearing that Ethiopia’s endorsement could embolden other secessionist movements and threaten Somalia’s territorial integrity.

 Additionally, regional players worry that this agreement could destabilize the Horn of Africa by challenging existing borders and emboldening separatist sentiments in other areas.

As Ethiopia navigates its next steps in this high-stakes diplomatic and strategic initiative, the deal’s impact on Somalia’s territorial unity, the stability of the Red Sea region, and Ethiopia’s role in regional geopolitics remains to be seen. The international community is watching closely as this landmark agreement unfolds, potentially reshaping alliances and fueling new tensions in one of Africa’s most volatile regions.

Keywords: Ethiopia Somaliland deal: Maritime access: Somaliland recognition: Horn of Africa tensions: Geopolitical implications

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Rwandan YouTuber Rashid Hakuzimana Sentenced to 7 Years

Hakuzimana’s case underscores the persistent sensitivities surrounding the Rwandan genocide, which claimed the lives of around 800,000 people—mostly Tutsis and moderate Hutus—within a mere 100 days at the hands of Hutu extremists. Although the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), primarily composed of Tutsis, brought the genocide to an end, it has faced accusations from human rights organizations of carrying out retaliatory killings of Hutus during its rise to power—claims that the RPF-led government staunchly denies.

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In one of his final videos, Rashid Hakuzimana controversially proposed abolishing the annual genocide commemoration, stating, "Hutus wronged the Tutsi, yes, but if you have forgiven someone, you don’t need to remind them every year that ‘you killed my people.’ That is not forgiveness; ‘Kwibuka’ should be scrapped." His remarks underscore the sensitive nature of discussing Rwanda’s past, a legacy that still shapes the nation’s political landscape today.

Rashid Hakuzimana, a Rwandan YouTuber, faces seven years in prison for genocide denial and inciting division, highlighting tensions in post-genocide Rwanda.

Rashid Hakuzimana, a prominent Rwandan YouTuber, has been sentenced to seven years in prison for violating the country’s laws on genocide denial.

 The 56-year-old, who identifies as a Hutu, was arrested in 2021 and has consistently denied all charges against him.

 These charges include inciting ethnic division and spreading false information by claiming that anyone who challenges President Paul Kagame in elections faces imprisonment.

Hakuzimana’s case highlights the ongoing sensitivities surrounding the Rwandan genocide, during which approximately 800,000 people, predominantly Tutsis and moderate Hutus, were killed in just 100 days by Hutu extremists. 

The Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), mainly comprised of Tutsis, ended the genocide but has faced accusations from human rights groups of retaliatory killings of Hutus as they took power—allegations the RPF-led government vehemently denies.

During his trial, the judge cited Hakuzimana’s YouTube remarks as incendiary, particularly his suggestion that genocide orphans received less care than children of senior government officials. 

Such statements, the judge argued, contributed to fueling divisions within Rwandan society. “Your comments are not just opinions; they are divisive and harmful,” the judge stated.

Hakuzimana, who represented himself in court, refused to mount a defense, insisting he be addressed as a politician rather than a YouTuber.

 He expressed frustration over his three years in jail, stating, “I’ve spent enough time behind bars for merely expressing my thoughts on my platform.”

Following the ruling, Hakuzimana will serve four years in prison, as the three years he has already spent in custody will be counted towards his sentence. He was also fined $700 (£500). It remains uncertain if he will appeal the decision.

Human rights organizations have criticized Kagame’s government for allegedly using genocide denial laws to suppress dissent, a claim the government denies.

 In a notable instance from last year, another YouTuber, Yvonne Idamange, had her 15-year sentence extended by two years for inciting violence and spreading false information.

In court, Hakuzimana argued that his criticism of the government on his popular YouTube channel, Rashid TV, was the true reason for his arrest. “My videos were not about denying the genocide; they were about holding the government accountable,” he explained.

Under Rwandan law, it is a criminal offense to deny, downplay, or attempt to justify the genocide. Hakuzimana, who frequently appeared on Ishema TV and his own channel, had previously been warned by the Rwandan Investigation Bureau (RIB) to moderate his rhetoric but did not comply.

 In one of his final videos, he controversially suggested scrapping the annual commemoration of the genocide, stating, “Hutus wronged the Tutsi, yes, but if you have forgiven someone, you don’t need to remind them every year that ‘you killed my people.’ That is not forgiveness; ‘Kwibuka’ should be scrapped off.”

Hakuzimana’s case underscores the complex and delicate nature of discussing Rwanda’s past, a legacy that continues to shape the nation’s political landscape today.

Keywords:Rashid Hakuzimana:Rwandan YouTuber:genocide denial:Paul Kagame:ethnic division

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