馃嚢馃嚜KenyaEast Africa
Matatu Owners Association assures normal public transport services during June 25 protests
via Tuko5 min read
The Matatu Owners Association MOA has confirmed that public transport services will operate normally across Kenya on June 25, despite planned demonstrations. The association dismissed reports of a potential transport shutdown and encouraged commuters to continue their daily routines without fear. MOA Chairman Albert Karakacha stated that matatu operators would remain on the road, serving passengers on all routes, and emphasized that there are no plans for an industry-wide strike or suspension of services. The MOA also expressed sympathy for those affected by the June 25, 2024 protests against the Finance Bill and condemned all forms of violence, vandalism, and destruction of property. They called for peace, constructive dialogue, and respect for the law, while upholding the constitutional right to commemorate the day and seek accountability. This assurance comes amidst heightened preparedness by security agencies ahead of the protests.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Tuko.
The Standard Newspaper has issued a sharp response to President William Ruto after he accused the media outlet of blackmail. President Ruto, visibly frustrated by the coverage, targeted the paper's owner, former Baringo Senator Gideon Moi, accusing him of attempting to blackmail him out of greed. Ruto sarcastically encouraged Moi to continue publishing the newspaper 'eight days a week,' stating he would not bow to pressure. The Standard fired back with a sarcastic post, featuring an illustration of Ruto on a newspaper cover, stating, "Due to overwhelming demand, we are printing the standard eight days a week! To meet your demand. Orders from above LOL." The newspaper emphasized its reputation as 'trusted, reliable, respected,' adding, "Even the president reads the Standard." The latest issue of The Standard, dated June 24, featured the Ruto administration on its front page with the headline 'Protest Anxiety,' discussing the likelihood of a successful protest on Thursday, June 25, commemorating the anti-Finance Bill 2024 protests.
Must ReadThe Centre for Litigation Trust has filed a petition in Kenya's High Court to halt a proposed KSh 9.7 trillion agreement between Kenya and the United States for rare earth mineral exploitation at Mrima Hill in Kwale county. The lobby group argues that the deal, which President William Ruto mentioned during the G7 Summit, was negotiated without public participation, parliamentary approval, or involvement from the Kwale County Government and local communities. The petition names Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho and the Attorney-General as respondents, with the Kwale County Government, Kenya Forest Service, and National Museums of Kenya as interested parties. Petitioner Julius Ogogoh states that critical details of the arrangement, including contract terms, environmental impact assessments, ownership structure, and benefit-sharing framework, remain undisclosed. Mrima Hill is a gazetted National Monument and a sacred Kaya forest, and the petition raises concerns about the legality of mining activities there under the Mining Act, as well as potential environmental impacts from toxic chemicals and radioactive waste. The Centre for Litigation Trust seeks declarations that constitutional requirements for public participation were violated, that parliamentary approval is mandatory, and that local communities and the Kwale County Government must be involved in negotiations and benefit-sharing. They also seek an order for the Mining CS and Attorney-General to disclose the full terms
A video has emerged showing President William Ruto driving outgoing Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in a Polaris XPEDITION XP 1000 off-road vehicle at his Kilgoris ranch. This informal transport choice, bypassing traditional armored presidential convoys, occurred during bilateral talks between the two leaders. The matte-grey Polaris, equipped with 30-inch Pro Armour tires and a heavy-duty Rhino-Rack roof system, awaited the Somali delegation at Ruto's private estate. Upon President Mohamud's arrival at the estate's private airfield, President Ruto personally took the wheel, with President Mohamud in the front passenger seat and two other delegation members, including CS Hassan Joho, in the rear. The open-air vehicle allowed for a free and natural conversation between the leaders.