Latest news with #Nairobi
Bloomberg
an hour ago
- Business
- Bloomberg
Kenya's Revenue Raising Seen Constrained Until After 2027 Vote
Kenyan authorities will struggle to introduce revenue-raising measures before 2027 elections, constraining the government's attempts to narrow the budget-financing gap, according to Moody's Ratings. Revenue generation remains structurally weak, with the ratio of tax to gross domestic product standing at about 17%, the ratings agency said in a research note. An inelastic expenditure structure will meanwhile limit spending cuts, with more than half of the budget swallowed up by salaries, pensions, interest payments and transfers to county governments, it said.
CNN
17 hours ago
- Politics
- CNN
As protesters are hit with terrorism charges, critics accuse Kenya's government of criminalizing dissent
One of Kenya's most prominent human rights activists has been released on bail after being charged with unlawful possession of ammunition, as critics accuse authorities of ramping up efforts to stifle dissent in the East African country. Boniface Mwangi was arrested over the weekend 'in connection with the facilitation of terrorist activities' during the June 25 protests, Kenya's Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) announced on social media on Sunday, drawing immediate outrage among activists. When the 42-year-old award-winning photographer appeared in court on Monday, the terrorism charges had been downgraded to two counts of 'possession of ammunition without a valid firearm certificate' because of teargas canisters and blank rounds allegedly found at his office. His arrest came as activists say more than 100 protesters have been charged with terror-related offenses, arson and money laundering in the past month over demonstrations sparked by widespread dissatisfaction with President William Ruto's administration – especially among the youth whose support propelled him into power. 'I'm known as a human rights defender, not a terrorist,' Mwangi told CNN on Monday evening after he was released on bail. 'I'm so fired up; I'm not scared at all. The only thing that can stop me is a bullet in my head, but as long as I'm alive I'll keep organizing for regime change. The government we have in power is not working for the people.' Mwangi, who has been critical of successive Kenyan governments and describes himself as 'the people's watchman,' said he was arrested at home by plainclothes policemen on Saturday and taken to his office in the capital Nairobi. He claimed policemen ransacked the office, confiscating devices and finding two unused teargas canisters and one blank round. Protesters often display the canisters or rounds during demonstrations to journalists as evidence of police brutality and use of excessive force. Video on social media showed Mwangi shout 'Ruto Must Go!' as he was driven away from his office on Saturday. Mwangi denied the charges; a judge freed him on a personal bond and set a hearing date for August 21. Protests erupted in the country in June after several cases of alleged police brutality, including the death of a teacher while in police custody. During the protests, claims swirled among frustrated demonstrators on social media that government-affiliated politicians had hired people to attack peaceful protesters and damage property to discredit the demonstrations. The Law Society of Kenya, which advises and assists the legal profession, government and public, said the protests had been 'infiltrated by armed, hired goons' in a scathing statement on Monday. 'We strongly condemn this malicious, deliberate re-emergence of radicalized militia sponsored by the political class.' During recent protests, CNN saw groups of men armed with batons marching alongside police and beating up civilians in Nairobi while uniformed officers watched. Businesses were burnt in other parts of the country and a police station attacked. CNN has asked the Kenyan government and police for comment, but has not heard back. President Ruto accused some politicians of misleading youth to riot on Sunday and warned of consequences: 'The police are trained to deal with criminals. They're not trained in parenting. So, if you surrender your children to the police, what do you expect?' The right to protest is protected under Kenya's constitution but authorities have characterized recent demonstrations as chaotic looting sprees. Kenyan prosecutors slapped several youths with arson and terrorism charges following the protests, and judges imposed hefty bail terms even though many claimed their innocence. Rights groups have condemned the use of terrorism charges. 'We are deeply concerned by the continued misuse of the Prevention of Terrorism Act to manage public order,' according to a statement on Monday from the Police Reforms Working Group, a coalition of civil society organizations that monitors policing. 'This practice undermines Kenya's criminal justice system and jeopardizes critical international partnerships aimed at safeguarding national security.' The Kenyan chapter of the International Commission of Jurists on Sunday said it was 'alarmed by the growing pattern of arbitrary arrests and trumped-up charges targeting innocent youth.' In a statement, the human rights group added: 'What began as targeted persecution of young protesters demanding accountability has metastasized into a full-scale assault on Kenya's democracy.' The government has denied any wrongdoing. The Office of the Director of Public Prosecution defended its use of terrorism charges, saying that the protests were 'calculated and coordinated acts of violence' and that the office 'remains committed to executing its constitutional mandate in accordance with the law, public interest, and administration of justice.' 'We wish to reassure the public that all charges have been brought strictly based on available evidence,' it added on Monday. Activists like Mwangi and legal experts say the Kenyan government is criminalizing dissent by using charges such as terrorism, arson and money laundering to stoke fear among protesters. Over the past year, CNN has filmed security forces violently breaking up protests on multiple occasions, shooting at unarmed protesters and assaulting bystanders. At least 38 people were killed and 130 injured in another protest earlier this month, according to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights. President Ruto previously told police officers on July 9 to shoot 'looters and arsonists' in the leg if they considered them a threat, rather than killing them. His Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen went further a week later by issuing a directive for officers to shoot at protesters who approached police stations. The former lecturer of law attempted to walk back the comments after public outcry but did not rescind the directive. On Monday, Murkomen called out those challenging the terror charges, asking: 'If you invade a police station and burn it and steal guns… burn courts… and people's businesses, what is that crime if it is not terrorism?' Mwangi told CNN that Ruto and his government were 'weaponizing the DCI to criminalize dissent, which is allowed by the constitution – but he's going to fail.' 'They want to scare youth (away) from protesting because it will be hard to get work, or even a visa,' he said. 'And if the kids are not scared, they want to scare their parents.'
Zawya
a day ago
- Business
- Zawya
Absa and Visa extend strategic partnership to advance growth and innovation across Africa
Nairobi, Kenya – Absa and Visa have renewed their strategic partnership to accelerate the development of innovative, inclusive, secure, and digitally enabled financial payment ecosystems across Absa's Regional Operations (ARO) which incorporates Absa's presence outside South Africa. The agreement, formalised at a signing ceremony in Johannesburg, marks a significant milestone in a relationship that has driven innovation and financial inclusion across the continent for many years. Anchored in a shared vision to transform how individuals and businesses engage with financial services, the renewed partnership will deepen collaboration across digital infrastructure expansion, small business enablement, and customer-centric innovation in the Cards and Payments domain. 'This regional expansion marks an exciting new chapter in our partnership with Absa — one that continues to challenge conventions and redefine the possibilities within financial services,' said Michael Berner, Head of Southern and East Africa at Visa. 'We share a strong commitment to growing digital access across the region. Absa's leadership in innovation drives real impact, and we're proud to support their momentum with Visa's global expertise and technology as they deliver seamless experiences to their customers.' The partnership has already delivered several market-first innovations for customers across Africa. Absa became the first bank in multiple African markets to launch Visa Direct enabling card to card domestic and international payments. The introduction of Visa Signature and Infinite metal cards set a new benchmark in premium banking with exclusive lifestyle benefits. Additionally, Absa Pay issuer wallets expanded digital payment experiences, marking a first in Mauritius. "Through our strategic partnership with Visa, we're building a financial ecosystem that reflects the pace of today's African economies. In every market we operate in, we connect deeply with local communities to ensure that we deliver financial solutions that respond to the evolving needs and realities of our customers," said Saviour Chibiya, Chief Executive for Absa Regional Operations. In 2025, Absa also launched Visa Business Credit Cards, designed to solve real-world challenges for businesses and entrepreneurs. These cards offer enhanced value through tailored benefits, spend controls, and access to Visa Spend Clarity Plus – a first in Sub-Saharan Africa – enabling virtual card issuance and advanced expense management for business clients. The renewed agreement places strong emphasis on enabling small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with targeted solutions to improve access to credit, expand payment acceptance and support responsible lending. 'Partnerships like this are central to how we scale impact across the continent,' said Omar Baig, Managing Executive for Absa Regional Operations Retail & Business Banking. 'Visa brings global technology, insights, and capabilities that help us deliver locally relevant solutions, from expanding domestic and international payment capabilities for individuals and businesses, enabling financial access to underserved communities to deepening digital access for our customers. As we grow our presence across Africa, this renewed agreement helps us to move with greater speed and coordination to meet the needs of the communities we serve.' 'Our partnership with Absa stands as a powerful testament to the shared vision between our two brands — one that champions a secure, inclusive, and resilient digital payments ecosystem. We are proud of what we've built together in South Africa, and excited to deepen this collaboration across the continent as we continue driving innovation and financial inclusion at scale,' said Lineshree Moodley, Country Head for Visa South Africa. As Absa and Visa move forward, the partnership will focus on co-developing solutions that drive digital commerce, enhance customer experiences, and support inclusive economic growth. Together, Absa and Visa are shaping the future of finance in Africa – one innovation, one business, and one customer at a time. About Visa Visa Inc. (NYSE: V) is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions, and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, reliable, and secure payment network, enabling individuals, businesses, and economies to thrive. About Absa Group Limited Absa Group Limited ('Absa Group') is listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and is one of Africa's largest diversified financial services groups. Absa Group offers an integrated set of products and services across personal and business banking, corporate and investment banking, wealth and investment management and insurance. Absa Group owns majority stakes in banks in Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania (Absa Bank Tanzania and National Bank of Commerce), Uganda and Zambia and has insurance operations in Kenya and South Africa. Absa also has offices in the People's Republic of China, Namibia, Nigeria and the United States, as well as securities entities in the United Kingdom and the United States, along with technology support colleagues in the Czech Republic.
News24
a day ago
- Politics
- News24
Kenya drops terror charges against activist Boniface Mwangi
The prominent Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi was charged with unlawful possession of ammunition on Monday in a case stemming from his alleged role in street protests against the government. Mwangi's supporters had feared he would be charged with the more serious offense of terrorism. He was freed on bond immediately after his appearance in court on Monday. Authorities said Mwangi helped organise unrest during the 25 June protests, which turned violent and left at least 19 people dead. The protest itself had been called to remember victims of police violence at another major protest against President William Ruto's government on the same date in 2024. What do we know about the case? Mwangi, 42, was arrested on Saturday and accused by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations with the 'facilitation of terrorist acts', which he denied, declaring in an image on X: 'I am not a terrorist.' Police said they recovered several items from his home, including unused teargas canisters, a 7.62mm blank round, mobile phones, a laptop, and notebooks. The charge sheet states that Mwangi was 'found in possession of noxious substances to wit three teargas canisters without lawful authority'. Tony Karumba/AFP He also faces a charge for possessing a single round of blank ammunition illegally. On Sunday, police had said they planned to arraign Mwangi on Monday for facilitating 'terrorist acts' linked to the protests. Boniface Mwangi's attorney Njanja Maina has said the activist never possessed any of the items police claim to have found. Mwangi's wife, Njeri, said on social media that security personnel had raided their home 'talking of terrorism and arson'. The courtroom in Nairobi was packed with supporters and activists, many draped in Kenyan flags, including Mwangi himself. He was bailed out immediately after his appearance in court on Monday. 'The truth is our president is scared of young people, because young people are organising by themselves, they are going to the streets, they are demanding better,' Mwangi told supporters and journalists outside the court. Who is Boniface Mwangi? Mwangi, a longtime anti-corruption campaigner and former parliamentary candidate, is known for his outspoken criticism of police abuses and state repression. His arrest comes amid renewed unrest in Kenya, triggered in June by the death of political blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody. Ojwang's death, which police first claimed was a suicide, sparked national outrage after an autopsy pointed to physical assault. The protests have built on earlier demonstrations against the high cost of living, corruption, and alleged police brutality. In May, Mwangi was briefly detained and deported from Tanzania after attending a court hearing for opposition leader Tundu Lissu. He later alleged that Tanzanian security officers had assaulted him and Ugandan activist Agather Atuhaire during custody.
France 24
a day ago
- Sport
- France 24
Kenya athletics trials under shadow of Chepngetich suspension
Chepngetich, 30, tested positive for the banned diuretic hydrochlorothiazide on March 14, according to the Athletics Integrity Unit. It threatens to destroy a career that has seen her win the 2019 world marathon title in Doha and set the marathon world record in Chicago last October at 2hr 09min 56sec, making her the first woman to run the distance under 2hr 10min. Her case has also cast a shadow over Kenya's preparation for the World Championships in Tokyo from September 13 to 25. Few in the Kenyan sports community have been willing to talk about the case. "It has increased suspicions that it is still a big issue. The authorities still have a lot more to do in the fight against doping," a former Kenyan world champion, who requested anonymity, told AFP. Kenya has invested massively to clean up its image after a string of doping scandals around the 2016 Rio Olympics led to it being declared non-compliant by the World Anti-Doping Agency. Nearly 130 Kenyan athletes, mainly long-distance runners, have been sanctioned for drugs offences since 2017, and Kenya has put in place a $25 million, five-year programme to attempt to combat the problem. In June 2024, Kenya handed out its first lifetime ban to marathon runner Beatrice Toroitich and a six-year ban to 10km record-holder Rhonex Kipruto. Kenyan sports lawyer Sarah Ochwada said Kenya has made significant strides. "Anti-doping is a complex system. It is a mix of bio-chemistry and medico-legal regulations," said Ochwada, who has represented several athletes suspended for doping including Rita Jeptoo, Ferdinand Omanyala, and Mark Otieno. "With more testing, the system is likely to catch both inadvertent and intentional anti-doping rule violators," she said, adding that it was up to Kenyan athletes to take "destiny into their own hands" and make sure they don't accidentally break the rules. Diuretics are banned because they can be used to rapidly lose weight or to flush out signs of performance-enhancing drugs. Athletics Kenya still has high hopes of success at the World Championships 10 years after it stunned the world by claiming the overall title for the first time in Beijing with seven golds, six silvers and three bronzes. Among the athletes expected to shine on Tuesday include rising 1,500m star Phanuel Kipkosgei Koech, the 18-year-old who upset Britain's reigning world champion Josh Kerr at the London Diamond League on Saturday.
