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Showing posts from December, 2024

Faith Odhiambo Demands Accountability in Kenya’s Judiciary and Police Service

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Faith Odhiambo Leads Law Society of Kenya in Demanding Accountability from Judiciary and Police December 24, 2024 – Nairobi, Kenya The Law Society of Kenya (LSK), led by its President, Faith Odhiambo, has called for urgent reforms and accountability within the Judiciary and the National Police Service. This follows what the Society describes as a growing culture of impunity and human rights violations by state institutions. In a press statement, President Odhiambo condemned recent incidents, including the alleged abduction of two Kenyans, Billy Mwangi and Peter Muteti, on December 21, 2024. The two men were reportedly taken by police officers, a violation of constitutional guarantees under Article 49, which protects the rights of arrested persons. “We demand the immediate and unconditional release of Billy Mwangi and Peter Muteti or their presentation in court to face lawful charges. These abductions are in direct violation of the Constitution,” stated Ms. Odhiambo. The LSK...

Nairobi MCA Spreads Christmas Cheer with Shopping Vouchers for Vulnerable Families

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Residents of Nairobi's Central Business District (CBD) received a festive boost as their Member of County Assembly (MCA), Mwaniki Kwenya, distributed shopping vouchers worth Ksh. 2,000 to vulnerable families. The initiative, which took place at the OTC area, was part of Hon. Kwenya’s efforts to spread love and compassion during the Christmas season. Addressing attendees, Kwenya emphasized the significance of kindness, unity, and gratitude during the holidays. “Christmas is a time to reconnect with loved ones, express gratitude, and share joy without expecting anything in return,” said Hon. Kwenya. “It’s an opportunity to strengthen bonds, improve well-being, and celebrate abundance by giving back.” He urged Nairobians to extend their generosity to those in need, calling on financially stable individuals and organizations to share their resources. He also encouraged the establishment of food banks by corporate entities and greater government support for community initiat...

Ministry of Interior Pledges Strengthened Security and Safety Measures for Festive Season

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As Kenya prepares for the festive season, the Ministry of Interior and National Administration has assured the public of continued safety and security. In a statement, the government emphasized its commitment to upholding the rule of law, ensuring safety for all citizens and residents, and addressing criminal acts decisively. The Ministry called for public cooperation with law enforcement agencies, encouraging citizens to report criminal activities, suspicious behavior, and provide valuable information to local authorities. This partnership, the government emphasized, is essential in building a safer society. The statement also highlighted the need for a balance between the right to peaceful assembly and the maintenance of public order, particularly referencing the protests in mid-2024. While the protests began as lawful demonstrations, the involvement of criminal elements led to violence and the disruption of public safety. The government expressed regret over the tragic l...

Gilbey’s Hosts ‘The Real Gilbey’s Hangout’ to Celebrate Authentic Connections

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Gilbey’s, Kenya’s leading gin brand, brought its “Made for Real Moments” campaign to life with the successful “Real Gilbey’s Hangout” on Saturday, October 14, 2024, at Mass House in Nairobi.  The in-bar activation celebrated meaningful connections and authentic experiences among attendees in a vibrant and engaging setting. The event offered guests expertly crafted Gilbey’s cocktails, demonstrating the brand’s signature smoothness, quality, and versatility. To further foster connections, attendees participated in interactive games such as Jenga and checkers, which added an element of fun and camaraderie to the evening.  A major highlight was the cocktail-making competition, where participants showcased their creativity and mixology skills. Winners of the competition and various games walked away with exclusive Gilbey’s merchandise. Commenting on the event’s success, Zipporah Ndung’u, Senior Brand Manager for Gilbey’s, said: “The Real Gilbey’s Hangout was an incredib...

KFCB Holds Film and Arts Empowerment Forum in Kirinyaga County

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Hundreds of creatives and stakeholders gathered for the Creatives in Arts and Film Literacy Programme (CAFIL) – Kirinyaga Edition, held on Monday, December 16, 2024, at Abai Lodges and Spa. The CAFIL Programme, spearheaded by the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) in partnership with the Sports, Arts, and Social Development Fund (SASDF), seeks to promote film literacy while encouraging responsible content creation. The forum brought together filmmakers, actors, musicians, visual artists, and key players in the creative industry. It provided a valuable platform for participants to exchange ideas, address challenges facing local creatives, and explore opportunities for collaboration and growth in the film and arts sectors. KFCB Acting CEO Mr. Paskal Opiyo, speaking at the event, emphasized the programme's role in fostering content that reflects Kenya’s cultural values and national aspirations while safeguarding minors and vulnerable groups from harmful material. ...

Agnes Kagure Foundation Launches All-Gender Dialogue to Combat Gender-Based Violence and Femicide in Kenya

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The Agnes Kagure Foundation (AKFO) Women’s Chapter is organizing a groundbreaking all-gender dialogue to address the rising cases of gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide in Kenya. The session aims to unite stakeholders from various sectors to discuss sustainable strategies for combating these deeply rooted societal issues. Agnes Kagure, CEO of the Agnes Kagure Foundation, emphasized the importance of collective action in eradicating femicide. She pointed out that this form of violence extends beyond physical harm to include harmful words, stereotypes, and actions that diminish women’s dignity. “Femicide is not just about physical violence; it’s about the insidious harm caused by words and attitudes that perpetuate stereotypes and strip women of their humanity. Alarmingly, some of the most destructive behaviors stem from men in influential positions,” Kagure said. She also criticized Kenya’s parliamentary leadership for contributing to the crisis through inaction and har...

KFCB Rolls Out Creatives in Arts and Film Literacy Programme in Machakos County

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The Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB), in collaboration with the Sports, Arts, and Social Development Fund (SASDF), has launched the Creatives in Arts and Film Literacy Programme (CAFIL) in Machakos County. This initiative aims to enhance film literacy and promote responsible content creation while fostering growth in the creative arts and film sectors. The engagement forum, held at Semara Hotel on December 13, 2024, brought together filmmakers, actors, musicians, visual artists, and other stakeholders from the creative industry. It provided a platform for exchanging ideas, addressing challenges faced by local creatives, and exploring opportunities for collaboration and growth. KFCB Acting CEO, Mr. Paskal Opiyo, reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to supporting the creative industry. “Through initiatives like the Creatives in Arts and Film Literacy Programme, the KFCB aims to nurture a vibrant creative industry that plays a crucial role in driving cultural and economic d...

President Ruto Launches National Police Service Strategic Plan 2023-2027 at KSG

President William Ruto presided over the launch of the National Police Service (NPS) Strategic Plan 2023-2027, held at the Kenya School of Government (KSG). The event, which highlighted efforts to transform the police force into a more citizen-centric and efficient service, also saw the unveiling of a new customer excellence program. Speaking during the launch, KSG Director General Professor Nura Mohamed underscored the initiative's alignment with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). He cited page 62 of the agenda as the foundation for the program’s goals. “Your Excellency, you committed to building a highly skilled, efficient, and citizen-centric public service. In response to that vision, we approached the Inspector General to develop a program that embodies these ideals,” said Professor Mohamed. The five-pronged program aims to redefine how the police interact with citizens and enhance service delivery. Professor Mohamed noted the shift from traditional methods t...

Kenya Commemorates International Human Rights Day, Pledges Action Against Inequality and Violence

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Kenya joined the world today in celebrating International Human Rights Day under the theme "Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now." The government reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the dignity and freedoms of all citizens, emphasizing the urgency of addressing persistent human rights challenges. In a statement by Government Spokesperson Hon. Sen. (Dr.) Isaac Mwaura, CBS, the day was recognized as an opportunity to reflect on the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), adopted 76 years ago. The UDHR forms the basis for global human rights standards, advocating for fundamental freedoms such as justice, equality, inclusivity, education, and healthcare. Dr. Mwaura highlighted Kenya’s progress in human rights advocacy, including the ratification of key international treaties such as the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), and the...

KFCB Strengthens Support for Film Industry Through New Regulatory Initiatives and CAFIL Program

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The Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering the growth of the film industry through innovative regulatory reforms and programs aimed at empowering local creatives. Speaking during a stakeholders’ engagement forum held at the Edge Convention Centre on Monday, December 9, 2024, KFCB Acting CEO, Mr. Paskal Opiyo, announced key initiatives to streamline operations and enhance opportunities for filmmakers. Central to KFCB's strategy is the implementation of the Creatives in Arts and Film Literacy (CAFIL) Program, rolled out in partnership with the Sports, Arts, and Social Development Fund (SASDF). The program aims to nurture youth talent, promote cultural values, and protect children from exposure to inappropriate content. The initiative has already been successfully implemented in Nairobi, Kisumu, Nakuru, Embu, and Mombasa, with plans to expand to Machakos, Kirinyaga, and Kakamega counties in Phase III. During his remarks, Mr. Opiyo...