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Compiled by Maurice Ndole and Steve Mokaya | The Africana Voice
The funeral of Queen Elizabeth II
On September 8, Queen Elizabeth II, the United Kingdom’s longest-serving monarch, died at Balmoral, aged 96. She had reigned for 70 years.
The Queen’s death plunged the world into a state of mourning that saw nearly all countries fly their national flags at half mast to mark the mourning period.
The Commonwealth nations, the countries the UK colonized, even announced several days of mourning in honor of the monarch’s passing.
King Charles III, her son, said the death of his beloved mother was a period of great sadness for him and his family.
“We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished sovereign and a much-loved mother.
“I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world,” the King said.
The state funeral of the Queen took place in the United Kingdom on September 19 and was attended by 500 heads of state and foreign dignitaries. The state funeral brought the UK, and the world to a standstill as millions of people from across the globe followed the proceedings on global and local news channels. In the UK, businesses and schools closed.
The Queen’s coffin was taken in a solemn procession from Westminster Hall, where Queen Elizabeth II had been lying in state, to Westminster Abbey for a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. local time. The Dean of Westminster, David Hoyle, officiated the hour-long service.
Thousands of people lined up in the streets as the procession headed to Windsor for the burial. They threw flowers toward the vehicle that was carrying the Queen’s body, as it left Wellington Arch in central London towards Westminster Abbey.
Ebola Outbreak in Uganda
On Tuesday, September 20, Uganda’s ministry of health confirmed the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in Mubende, a district located about 159 kilometers west of the capital Kampala.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the case of the relatively rare Sudan strain was confirmed by the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI).
WHO says eight people with suspected Ebola symptoms are receiving medical care. Meanwhile, the global health body has said it will send its staff to the affected area for heightened monitoring and care provisions.
“Thanks to its [Uganda] expertise, action has been taken too quickly to detect the virus, and we can bank on this knowledge to halt the spread of infections,” said Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO regional director for Africa.
According to the ministry of health in Uganda, the confirmed case is a 24-year-old male resident of Ngabano village of Madudu Sub County in Mubende District. The patient who showed symptoms of Ebola later succumbed.
Uganda’s health ministry has dispatched medical teams to Mubende District to enhance surveillance and community awareness. It also urged the public to remain vigilant and calm as teams undertake the necessary action.
The Ugandan clinical team took off samples for testing at UVRI. Results confirmed that the patient was positive for the Ebola-Sudan strain. Uganda last reported an outbreak of the strain in 2012.
The East African country has also appealed to the public to report if they see anyone with Ebola signs. The toll-free number for reporting cases in Uganda is 0800-100-066.
On Friday, September 23, the Ministry of Health in Uganda released an update on the development of the Ebola outbreak.
“In the last 24 hours, four cases of Ebola were confirmed, bringing the cumulative number of confirmed cases to 11. Three new deaths were recorded, bringing the total number of cumulative deaths to 11,” the statement read.
Eight deaths were from the community, whereas three were facility-based. The ministry said there were 25 cases on admission at the health facility, out of which six are confirmed while 19 are suspected cases of Ebola.
Four new cases were also confirmed on Saturday, bringing the total confirmed cases to 15. Meanwhile, cumulative deaths now stood at 19, while active cases on admissions were at 29 as of Saturday.
A total of 58 contacts to the confirmed cases had been listed by Friday.
Tanzania and Kenya have heightened surveillance of the disease and urged their citizens to be vigilant following the Ebola outbreak in Uganda.
Tanzania has called for border screening and public education on Ebola symptoms.
In a statement, Health Deputy Minister Godwin Mollel said, “I call upon all medical officers to provide public education on the disease, monitor it, and undertake investigations in their respective areas.”
In a statement on Wednesday, the ministry of health in Kenya asked all counties to be vigilant and enhance surveillance, especially at the border. Activate rapid response teams to support the identification of suspected cases and promptly report and screen at-risk populations, including travelers, truck drivers, bush meat handlers, and health care workers.
Kenya has also requested its citizens to be extra careful when visiting Uganda and the DRC.
Singer Juliani slyly says he’s broke.
Singer Julius Owino popularly known as Juliani, the husband of former Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua’s ex-wife Lilian Nganga responded to online trolls and admitted he is broke. He also sarcastically appealed for financial help.
“Wasee! Nikubaya, niko BROKE! mtoi anahitaji pampers. Please send mpesa. Paybill: Business number – 784577 Account- Juliani Chochote unaeza itasaidia. Yours truly, Struggling rapper/entrepreneur.” Tweeted Juliani.
The trolls started after a section of Kenyans on Twitter compared recent photos of Juliani and Mutua, suggesting that the singer is having a rough ride with his finances.
After the sardonic appeal, the rapper came out clear in a video to explain the status quo. He explained the reason for being broke is spending his own money on his projects that we’re yet to bring returns.
“I do not mind trolls. I actually find some of them funny. Jana, when Kibe mentioned my child, I was like it’s funny, but to me, it was a little bit serious,” he said.
He said he wanted to spend three to six months with his son, whom he bore with Lilian, but that didn’t happen, owing to his many errands to balance his balance sheet.
“I put my money into it (event), and if you notice throughout the last three years, anything I have done, I have been putting my money into it. I do not have sponsors or investors.
“So I am not able to spend time with my son right now because I am running around trying to pay debts, trying to achieve some of the things I told myself I want to achieve,” he said.
The death of Mahsa Amini sparks global protest.
Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Iranian woman from the Kurdish minority, was arrested on September 13 by the ‘morality police’ for allegedly wearing a loose hijab.
Reports indicate Amini fell into a coma soon after collapsing at Vozara Detention Centre. She died three days later.
UN Human Rights is demanding an independent investigation into the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman who was targeted by Iran's morality police over an alleged loose hijab. Protests in reaction to Amini's death have broken out in cities across Iran and internationally. pic.twitter.com/kocBM0aGHY
— NowThis (@nowthisnews) September 22, 2022
Various reports suggest that she was hit on the head with a baton, and her head was banged against the vehicle by the so-called morality police. Iranian authorities said she died of a heart attack.
Thousands took to the streets in many cities across Iran, including Tehran, Isfahan, Karaj, Mashhad, Rasht, Saqqes, and Sanandaj, in protests against Amini’s death. Security forces reportedly responded with live ammunition, pellet guns, and teargas.
According to media reports from Iran, some women publicly cut their hair and burned their headscarves, in defiance of the Iranian authorities, following Amini’s demise.
At least 17 people were reportedly killed in the protests; several were injured, and many were arrested.
Acting UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Nada Al-Nashif expressed concern at Amini’s death and called for prompt, impartial investigations.
“Mahsa Amini’s tragic death and allegations of torture and ill-treatment must be promptly, impartially, and effectively investigated by an independent competent authority that ensures, in particular, that her family has access to justice and truth,” said Al-Nashif.
Al-Nashif said the compulsory veiling laws remain of concern in Iran, where appearing in public without a hijab is punishable by imprisonment.
Gambling Jackpot Winner elected Bomet County Assembly Speaker.
Cosmas Kipngetich Korir, who won a Sh 208 million SportPesa jackpot in 2018, has been elected Speaker of the Bomet County Assembly.
Korir garnered 32 votes beating former Kipsonoi MCA Cheruiyot Kirui, who received six votes.
Korir is said to have launched several philanthropic deeds in his home country of Bomet after the win.
Among other things, Korir is said to have launched various philanthropic actions like church projects, food donations to baby homes, and nurturing talents through the Cosmas Korir Tournament.
Kenya Film Classification Board bans films with LGBTQ+ content.
The Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) Friday restated that all movies containing LGBTQ+ content remain illegal in the country.
Christopher Wambua, KFCB’s acting CEO, said the Kenyan laws outlaw LGBTQ+ content or relationships.
“If there is any content that normalizes or glorifies same-sex relationships, our position in Kenya has always been that kind of content is restricted and should not be broadcasted, exhibited, or distributed within the borders of the country,” Wambua said while speaking to Spice FM.
The KFCB boss said the government is working to ensure prevention measures are taken to prevent the airing of such content in the country.
Wambua cited Netflix, a US-based film streaming site, saying that talks were underway with the company to ensure they limit access to homosexual content.
“Most of them are restricting; because of our discussions with Netflix, they are curating their classification system that is very aligned with our laws with the view of ensuring that in future, once we sign the agreement, some of this content is not visible at all within the republic,” said Wambua.
In addition, the KFCB chief urged parents to be at the forefront of sensitizing their children through filtering content to limit access to unauthorized content; to help them nurture children with culturally acceptable behavior.
“Research has shown that film and media content influence the behavior and the thinking of consumers, especially children who are most impressionable,” Wambua said.
He said parents need to set screen times and monitor their child’s internet use because the internet is filled with unfiltered content for kids to be exposed to harmful interactions like bullying and harassment.
“As we try our best to assign the age ratings, it is the responsibility of the parents to educate and sensitize their children that they should not be able to look at it.”
Kenyans among 47 people indicted for stealing Covid funds in the US
The US Department of Justice announced September 20 federal criminal charges against 47 defendants for their alleged roles in a $250 million fraud scheme that exploited a federally-funded child nutrition program during the COVID-19 pandemic in Minnesota.
“These indictments, alleging the largest pandemic relief fraud scheme charged to date, underscore the Department of Justice’s sustained commitment to combating pandemic fraud and holding accountable those who perpetrate it,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “In partnership with agencies across government, the Justice Department will continue to bring to justice those who have exploited the pandemic for personal gain and stolen from American taxpayers.”
Kenya announces ban on old passports.
Click here to read the US Justice Department press release.
Italy elects an Ultra-Right Wing Government.
Italy has elected its first female Prime Minister — 45-year-old Giorgia Meloni.
Meloni, will lead the most right-wing government since the end of World War II.
According to NPR, Meloni’s Brothers of Italy party has roots in the neo-fascist movement that emerged out of the ruins of World War II.
The party flag includes a tricolor flame that was a symbol of fascism in the early 20th century. NPR reports that Meloni has refused to remove the flame from the party’s logo.
Meloni is a vicious anti-immigration advocate, a stance that has endeared her to supporters and brought back flashbacks of Donald Trump’s presidential campaigns in the US. She has promised to put a naval blockade to patrol the Mediterranean Ocean and return immigrants who attempt to enter Italy by sea to their home countries.
She’s described as Eurosceptic and critical of the European Union. But she has assured the world that she’ll not push for Italy to leave the EU.
Meloni made her faith a central part of her campaign and has come out as a strong pro-life and anti-gay leader.
Click here to read more from NPR.
Patagonia Owner Gives Away 100% of The Company to Charity.
Outdoors apparel company Patagonia has “gone purpose.”
In a letter posted on its website, Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard said the company is determined to play a bigger and bolder role in fighting climate change.
“As we began to witness the extent of global warming and ecological destruction, and our own contribution to it, Patagonia committed to using our company to change the way business was done,” Chouinard said.
He recounted how the company has looked for ways to be a good environmental steward.
“Instead of “going public,” you could say we’re “going purpose.” Instead of extracting value from nature and transforming it into wealth for investors, we’ll use the wealth Patagonia creates to protect the source of all wealth,” Chouinard said.
The company’s new slogan is “Earth is now our only shareholder.”
Click here to read Yvon Chouinard’s letter.
Hey, friends, we just gave our company to planet Earth. OK, it’s more nuanced than that, but we’re closed today to celebrate this new plan to save our one and only home. We’ll be back online tomorrow.https://t.co/fvRFDgOzVZ
— Patagonia (@patagonia) September 14, 2022
Donald Trump Facing growing legal scrutiny.
Former US President Donald Trump is facing legal peril from all directions.
New York State Attorney General Leticia James sued Trump and three of his oldest children, Donald Trump Jr., Ivanka Trump, and Eric Trump, the Trump Organization, and its executives for years of financial fraud.
“From 2011-2021, Mr. Trump and the Trump Organization knowingly and intentionally created more than 200 false and misleading valuations of assets on his annual Statements of Financial Condition to defraud financial institutions,” the lawsuit alleges.
Click here to read the full complaint.
FBI Raids Mar-a-Lago retrieves highly classified material.
Trump also faces scrutiny for mishandling classified material after the FBI raided his home in Mar-a-Lago, Florida, to retrieve the documents.
The raid found four dozen empty folders marked CLASSIFIED in Trump’s office.
At the end of his presidency, Trump inexplicably took multiple boxes of highly classified material with him.
Trump, who made a lot of hay from former Democratic flagbearer Hillary Clinton’s handling of classified emails, has not provided a coherent answer why he wanted the material.
In a twist of events, the Justice Department said at the end of August that Trump might have “likely concealed and removed” the classified material as part of an effort to obstruct their investigation.
Click here to read more.
Click here to read more
Click here to read court documents.
Click here to read court documents.
Serena Williams and Roger Federer Retire from Tennis
Tennis greats Serena Williams and Roger Federer announced their retirement from competitive tennis in September.
Williams announced her “evolution” in a heartfelt essay in the August 9 issue of Vogue Magazine.
Williams, 40, said:
“I have never liked the word retirement. It doesn’t feel like a modern word to me. I’ve been thinking of this as a transition, but I want to be sensitive about how I use that word, which means something very specific and important to a community of people. Maybe the best word to describe what I’m up to is evolution. I’m here to tell you that I’m evolving away from tennis, toward other things that are important to me. A few years ago, I quietly started Serena Ventures, a venture capital firm. Soon after that, I started a family. I want to grow that family.”
Click here to read about Williams’ career record.
Roger Federer.
A month after Williams’ retirement, all-time great Roger Federer also announced his retirement, robbing the tennis world of another shining star that has dominated the sport for over two decades.
In a statement posted on his Twitter account on September 15, Federer, 41, described the moment of his retirement as a “bittersweet decision.”
“This is a bittersweet decision because I will miss everything the tour has given me. But at the same time, there is so much to celebrate,” the Swiss superstar wrote. “I consider myself one of the most fortunate people on Earth. I was given a special talent to play tennis, and I did it at a level that I never imagined, for much longer than I ever thought possible.”
However, Federer’s fairytale career end was ruined after his team Europe duo with Rafael Nadal, lost to Frances Tiafoe and Jack Sock of Team World.
Still, Federer goes down as one of the world’s greatest tennis players.
Kenyan Woman missing in Wyoming, Boyfriend listed as a person of interest
Irene Gatwa has been missing since February. Her family last saw her in a video call on February 24, this year, where her appearance troubled her family, leading her father to comment that she was looking hungry and tired.
Gatwa, 33, moved to Meridian, Idaho, in 2019 to pursue a nursing career and be near her brothers. In 2020 she met her boyfriend Nathan Hightman, 39, through Craigslist forums, and the two moved in together in a 3-bedroomed house in Gillette, Wyoming.
Hightman has denied involvement with Gakwa’s disappearance. He told the police that Gakwa left in a black SUV one evening after having dinner at a local restaurant. He admitted to accessing Gakwa’s account and transferring cash without her permission.
“He stated his motive for doing so was to force her to contact him in the event she needed money,” the police affidavit said.
Strangers have joined in her search, putting her posters on Twitter and urging Gillette Police to do more. And her family has started a website whereisirene.com.
Her case has attracted Crime Stoppers, who have issued a $1000 reward for information leading to solving the mystery of her disappearance. To reach Crime Stoppers, call 307-228-4276.
Police are asking for members of the public with information to step forward.
“If you have any other information related to Irene’s disappearance, no matter how insignificant you believe it may be, please contact the Gillette Police Department at 307-682-5155.”
CNN covered the story.
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