Kenya Roundup: DRC involvement, fuel prices, road blasts
US-Africa infrastructure projects in Kenya
The US has showcased projects in Kenya and Angola to exemplify its commitment to increasing infrastructure development in Africa. The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) urban mobility project in Kenya and the refurbishment of the Lobito Port Corridor in Angola are cited as key initiatives to reconnect African countries and enhance trade and political stability, the East African reports. Judd Devermont, the National Security Council Senior Director for African Affairs said “It’s consistent with the US-Africa strategy’s focus on a pivot towards urban hubs – It’s the largest MCC threshold programme ever, with $16 million for transportation and land-use planning in Nairobi. The continent is going to be 50 per cent urban by the end of this decade, and so we are elevating our work on cities and urban environments.”
Kenya denies involvement in DRC
The Kenyan government has refuted allegations of involvement in the internal affairs of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi emphasized Kenya's commitment to democracy and freedom of the press while distancing itself from any actions that may jeopardize the peace and security of the DRC, the Star reports. “Kenya strongly disassociates itself from any utterances or activities likely to injure the peace and security of the friendly Nation of DRC and has commenced investigation to determine the identities of the makers of the statement and the extent to which their utterances fall outside constitutionally protected speech,” said PCS Mudavadi. “The Ministry wishes to note that Kenya is an open and democratic state where freedom of the press is vouchsafed. As such, nationals and non-nationals may engage the Kenyan media without reference to the government,” he added. This follows a press briefing by political actors in the Democratic Republic of Congo announcing the formation of a political and military resistance movement dubbed the Congo River Alliance.
Fuel price concerns
President William Ruto has urged Kenyans not to hold him responsible for the high cost of fuel, stating that it is beyond his control. While acknowledging the recent reduction in fuel prices, he emphasized that he played no role in the price adjustments, attributing them to global market forces. Ruto called for truthfulness in leadership and clarified the limited role leaders can play in certain economic aspects, The Nation reports. “This is because I am not the one who increases or reduces the price of fuel. There are people who own oil there, they bring us the prices. The only thing I am announcing to you is that those who bring that fuel have reduced the prices and it will continue doing so…The problem in Kenya is about our leadership, leaders who don’t want to tell the truth. Leaders are not people meant to perform miracles. There are no miracles, leaders are not angels. Only Jesus can perform miracles, the rest of us are all about working hard. Some want to be clapped for and they keep lying to Kenyans. Let us stop lying. Where it is my responsibility, I will work very hard. But even so, when things have become good, let us not claim credit where we have done nothing. Don’t clap for me, your clapping won't help,” said the Ruto.
Appeal to shelter displaced Gaza families
Businessman and human rights activist Nazir Jinnah has urged Kenya to contribute to alleviating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza by offering shelter to displaced families. Jinnah emphasized the need to prioritize human lives beyond political conflicts and highlighted Kenya's history of hosting refugees, the Star has reported. He sees an opportunity for Kenya to make a positive impact and strengthen its economic base through international support. “Kenya can extend her compassionate arm and provide sanctuary for the suffering children and their families. Recognising Kenya's rich history of hosting refugees and promoting a diverse, multicultural society, I see an opportunity for Kenya to make a significant impact by offering a haven for those affected. Such a move not only resonates with Kenya's ethos of compassion and empathy but also has the potential to build a stronger economic base through international support” he said in an interview.
Roadside blast
At least four people were killed and two others injured in a roadside blast in Garissa County, Northeast Kenya. The vehicle, carrying the victims, detonated an improvised explosive device (IED) planted along the Dadaab-Garissa Road, The East African reports. "The four were killed and two others were seriously injured when their vehicle was hit by an IED between Egge dam and Bogyar along Dadaab-Garissa," the police said in a security report. This incident follows a period of relative calm due to heavy rains in the region.
