Top of The Day: Leaders Wish Raila Well Ahead of AUC Polls Tomorrow and Other Headlines
Kenyan leaders from across the political spectrum have united to express their support and best wishes to former Prime Minister Raila Odinga as he vies for the position of African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson.
Former DP Rigathi Gachagua endorsed Odinga, stating, “Kenya’s finest Raila Odinga is undoubtedly the best bet for the African Union Commission chairmanship. Africa deserves the best.” He emphasized Odinga’s vision for the continent and his commitment to Pan-African unity.
Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka also remarked, “As a son of Kenya and an internationally respected advocate of our continent’s well-being, I fully support Raila’s bid for the AUC presidency and wish him all the best.”
Kanu chairman Gideon Moi described Odinga as a “visionary, bold and progressive leader” capable of steering Africa to greater heights. “Africa’s collective prosperity… is at hand with Hon. Raila Odinga’s expected ascension to the position of the AUC Chairperson.”
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula stated: “May his vision, experience, and dedication to Africa’s progress steer the continent toward greater unity and prosperity.”
Other leaders have continued pouring in support for Raila in the continental bid. The election is scheduled for Saturday, February 15, 2025, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Kizza Besigye Detention Without Trial Causes Uproar in The Region
Kizza Besigye, a prominent Ugandan opposition leader and four-time presidential candidate, has been detained since November 16, 2024, following his abduction from Nairobi, Kenya. He faces charges in a military tribunal for illegal possession of a firearm and treachery, the latter carrying a potential death penalty.
Despite a January 31, 2025, ruling by Uganda’s Supreme Court declaring the prosecution of civilians in military courts unconstitutional, Besigye remains in detention. His continued imprisonment has drawn criticism from human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, which has called for his immediate release.
On February 11, 2025, Besigye initiated a hunger strike to protest his detention. His wife, Winnie Byanyima, confirmed this action, expressing concerns over his health. However, Ugandan authorities have denied the situation.
Besigye’s lawyer, Eron Kiiza, who has been advocating for his release, was arrested on January 7, 2025, in a military courtroom and sentenced to nine months in prison for contempt of court. Reports indicate that Kiiza has been subjected to torture during his detention, leading to calls from human rights groups for his immediate release.
The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, with growing concerns over human rights and the rule of law in Uganda.
Airtel Kenya New Monthly Data Bundles
Airtel Kenya has recently introduced new monthly data bundles to cater to the diverse needs of its customers. These offerings are part of the “Smarta Bundle” and “Data ImeData” campaigns, providing enhanced data allocations and additional benefits.
Launched on February 14, 2025, the Smarta Bundles come in two packages:
KSh 1,000 Package:
Data: 30GB per month
Voice Calls: 400 minutes to other networks
SMS: 2,000 SMSs to other networks
Additional Benefits: Free Airtel-to-Airtel calls, 100% savings on mobile transaction fees for paybills on any network, bank-to-Airtel Money wallet transfers, and withdrawals at any Airtel Money agent.
KSh 1,500 Package:
Data: 60GB per month (2GB daily)
Voice Calls: 900 minutes of talk time
SMS: 5,000 SMSs
Additional Benefits: Unused daily data rolls over to the next day, and any remaining data at the end of the month carries over upon renewal.
Data ImeData Campaign:
Introduced in October 2024, this campaign offers increased data allocations for existing monthly plans:
KSh 500 Plan: 7.5GB (up from 5GB)
KSh 1,000 Plan: 18GB (up from 12GB)
KSh 2,000 Plan: 40GB (up from 30GB)
These plans also include free WhatsApp access, allowing customers to stay connected without additional data charges.
Three Policemen Arrested at Globe Round About
On Wednesday, February 12, 2025, detectives from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) arrested three police officers at Nairobi’s Globe Cinema roundabout for allegedly extorting bribes from motorists.
The officers—Corporal Oscar Serem Biwott, Constable Simon Kiplagat Nyunyutik, and Constable Edwin Benedict Mubweka, all stationed at the Central Police Station—were apprehended after reportedly collecting Ksh 48,250 in bribes within a two-hour period.
The arrests followed numerous complaints from the general public about the conduct of traffic police officers at the Globe Cinema roundabout. The EACC conducted investigations over several days, before conducting the operation that led to the arrests.
Following their arrest, the officers were escorted to the EACC’s Integrity Centre to record statements. They are currently detained at Kilimani Police Station awaiting arraignment. This incident comes shortly after the EACC initiated an audit into the National Police Service’s operations to identify and address systemic weaknesses that facilitate corruption within the force.
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