Rorisang Modiba delivers daily updates from around the world.
Kenya – Police have banned protests in Nairobi, Kenya because they couldn’t guarantee the rallies would be peaceful. The ban, instituted on Thursday, came right before a planned protest demanding President William Ruto resign over poor governance. Acting Police Inspector General Douglas Kanja said it was hard to enforce safety without proper leadership. This follows a month of protests against a finance bill suggesting higher taxes during a cost-of-living crisis. The protests have led to looting, fires, and at least 50 deaths since 18 June. President Ruto has promised not to sign the bill and recently fired almost his entire cabinet and the attorney general.
Dubai – Sheikha Mahra bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, daughter of Dubai’s ruler, has asked for a divorce from her husband, Sheikh Mana bin Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mana Al Maktoum, through an Instagram post. “Dear Husband, As you are occupied with other companions, I hereby declare our divorce,” she wrote and added: “I divorce you, I divorce you, and I divorce you. Take care. Your ex-wife.” The couple got engaged in March last year and married in May 2023. The divorce announcement comes two months after their daughter was born.
Germany – Germany plans to cut its military aid to Ukraine from €8-billion (R159-billion) in 2024 to €4-billion (R79-billion) in 2025. This comes despite worries about a reduction in support from the US if Donald Trump becomes president again. Germany expects Ukraine to rely on $50-billion (R916-billion) in loans from frozen Russian assets. German Finance Minister Christian Lindner said that Ukraine’s funding is secured for now. This decision aims to prepare for possible changes in US policy under Trump. Trump has criticised NATO allies.
China – A fire at a 14-story shopping mall in Zigong, in the Sichuan province, killed 16 people on Wednesday. Dramatic images show black smoke coming from the building. Nearly 300 emergency workers rescued around 30 people. Early investigations suggest construction work caused the fire. China’s Ministry of Emergency Management called for a quick investigation and better safety measures. Fires due to poor safety standards are common in China with recent incidents. A fire in January killed 39 people and another in central Henan province killed 13 children.
Pictured above: Kenyan police.
Source: X/Cops Kenya
