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Statute Law Bill poses grave threat to civil society and must be rejected – UN rights experts
GENEVA – A group of United Nations Special Rapporteurs today urged the Government of Kenya to reject legislation that would impose severe restrictions on civil society. “The Bill is an evidence of a growing trend in Africa and elsewhere, whereby governments are trying to exert more control over independent groups using so-called ‘NGO laws,’” the human rights experts warned.
The Bill, which was presented to Parliament on 30 October, would amend Kenya’s Public Benefit Organization Act of 2012 and grant the Government sweeping and potentially arbitrary powers to deny registration for such organizations, including NGOs. It would also cap foreign funding at 15% of their total budgets and channel all their funding through a government body, rather than going directly to beneficiary organizations.
“The amendments to the regulations of associations contained in the draft law could have profound consequences for civil society organizations in Kenya, including for those involved in human rights work, and could deter individuals from expressing dissenting views,” the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, Margaret Sekaggya, stressed.
The expert called on the Kenyan authorities to immediately suspend the legislative process of the Bill, and to re-evaluate it in line with international human rights norms and standards, and urge them to further consult civil society in a meaningful way, and pay due attention to their concerns.
The UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, Frank La Rue, noted that “the proposed amendments lack clarity and could lead to restrictive interpretations that would unduly limit the rights to freedom of association, and opinion and expression.”
The draft law includes vague provisions that provide broad discretional power to the body designated to regulate associations, which may impose ‘from time to time […] terms and conditions for the grant of certificates of registration, permits of operation and public benefits organization status.’
“The Bill opens the door to undue State interference in civil society affairs as it allows a closer Presidential oversight of the board commanding the associations’ regulatory body,” the Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association, Maina Kiai, cautioned.
“The authorities should not be entitled to condition any decisions and activities of the associations,” he stressed. “The State should not have the capacity to ‘register and de-register’ associations as it is the case with this Bill. Instead, associations should be free to determine their statutes, structure and activities and make decisions without State interference.”
The Special Rapporteurs drew special attention to the provisions on funding of associations, which create administrative barriers to accessing funding, compromise associations’ independence and run counter to international law and best practices.
“The Statute Law Bill prescribes ceilings that unduly restrict foreign funding for civil society organizations and refers to ‘external donors’ and ‘overseas development assistance’ without specifying the difference,” the experts said.
Super Eagles Captain, Ahmed Musa has been signed up by Jaiz Bank as a brand ambassador.
An elated Musa made the disclosure in a statement on his verified handle on micro-blogging site, X on Thursday.
The Kano Pillars striker urged his fans to troop to Jaiz Bank to do business for trusting him with the new role.
He exclaimed, “And to my amazing fans – if you want to support me, make sure to head over to Jaiz Bank and open your accounts with them today! ”
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He wrote, “✨Alhamdulillah✨ I am SO excited to announce that I’ve officially joined Jaiz Bank as their newest ambassador! 🎉💼
“A huge thank you to @JaizBankNG for trusting me and allowing me to be a part of this amazing journey! 🙏🏼💚 It’s an honor to represent a brand that believes in growth, security, and financial empowerment.
“I can’t wait to share all the incredible things we’ll be doing together! 🚀💡
And to my amazing fans – if you want to support me, make sure to head over to Jaiz Bank and open your accounts with them today! Let’s grow together! 💪🏼🔑
“@JaizBankNG is a non interest Financial institution poised with a mission to make life better through ethical Finance. 👌👌”
#NewBeginnings #BankWithJaizBank #PartneredUp #TeamJaizBank”
On November 20, 2024, Kenya’s First Lady, Rachel Ruto, celebrated her 56th birthday and her husband President William Ruto publicly expressed his love and appreciation for his wife on this special day, wishing her well.
The birthday celebrations were marked by an outpouring of goodwill from political figures, media, and citizens across Kenya, who praised her for her grace, leadership, and significant contributions to society, particularly through initiatives like the Joyful Women Organisation, which aims to empower rural women.
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The day was characterized by a collective acknowledgment of her role as a national figure dedicated to community upliftment.
In a heartfelt message, President William Ruto took to social media, writing, “Happy birthday my love, @MamaRachelRuto. Continue being a blessing to me and our children. Mungu akubariki sana,” which translates to “God bless you abundantly.”
Other prominent leaders also extended their wishes to the First Lady, with Anne Waiguru, EGH, OGW, Governor of Kirinyaga County, tweeting, “Happy Birthday First Lady,” further showing the respect and admiration for Rachel Ruto’s leadership and impact.
A gas cylinder explosion at a filling station in Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State has resulted in significant damage to six vehicles, according to a statement from the Katsina State Police Command.
The command’s spokesperson, Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, confirmed the incident, which occurred on Friday, November 15, 2024.
He explained that a loud explosion alerted police operatives from the Jibia Divisional Police Headquarters. Responding promptly, the Divisional Police Officer led a team to the site, supported by military personnel.
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“Upon arrival, operatives found a truck loaded with gas cylinders engulfed in flames at Tamal filling station, along Kagadama-Magamar Jibia Road,” Sadiq-Aliyu stated. The joint team acted swiftly, deploying measures to protect lives and limit property damage. Their efforts successfully extinguished the fire.
The spokesperson added, “Six motor vehicles were significantly affected by the fire incident, but fortunately, no life was lost.”
State Commissioner of Police, Aliyu Abubakar-Musa, has directed a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the explosion. Updates on the findings will be provided as investigations progress.
This incident highlights the need for heightened safety measures at gas filling stations to prevent such occurrences.
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