Listen to the people: Catholic bishops appeal to governmentCatholic bishops have warned the government not to live in denial amid the growing anti-tax revolt in the country. Chairman of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), Archbishop Maurice Muhatia, expressed concern that the street protests led by Generation Z could spiral out of control and cause political instability. We have serious concerns and we think it should not be passed in its current form,” Archbishop Muhatia said on Sunday while presiding over a mass at Our Lady Queen of Peace Muhoroni Parish. Archbishop Muhatia, however, discouraged both politicians and the youth from turning churches into podiums to make political statements. As the Catholic Church, we have called on parish leaders to ensure that places of worship are respected.

Nairobi - Churches have maintained their backing for Gen Z following their protests against the contentious Finance Bill 2024. Nick Korir, senior pastor Nairobi Chapel (l). Source: FacebookHow did Nairobi Chapel react to Gen Zs' demos? Nairobi Chapel on Ngong Road praised the younger generation for their bravery in showing patriotism and striving for the nation's freedom. Additionally, he confirmed receiving messages from Gen Z urging him to recall an invitation note to President William Ruto for his upcoming enthronement ceremony.

During a press briefing, Mwaura alleged that there were certain powerful international players financing Gen-Z protests against the Finance Bill. He remarked that this was likely due to President William Ruto’s support of Russia during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. It is not clear which Russia support Mwaura was alluding to as the President has been unequivocal in supporting Ukraine's efforts to end the war. Mwaura further remarked that some international players were not happy that Ruto had stated Kenya was being affected by the Russian conflict. Mwaura further remarked that the West was not happy with Ruto’s plan to reduce over-reliance on the United States dollar.

He also advised parents of children with health issues to stop living in denial and seek appropriate help. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 66 percent of the 120 million people with sickle cell disease live in Africa. The WHO report indicates that approximately 300,000 children are born with sickle cell disease globally each year, with 240,000 of them born in Africa. Jacinta Ochieng', a sickle cell anemia warrior, told *The Standard* that she has been a long-time beneficiary of blood donations, appreciating the efforts by organizers in curbing blood shortages in hospitals. "I was born with sickle cell and have been dependent on transfusions often since childhood.

Government spokesman, Isaac Mwaura now alleges that foreign powers could be behind the Finance Bill protests by Kenyan youths. He insisted that they want to have a strong country and that this can only be achieved by engaging with the government. "We want a strong country and we cannot destabilise this country like in Libya and Arab Spring in Egypt. Last week, Gen Zs in Kenya staged countrywide protests over the Finance Bill, 2024 calling for its rejection, over punitive taxes. On Thursday, various other parts of the country joined the protests including Kisii, Kisumu, Nakuru, Nyeri, Nanyuki, among others.

A "significant" number of flights from Manchester Airport are expected to be delayed or cancelled due to a "major" power cut, its operator has said. The airport said a number of flights had already been cancelled and more were expected to be affected throughout the day. "Passengers due to fly from Terminal 3 should come to the airport as normal unless advised otherwise by their airline, but could be affected by delays," the airport said. The flights of those already at the airport would be prioritised as efforts to "work through that backlog" continued, a spokesman said. An airport source said the power cut "literally knocked everything off".

President William Ruto has addressed the ongoing protests by Kenyan youths against the Finance Bill 2024. Speaking in Nyahururu on Sunday, Ruto expressed pride in the young people who have peacefully come forward, transcending tribal affiliations, to make their voices heard. His remarks follow nationwide demonstrations by Kenyan Generation Z against what they deem as punitive provisions in the Finance Bill 2024. Last week, protests spread across Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisii, Kisumu, Nakuru, Nyeri, Nanyuki, and other regions, demanding the rejection of the Finance Bill 2024 due to its harsh tax implications. Despite the protests, 204 Members of Parliament voted in favor of the Bill, while 105 voted against it.

Government spokesman Isaac Mwaura has called out the organisers of 'Where’s Crazy Nairobian’ X space for not allowing them to respond to some of the issues raised. While the daylong X space called for the release of blogger Billy Simani alias Crazy Nairobian, it was also a platform for Kenyans to raise concerns on the contentious Finance Bill, 2024. According to Mwaura, while the organisers had good intentions, they should have given the government side a chance to speak. Mwaura in a statement at midnight, on Saturday, said there was a lot of misinformation on the space. He said this is why it would have been important for the government officials to be given a chance to speak.

President William Ruto has urged the church to continue praying for the nation, and especially the Executive arm of the government. Speaking during a Sunday service in Nyahururu, Ruto said they need prayers as they continue leading the country. This is loosely translated to, "We urge the church as a whole to pray for our nation of Kenya because it is a God-fearing nation". The Gen Zs have no tribe, no religion, no class but they are our children not enemies of the nation," he said. He urged the police not to use excessive force while dealing with the protesters and the Gen Zs likewise to keep the law.

Last night, Paraguay was announced as a new host for the 2025 World Rally Championship, marking a historic moment for South America. Paraguay is gearing up to make automotive history by hosting a round of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) in 2025. Moreover, Paraguayan drivers have dominated the last 11 editions of the FIA CODASUR South American Rally Championship. FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem also highlighted the broader implications of this move. "Welcoming Paraguay to the FIA World Rally Championship in 2025 is a fantastic opportunity for the series and all its stakeholders to explore new horizons," he said.

Mixed bag of fortunes for women in 2024/25 BudgetAs the sun rises over Nairobi’s Kayole, Ruth Achieng’, a 28-year-old expectant mother, nervously counts the coins in her worn leather purse. Ruth’s story is just one of many that illustrate the real-world impact of Kenya’s latest budget decisions on women’s health and empowerment. This fund, born out of the 2010 Constitution, aims to address historical disadvantages faced by marginalized groups, including women. Additionally, the Women Enterprise Fund will receive Sh182.8 million, offering financial support to women entrepreneurs like Sarah’s sister, who runs a small tailoring business. For women like Ruth, this cut could mean the difference between a safe, attended birth and a potentially dangerous home delivery.

ACK Archbishop Ole Sapit has welcomed Generation Z to church and urged them to share the country by listening to one another. Speaking during a service on Sunday in Nyahururu, Ole Sapit said there is a need to discern what Gen Z is saying, adding that this is a listening moment not a talking one. The Gen Zs have no tribe, no religion, no class but they are our children not enemies of the nation," he said. He urged the police not to use excessive force while dealing with the protesters and the Gen Zs likewise to keep the law. "Let us be civil each and every one of us," Ole Sapit said.

Police can also be seen in the video during the peaceful protests that happened outside the venue where the President and his deputy were. Politics was not welcome at the pulpit with Anglican Arch Bishop Jackson Ole Sapit declining a request from DP Rigathi Gachagua to allow politicians speak at the event. “To the Gen zs the country is yours. Gen Zs are not enemies of the nation. Let the police not use excessive force and the Gen Zs should also not be lawless.” Ole Sapit stated.

There have been cheers and jeers surrounding the actions of Julius Kimani, the man accused of disrupting Treasury CS Njuguna Ndung'u’s Budget Day photoshoot. Kimani, who has since appeared in court, was seen to rush at the Treasury CS and his colleagues, who were posing for a commemorative photograph. In April 2022, he was arrested by police outside Parliament Buildings as he prepared to protest against then Treasury CS Ukur Yatani. For the last few months, the phrase, “The fear is gone and the clouds are gathering”, or variations thereof, has been popping up with more frequency on my X timeline. There appears to be the suggestion that perhaps the state would be wise to bow to the gathering storm.

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