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Fuel Tanker Explosion Leaves over 40 Dead in Liberia
A horrific tragedy struck central Liberia on Tuesday as a fuel tanker overturned and exploded, claiming the lives of more than 40 people and injuring over 83 others. The devastating incident occurred in Totota town, approximately 130 kilometers northeast of the capital, Monrovia.
Eyewitnesses reported the tanker bursting into flames shortly after it crashed, attracting a crowd desperate to collect leaked fuel. Tragically, the flames engulfed the site, trapping and incinerating many who had rushed to the scene. Among the victims, Dr. Francis Kateh, Liberia’s chief medical officer, confirmed the heartbreaking loss of a pregnant woman, with some bodies left unrecognizable due to the intensity of the inferno.
Dr. Kateh further stated that over 83 injured individuals have been admitted to hospitals, with those suffering more severe burns transferred to Monrovia for specialized treatment. The cause of the initial crash remains unclear, but chilling video footage reveals a large crowd, including children, gathered around the overturned tanker, some even perched atop its wreckage, moments before the devastating explosion.
President George Weah extended his deepest condolences to the families of the deceased, expressing his deep personal distress upon seeing the “deeply disturbing” images of the tragedy. His office announced that the President has pledged his “full backing” to health authorities, ensuring they have the necessary manpower and equipment to provide life-saving care to the injured.
lies of the deceased, expressing his deep personal distress upon seeing the “deeply disturbing” images of the tragedy. His office announced that the President has pledged his “full backing” to health authorities, ensuring they have the necessary manpower and equipment to provide life-saving care to the injured.
Kenyan Ex-Minister Arrested & Charged With Corruption
Former Tourism Minister Najib Balala and ex-Tourism Ministry Permanent Secretary Leah Gwiyo were arrested and arraigned in court Friday, December 22 on charges of inflating the cost of a tourism college project.
Prosecutors allege that Balala and Gwiyo, alongside other unnamed suspects, oversaw the irregular payment of Ksh 2.4 billion to private consultants hired for the construction of a tourism college in Kilifi County in 2010. These consultants, according to the charges, are accused of deliberately inflating the cost of their services, leading to the misuse of public funds.
Both Balala and Gwiyo denied the charges of abuse of office and were released on a cash bail of Ksh 1 million each. The case sent shockwaves through Kenyan politics, as Balala served as Tourism Minister for a remarkable 12 years under three successive governments before stepping down in 2022.
This arrest comes months after President Ruto took office vowing to crack down on corruption, a long-standing and systemic issue plaguing Kenya.
Ten other individuals implicated in the Kenya Utalii College corruption case appeared before Malindi Law Courts Thursday, December 28 to plead not guilty to charges against them. The ten, including Allan Chenane, Joseph Rotich Cherutoi, Norah Mukuna, Eden Odhiambo, Ruth Sande, George Muya Njoroge, Morris Gitonga Njue, Dominic Motanya, Rebman Malala, and James Mwangi Wairagu, stand accused of conferring undue benefits to various consulting firms. These firms, allegedly favored in violation of a cabinet decision, were subsequently paid a staggering Sh. 3.368 billion.
Chief Magistrate James Mwaniki presided over the proceedings, receiving not guilty pleas from each accused. Defense lawyers subsequently requested reasonable bail, which the prosecution did not oppose. Subsequently, the magistrate set bail amounts ranging from Ksh. 2 million to Ksh. 3 million with surety or cash bail options.
One accused, Florah Ngina Ngonze, was unable to attend the court due to hospitalization, as confirmed by her lawyer. Summons were also issued for two additional individuals, Nancy Siboe and Joseph Karanja Ndung’u, who were absent.
The case has been scheduled for a mention on January 11, 2024. Notably, individuals who have already entered pleas will be exempted from attending this initial mention hearing.
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