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Kenya & Haiti Join Forces to Tackle Security
Kenyan President William Ruto and Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry witnessed the signing of an agreement at the Kenyan Mission in New York, United States, on September 21, 2023. The agreement, signed by Minister Jean Victor Génus and Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua, will facilitate cooperation between the two countries in areas of mutual interest.
In his remarks at the signing ceremony, Ruto called for a holistic approach that includes political, security, and developmental considerations to effectively address the situation in Haiti. He said Kenya will do its part in leading a well-resourced and effective Multinational Security Support Mission in the country.
“As the leading nation in the UN-backed security mission in Haiti, we are committed to deploying a specialized team to comprehensively assess the situation and formulate actionable strategies that will lead to long-term solutions,” he said
Prime Minister Henry thanked Kenya for its support and said Haiti needs all the necessary assistance to address the immense security, humanitarian, environmental, and economic challenges facing the Haitian people. He said the Haitian people look forward to the elimination of criminal gangs that have been inflicting terror since 2021.
President Ruto also met with Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, where they agreed to campaign for reforms in risk profiling of developing countries. He also met with the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund Kristalina Georgieva, where he advocated for the enhancement of the IMF’s capacity to assist countries in responding to crises, with a focus on climate-related shocks. Finally, he met with United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) Executive Director Mr. Jorge Moreira da Silva of Portugal, who lauded Kenya’s leadership on renewable energy.
Westgate Mall Attack: 10 Years Later, Kenya Stronger Than Ever
Ten years ago, on September 21, 2013, al-Shabab militants attacked the Westgate Mall in Nairobi, Kenya, killing 67 people and injuring many others.
In a statement released on the anniversary of the attack, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said it has learned from its mistakes and put in place measures to prevent future attacks.
The attack was a wake-up call for the Kenyan authorities, and the DCI has since taken a number of steps to improve its ability to prevent and respond to terrorist attacks.
One of the most important steps has been to develop the human resource capacity of DCI officers. The DCI-Anti-Terrorism Police Unit has been upgraded, and a highly specialized counterterrorism and hostage rescue tactical team – the Emergency Response Team (ERT) – has been established. The ERT is well trained and highly motivated, and it remains on standby 24/7 to respond to any terror-related eventuality.
In addition, the DCI has established an anonymous, toll-free call center dubbed #FichuakwaDCI at DCI Headquarters. The call center allows the public to report information about serious crimes such as terrorism, human trafficking, and armed robberies. The call center receives about 50 calls per day, half of which are actionable. It has revolutionized the manner in which the DCI gathers verifiable information and responds to criminal threats.
The DCI has also embraced a multi-agency approach to security, working closely with other Kenyan security agencies to prevent and respond to terrorist attacks.
These measures have helped to ensure the safety and security of every Kenyan citizen. However, the DCI continues to appeal to the public to be its partners in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism.
The DCI celebrates and honors the commitment of every security officer from across the country’s security agencies involved in the ongoing multi-agency fight against terrorism. The DCI’s calling is to serve Kenyans from all walks of life with dedication, care, and integrity.
Kenyan Folk Legend Roger Whittaker Dies at 87
Renowned Kenyan folk singer Roger Whittaker, celebrated for his 1969 chart-topper “Durham Town” and exceptional whistling prowess, has died aged 87.
Born in Nairobi, Kenya, in 1936 to English parents, Whittaker’s music was a unique blend of folk, popular, and traditional Kenyan influences. He sold nearly 50 million records worldwide, with hits such as “The Last Farewell,” “My Land is Kenya,” and “New World in the Morning.”
Whittaker’s musical journey began in folk clubs in Kenya, where he honed his songwriting and singing skills. He soon found success with notable tracks like the “Skye Boat Song,” and a memorable duet alongside Des O’Connor in 1986.
One of Whittaker’s remarkable talents was his ability to sing fluently in several languages, including German and French. This linguistic versatility allowed him to captivate a broad international audience, particularly in Germany, where he enjoyed significant popularity.
Whittaker’s love for Kenya was evident in his music, and he often sang about the country’s rich culture and natural beauty. His song “My Land is Kenya” is a beloved patriotic anthem that celebrates the country’s diversity and resilience.
In 2012, Whittaker retired alongside his wife, Natalie, in France, capping off a remarkable musical journey that left an indelible mark on the world of folk music. He is survived by his five children.
Whittaker’s influence on Kenyan music is undeniable. He inspired countless musicians with his unique sound and his passion for traditional Kenyan music. His songs continue to be popular in Kenya today, and he is remembered as one of the country’s greatest musical icons.
In addition to his musical contributions, Whittaker was also a vocal advocate for Kenya’s natural environment and wildlife conservation. He supported several Kenyan environmental organizations and used his platform to raise awareness about important issues such as poaching and deforestation.
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