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Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi Begins Africa Tour with Kenya
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi Wednesday began a three-country tour of Africa, with a visit to Kenya. The trip is the first by an Iranian president in more than a decade, and is part of Tehran’s efforts to diversify its economic ties in the face of crippling sanctions from the United States.
Raisi was welcomed to Kenya by his counterpart, William Ruto. The two leaders met at State House in Nairobi, where they signed five memorandums of understanding on information technology, fisheries, livestock products, and investment promotion
Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Dr. Alfred Mutua said another 6 MoUs between Kenya and Iran will be signed later. “These signed agreements provide the basis for continuing socio-economic and commercial engagements between Kenya and Iran especially in the context of expanded markets for Kenya’s livestock and tea, as well as collaborations in the areas of Health, Pharmaceuticals and in ICT,” said Dr. Mutua. “Likewise, Iran has agreed to the establishment of a vehicle manufacturing plant in Kenya which will provide jobs for Kenyans among other related benefits.”
At a press briefing after the meeting, Raisi said he wanted to boost commercial ties between Iran and Africa. “None of us are satisfied with the current volume of trade and the current economic exchange between countries,” he said.
Ruto said he had sought Raisi’s commitment to facilitate the export of more Kenyan tea, meat, and other agricultural products to Iran and via Iran to Central Asian countries.
Iran’s foreign ministry said on Saturday that it expects trade with African countries to increase to more than $2 billion this year.
The visit comes as Iran is struggling to cope with the economic fallout from the US sanctions. In June, Raisi visited Venezuela, Cuba, and Nicaragua to shore up support from allies also facing US sanctions.
High Court Judge Declines to Lift Suspension of Finance Act 2023
High Court Judge Mugure Thande Monday declined to set aside orders suspending the Finance Act 2023. The judge ruled that the petitioners had proved that they have a case, and that if the orders were to be lifted, the public would suffer.
The judge noted that the petitioners have a prima facie case, and that there is merit in granting conservatory orders. He also said that if the orders were not reserved, there is a danger in rendering the case as nugatory and an academic exercise.
Furthermore, the judge said that lifting the conservatory orders would be against the public, as there would be a real risk of the public being subjected to unconstitutional laws that have been challenged.
The case was brought by Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah and others, who challenged the Finance Act 2023, saying that it was unconstitutional. The state, through the Attorney General’s lawyers, led by Githu Muigai, had asked the court to lift the orders granted two weeks ago.
Judge Thande has directed that the file be forwarded to Chief Justice Martha Koome to appoint a three-judge bench who will hear and determine the matter.
The decision by Judge Thande is a blow to the Ruto-led government, which had hoped to implement the Finance Act 2023. The Act introduces a number of new taxes, including a tax on mobile money transfers, creatives’ work and houses.
Suspected Al-Shabaab militants attack three locations in Mandera County
The first attack took place at Iresuki, where the militants ambushed police officers who were manning a Safaricom mast. The officers were overpowered and the mast was destroyed. The whereabouts of the officers are currently unknown.
At the same time, the militants attacked Wargadud Police Station. The station was briefly besieged, but the security forces repelled the attack. There were no reported injuries or deaths.
The militants also attacked a KDF camp in Elwak. The camp was also briefly besieged, but the security forces repelled the attack. There were no reported injuries or deaths.
The attacks caused a loss of network between Elwak and Wargadud police stations. Investigations are ongoing to determine the extent of the attacks and whether any police or KDF personnel were injured or killed.
The attacks are the latest in a series of attacks by Al-Shabaab in Mandera County. The group has been active in the region for several years, and its attacks have caused widespread fear and insecurity.
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