11 dead and hundreds arrested in Kenya’s anti-government protests

11 dead and hundreds arrested in Kenya's anti-government protests

At least 11 people died and more than 500 were arrested in anti-government protests across Kenya on Monday, according to the country's National Police Service. Kenyan police used tear gas and water cannon on protesters marking the 35th anniversary of a pro-democracy rally that has stirred anti-government resentment among Kenyan youths, who were already enraged over allegations of corruption, police brutality and abductions of government critics. Some 11 civilians were injured, police said in a Monday night statement, though the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNHCR) reported that 29 people were injured. A total of 567 people were arrested, the police added. The East African country has been hit by a wave of bloody protests that began last year over an unpopular finance bill that raised taxes amid a cost-of-living crisis. Kenya's government withdrew the tax bill in June last year in the wake of the demonstrations, but outrage has intensified over the recentdeath of a teacher in police custodyand the shooting of an unarmed street vendor by police. At least16 people were killedand hundreds injured during anti-government protests last month. Dozens more died duringthe anti-tax demonstrationsin 2024. On Monday, several parts of Kenya saw gatherings as people marked the anniversary of the July 7, 1990, pro-democracy march known as Saba Saba. In the capital Nairobi, Kenyan security forces repelled protesters with tear gas and water cannon hours after blocking major roads leading into the city. Roads leading to the Kenyan Parliament building, as well as the president's office and residence, were also barricaded ahead of the demonstrations. There were reports on Monday afternoon of police opening fire on protesters. CNN has not confirmed the reports, but has reached out to Kenya's National Police Service for comment. In its Monday night statement outlining fatalities, injuries and arrests, Kenya's police service said that "each reported incident will be subject to further investigation, in accordance with the law." CNN affiliate Citizen TVreportedthat at least five people were shot dead in protests across the country, including two people who were shot dead in the Kangemi neighborhood of Nairobi. Another man was shot in the area and was "seen lying on the road" unconscious, it added. Video circulating on social media and geolocated by CNN shows a civilian in Kenya's Kiambu County stepping out of a car surrounded by armed officers, and then being whipped repeatedly by one of them. The civilian covers their head to protect themself, but does not appear to be threatening the officer in any way. In other parts of the country, some protesters have remained defiant despite the chaotic scenes. "We are not ready to go back (home) because who will fight for our rights then? We will be here till evening," protester Francis Waswa told Reuters. The clampdown comes after individuals described by the Kenyan Human Rights Commission as "hired goons" who were "sent by the state to silence dissent" stormed the NGO's office. In astatementon Sunday night, the human rights body said those who entered the building "violently disrupted a press conference by Kenyan mothers calling for an end to arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings targeting protesters ahead of Saba Saba demonstrations." Kenyan government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura told CNN to "contact the police spokesman" for comment when asked about the allegation. Police spokesman Nyaga said: "The National Police Service is looking into the incident and shall take appropriate steps after reviewing the unacceptable clip," referring to CCTV footage shared by the NGO. Earlier on Sunday, Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomensaidsecurity agencies were "on high alert to deal decisively with criminals and other elements of ill intent who may seek to infiltrate peaceful processions to cause havoc, mayhem, or destruction of property." Murkomen previously described last month's demonstrations as"terrorism disguised as dissent,"in a statement that further reignited outrage. This story and headline have been updated with additional developments. CNN's Victoria Rubadiri, Annoa Abekah-Mensah and Billy Stockwell contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account atCNN.com

byMario Satorik

in

July 08, 2025

11 dead and hundreds arrested in Kenya’s anti-government protests

11 dead and hundreds arrested in Kenya's anti-government protests At least 11 people died and more than 500 were arrested in anti-govern...

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Suspect in shooting of Slovakia’s populist leader Fico stands trial on terror charges

Suspect in shooting of Slovakia's populist leader Fico stands trial on terror charges

BRATISLAVA, Slovakia (AP) — A man went on trial Tuesday over last year'sattempted assassinationof Slovakia's populist Prime MinisterRobert Fico. Juraj Cintula, appearing in court in the central city of Banská Bystrica, has been indicted on terror charges. "Long live democracy, long live free culture," Cintula shouted as he arrived at the Specialized Criminal Court. The 72-year-old is accused of opening fire on Fico on May 15, 2024, as the prime minister greeted supporters following a government meeting in the town of Handlová, located 140 kilometers (85 miles) northeast of the capital. Cintula was immediately arrested and was ordered by a court toremain behind bars. If convicted, he faces life imprisonment. Fico was shot in the abdomen and was transported to a hospital in nearby Banská Bystrica. He underwent a five-hour surgery, followed by another two-hour surgery two days later. He has since recovered. Cintula originally was charged with attempted murder. Prosecutors later dropped that charge and said they were instead pursuing the more serious charge of engaging in a terror attack, based on evidence the investigators obtained, but they gave no further details. Government officials initially said that they believed it was a politically motivated attack committed by a "lone wolf," but announced later that a third party might have been involved in "acting for the benefit of the perpetrator." Fico previously said he "had no reason to believe" that it was an attack by a lone deranged person and repeatedly blamed the liberal opposition and media for the assassination attempt. Fico has long been a divisive figure in Slovakia and beyond. He returned to power for the fourth time after his leftist Smer, or Direction, party won the 2023parliamentary electionafter campaigning on apro-Russia and anti-American message. His critics have charged that Slovakia under Fico has abandoned its pro-Western course and is following the direction of Hungary underPrime Minister Viktor Orbán. Thousands have repeatedly rallied in the capital and across Slovakia to protest Fico's pro-Russian stance and other policies.

byMario Satorik

in

July 08, 2025

Suspect in shooting of Slovakia’s populist leader Fico stands trial on terror charges

Suspect in shooting of Slovakia's populist leader Fico stands trial on terror charges BRATISLAVA, Slovakia (AP) — A man went on trial Tu...

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White Sox honor late pitcher Bobby Jenks with moment of silence, No. 45 jersey patch 3 days after his death

White Sox honor late pitcher Bobby Jenks with moment of silence, No. 45 jersey patch 3 days after his death

The Chicago White Sox honored Bobby Jenks on Monday, three days after their former pitcherdied of cancer at 44 years old. The White Sox posted a tribute video and held a moment of silence for Jenks prior to Monday's game against the Toronto Blue Jays, their first home game since Jenks died. Players donned a No. 45 patch on their jerseys to commemorate Jenks' playing number. Theywill wear the patch for the remainder of the season. The White Sox paid tribute to Bobby Jenks before tonight's game 🖤pic.twitter.com/iuSeHEANLj — Sox On 35th (@SoxOn35th)July 7, 2025 Jenksannounced in February that he had Stage 4 adenocarcinoma, a form of stomach cancer. He made the announcement from a hospital bed in Portugal during an interview with MLB.com. He had moved to Portugal from the United States to be closer to his wife's family. At the time, Jenks didn't provide a prognosis but said he hoped to be able to attend the White Sox's 20th anniversary celebration of their 2005 World Series championship. That celebration is scheduled for Friday. Jenks played seven MLB seasons, six of them with the White Sox. He was a rookie reliever on the 2005 championship team that swept the Houston Astros in the World Series. Jenks earned the White Sox's closing job in 2006 and held it for five seasons. An All-Star in 2006 and 2007, he was one of the hardest throwers of his generation, with a fastball that eclipsed 100 mph. White Sox general manager Chris Getz played two seasons with Jenks in Chicago. He spoke about Jenks prior to Monday's game. "He'll be dearly missed,"Getz gold reporters. "You know, I'm just happy that I was able to play with him, because he really was a special person. ... "Just a big heart. He was just this most fun-loving kid. And obviously a tremendous competitor." Jenks finished his MLB career with a single season as a reliever for the Boston Red Sox in 2011. He got into coaching and managing later in life. He was the pitching coach forthe collegiate summer league Princeton WhistlePigsin 2023. He served as the manager of the minor-league Windy City Thunderbolts in Crestwood, Illinois, that same year. Jenks is survived by his wife, Eleni, and their six children.

byMario Satorik

in

July 07, 2025

White Sox honor late pitcher Bobby Jenks with moment of silence, No. 45 jersey patch 3 days after his death

White Sox honor late pitcher Bobby Jenks with moment of silence, No. 45 jersey patch 3 days after his death The Chicago White Sox honored Bo...

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As growth soars, WNBA players tell commissioner Cathy Engelbert pay scale should follow

As growth soars, WNBA players tell commissioner Cathy Engelbert pay scale should follow

Stars across theWNBA, includingIndiana FeverguardCaitlin Clark, recently called out Cathy Engelbert. The direct messages to the WNBA commissioner have a common theme: We deserve more. TheWNBA has experienced unprecedented growthover the last three seasons. The current trajectory, which includes continual waves of record-breaking numbers, is converging in real-time with the ongoingcollective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiationsbetween the league and the Women's National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA). The WNBPA has made it clear that among the many things players deserve, more money is at the top of the list. Clark, who rarely speaks on the subject, called out Engelbert after theFever's Commissioner's Cup championshipregarding the current pay structure that players receive. "We get more for [the Commissioner's Cup] than you do if you're a [WNBA] champion. Makes no sense," Clark said. "Someone tell Cathy [Engelbert] to help us out." Players receive bonus money for marquee events like the Commissioner's Cup and the WNBA Finals, but the disparity between the pots of money is bewildering. The Fever's win on July 1 netted Indiana $500,000 to be split among the team. However, the New York Liberty, which won its first championship last October, got only$250,000 to share. The Minnesota Lynx, who lost to New York in the finals, got much less. "Once our paycheck stops after regular season, and we go into playoff basketball, honestly, you're just playing for pride at that point,"Lynx star Courtney Williams said flatly. "We made it to the finals, bro, and making it to the last two teams of the finals, we got $3,000. Three thousand. That was the bonus to make it to the end." WNBA ALL-STAR GAME:Reese, Plum headline roster reserves as snubs abound Several factors go into why playersalaries are so low for WNBA athletes, including revenue and the percentage earned from the league's current media rights deal. However, as long as theWNBA continues to trend upward,there will be increased pressure on Engelbert and league leadership to bring more to the table during CBA negotiations. Players have already seen glimpses of what it looks like to have support. Current teams have made improvements to training facilities, arenas and resources. Franchises like theGolden State Valkyries, which began their inaugural season with top-end support for their players, have now become the baseline for expansion teams. "The games have been really insane when you look at their crowd, and also when you look at what they've built, like, their infrastructure with their arena and everything they've done to make it feel like every game is a playoff game and create that atmosphere ... They're doing it right," Seattle Storm forward Gabby Williams told USA TODAY. Outside entities, like U.S.-based 3x3 basketball league Unrivaled, have also made it harder for the WNBA to delay in providing the best for its players. Unrivaled's economic model was created to not only keep players stateside during the offseason but to pay them accordingly. The average Unrivaled salary for the league's three-month season is $220,000, which is $100,000 more than the WNBA's reported average salary ($119,590). Williams, who hasspoken in the pastabout theWNBA's prioritization clauseas it relates to player salaries, praised Unrivaled for turning up the heat on the WNBA. "Prioritization would make more sense if the salaries were higher. It's hard to make prioritization a thing when we're still paid much better overseas. It's amazing that we now have Unrivaled," she revealed. "The WNBA owes a huge thank you to them. … Unrivaled has actually saved a lot of WNBA players and a lot of WNBA teams from not having players there on time because our contracts just aren't enough to commit for a full season and nothing else here." Williams' words strike a different chord, one not previously heard before, just days after theWNBA officially shared its first CBA offerwith the players' association. Her candor seemingly aligns with her colleagues, includingPhoenix Mercury forward Satou Sabally, who has been particularly critical of Engelbert and the WNBA regarding major decisions amid ongoing growth. Sabally's stance regarding the league's missteps hasn't changed; in fact, her voice has only gotten louder. "We can focus on our players. We recently got a proposal from the league, which was, honestly, a slap in the face. We really have to put an emphasis on the players that are in our league right now," Sabally shared during a scathing callout. WNBPA vice president and New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart echoed Sabally's assessment of the ongoing negotiations, shedding light on how far the two sides remain apart ahead of scheduled meetings during WNBA All-Star weekend. "Anytime you go back and forth, you're not expecting to hear that 'yes' on the first (proposal), but you're expecting to have a conversation,"Stewart said on July 3."They kind of just ignored everything we said." Two days later,Stewart lamented the progressagain. "It's like, we're not even talking about the same thing right now. We're talking about X's and O's at this point and completely different sides of the game." This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:WNBA players call out commissioner Cathy Engelbert over low salaries

byMario Satorik

in

July 07, 2025

As growth soars, WNBA players tell commissioner Cathy Engelbert pay scale should follow

As growth soars, WNBA players tell commissioner Cathy Engelbert pay scale should follow Stars across theWNBA, includingIndiana FeverguardCai...

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US restores $6.8 million aid for Tibetans, State Department says

US restores $6.8 million aid for Tibetans, State Department says

NEW DELHI (Reuters) -The United States has restored $6.8 million in funding for Tibetans in South Asia, the U.S. State Department told Reuters on Tuesday, confirming comments by Tibet's government-in-exile. The aid had been cut by President Donald Trump's administration as part of its "America First" policy that hit a number of programmes, including those aimed at securing food and preventing the spread of HIV in some of the world's poorest regions. Last week, the leader of the Tibetan government in-exile in India, Penpa Tsering said Tibetans became "collateral damage" in U.S. foreign aid cuts, and the funding had since been restored. He was speaking on the sidelines of the 90th birthday celebration of Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama. "The (State) Department re-instated $6.8 million in aid for Tibetans in South Asia," a spokesperson said in response to a query from Reuters by e-mail, without saying when the funding was restored. The U.S. has called on China to cease what it describes as interference in the succession of the 14th Dalai Lama, who fled from Tibet in 1959 in the wake of a failed uprising against Chinese rule and took shelter in India. China has said that the succession will have to be approved by its leaders. "The United States has had a decades-long, bipartisan commitment to support and help advance the dignity and human rights of Tibetans, as well as help Tibetans preserve their distinct religious, cultural, and linguistic identity," the State Department spokesperson added. (Reporting by Shivam Patel in New Delhi; Editing by Sonali Paul)

byMario Satorik

in

July 07, 2025

US restores $6.8 million aid for Tibetans, State Department says

US restores $6.8 million aid for Tibetans, State Department says NEW DELHI (Reuters) -The United States has restored $6.8 million in funding...

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Republican Chris Carr raises $1.25M more for 2026 Georgia governor bid

Republican Chris Carr raises $1.25M more for 2026 Georgia governor bid

ATLANTA (AP) — GeorgiaAttorney General Chris Carrsaid Monday he raised another $1.25 million for his 2026 gubernatorial bid from Feb. 1 to June 30. The Republican announced the fundraising totals to The Associated Press on Monday, although he hasn't yet filed an official report with the state Ethics Commission. Those reports are due Tuesday. Carr raised $2.2 millionfrom November through mid-January, but couldn't raise money while lawmakers were in session from mid-January until the end of March. He didn't immediately say how much he has spent of the nearly $3.5 million he has raised. Carr is the only major GOP candidate who has announced for the race in Georgia, which saw titanic battles for the governor's chair between RepublicanBrian Kempand DemocratStacey Abramsin 2018 and 2022. Abrams lost both races, and no Democrat has won a governor's race in Georgia since Roy Barnes in 1998. Republicans argue Georgia needs the stability of continued Republican control. Democrats are meanwhile trying to prove their successes in other races were not a fluke. Former President Joe Biden won Georgia in 2020 and U.S. Sens. Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff were elected to the Senate in runoffs in January 2021. In 2022, Warnock beat Republican Herschel Walker in a runoff to claim a full six-year term. Carr took theunprecedented step of announcinghis run for governor in November in part because he said he needed to get an early jump on fundraising. He could face Republican rivals with enough personal wealth to fund their own campaigns. Republican Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, whose family has made a fortune running and supplying gas stations, is expected to announce his bid for governor in the coming weeks. Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, who sold a substantial engineering company, could also make a bid in the Republican primary. Carr said in a statement that his numbers show "that kind of energy can't be bought — it's earned, and we're ready to deliver." Carr has aligned closely with Kemp but could face opposition fromPresident Donald Trumpand his supporters in a primary election. Jones has been close to Trump and would likely angle for his endorsement. Fueled by displeasure that Carr didn't backTrump's attempts to overturn his 2020 presidential electionloss in Georgia, Trump in 2022endorsed a primary opponentwho lost to Carr. Last week, the two leading Democrats said they had each collected about $1.1 million in early fundraising. Former Atlanta MayorKeisha Lance Bottomssaid she loaned her campaign $200,000 and collected $900,000 from donors, while state Sen.Jason Estevessaid he made a much smaller donation to his campaign with the rest coming from donors.

byMario Satorik

in

July 07, 2025

Republican Chris Carr raises $1.25M more for 2026 Georgia governor bid

Republican Chris Carr raises $1.25M more for 2026 Georgia governor bid ATLANTA (AP) — GeorgiaAttorney General Chris Carrsaid Monday he raise...

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Wimbledon: Grigor Dimitrov forced into heartbreaking injury retirement while holding 2-set lead over No. 1 seed Jannik Sinner

Wimbledon: Grigor Dimitrov forced into heartbreaking injury retirement while holding 2-set lead over No. 1 seed Jannik Sinner

Grigor Dimitrov was in full control on Monday with a chance for one of the biggest upsets at Wimbledon. But an apparent pectoral injury ended his day early, and he was forced to retire while holding a two-set lead over No. 1 seed Jannik Sinner. Sinner advances to the quarterfinals after appearing to be on the verge of falling victim to a stunning Round of 16 upset. Dimitrov held a 6-3, 7-5, 2-2 lead at the time of his injury. Dimitrov, seeded 19th, retires from a Grand Slam match for a fifth straight time. He'd previously retired from Wimbledon and the US Open in 2024 and the Australian Open and French Open this year. Dimitrov sustained the injury while serving. He immediately fell to the ground in pain and clutched his right pec with his left hand. As trainers rushed to the court to tend to him, Dimitrov laughed, apparently aware of the gravity of his injury. Grigor Dimitrov was forced to retire from his match against top-seeded Jannik Sinner after appearing to injure his right pectoral.Dimitrov had won the first two sets of the match.pic.twitter.com/f5mB6Lp1eL — ESPN (@espn)July 7, 2025 Dimitrov then walked to the bench to continue to receive medical treatment before leaving the court for a medical timeout. Moments later, he returned to the court to shake Sinner's hand, having concluded that he could not continue to play. A sight we never want to see.Grigor Dimitrov is forced to retire while leading two sets to love. Everyone at#Wimbledonis wishing you a speedy recovery, Grigor 💚💜pic.twitter.com/qBwiMbq3e2 — Wimbledon (@Wimbledon)July 7, 2025 Sinner put his arm around Dimitrov's back as they walked to shake hands with the chair umpire. An appreciative Centre Court crowd gave Dimitrov a rousing ovation as he packed up his bag. The win denied Dimitrov his deepest run at Wimbledon since he advanced to the semifinals in 2014. Sinner advances to stay alive for a fourth Grand Slam victory since the 2024 Australian Open. Sinner won the Australian Open in 2024 and 2025 and secured the US Open title last fall. Sinner faced his first challenge at Wimbledon against Dimitrov following a sensational start through the first three rounds. Fresh off a run to the French Open final, Sinner cruised through the first three rounds via runaway wins by scores of (6-4, 6-3, 6-0), (6-1, 6-1, 6-3) and (6-3, 6-1, 6-1). But Dimitrov put Sinner to the test immediately by breaking his first serve of the match. Dimitrov didn't lose a service game en route to a 6-3 first-set win. Dimitrov then took immediate control of the second set by breaking Sinner's first serve again. Sinner rallied for his first break of the match to temporarily fend off a 2-0 deficit and tie the set at 5-5. But Dimitrov broke Sinner's ensuing serve, then held serve to secure the 7-5 victory and the 2-0 set lead in the match. Spelling further trouble for Sinner was a medical break during the second set. Sinner fell awkwardly on his right arm and received treatment on his elbow during the break before returning to play. Sinner was able to keep playing and broke Dimitrov's serve after the medical timeout. He told reporters after the match thathe would have an MRI on his elbow on Tuesdayto determine the nature of any injury. Sinner is scheduled to play in the quarterfinals on Wednesday. Sinner and Dimitrov each held serve in the third set en route to a 2-2 tie before Dimitrov suffered his tournament-ending injury. His retirement marked the latest injury setback for Dimitrov in a career filled with them. Dimitrov most recently retired from the first round of the French Open with a thigh injury while holding a 6-2, 6-3, 2-6 lead over American Ethan Quinn. Heretired from Wimbledon in the fourth round in 2024with an abductor tear. He trailed Daniil Medvedev, 5-3, in the first set at the time of that injury. In between, Dimitrov was forced to retire from the 2024 US Open and 2025 Australian Open. After the conclusion of the match, Sinner addressed the Centre Court crowd and Dimitrov's poor injury fortune. "I don't take this as a win at all."Jannik Sinner was full of respect for his friend Grigor Dimitrov after he was forced to retire.#Wimbledonpic.twitter.com/bQTsxUM8Mu — Wimbledon (@Wimbledon)July 7, 2025 "I don't know what to say," Sinner said. "He is an incredible player, I think we all saw this today. He's been so unlucky in the past couple of years. "An incredible player, good friend of mine also. ... Seeing him in this position, it's — honestly. If there would be a chance that he could play in the next round, he would deserve — but now, mostly, I hope he has a speedy recovery. "Very, very unlucky from his side. I don't take this as a win at all. This is just a very unfortunate moment to witness for all of us." Sinner advances to face No. 10 seed Ben Shelton in the quarterfinals in search of his first Wimbledon championship.Shelton secured a 3-6, 6-1, 7-6 (1), 7-5 winover unseeded Lorenzo Sonego earlier Monday. For Dimitrov, the retirement marks another in a Grand Slam career filled with them as he continues to seek the first Grand Slam final of his career.

byMario Satorik

in

July 07, 2025

Wimbledon: Grigor Dimitrov forced into heartbreaking injury retirement while holding 2-set lead over No. 1 seed Jannik Sinner

Wimbledon: Grigor Dimitrov forced into heartbreaking injury retirement while holding 2-set lead over No. 1 seed Jannik Sinner Grigor Dimitro...

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