Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Erastus Ekitela Lokaale, has been named co-facilitator of a panel reviewing the outcomes of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS).

The appointment was announced on Tuesday by Korir Sing’oei, Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs. Lokaale will co-lead the process alongside Rytis Paulauskas, Lithuania’s Permanent Representative to the UN.

Lokaale’s primary role will involve coordinating intergovernmental consultations to finalize the framework for the General Assembly’s review of the WSIS outcomes. This high-level review, known as WSIS+20, will take place from July 7–11, 2025, at Palexpo in Geneva, Switzerland.

Philemon Yang, a representative of UN Member States and Observers, expressed gratitude to Lokaale and Paulauskas for accepting the responsibility. He urged them to work collaboratively with Member States and ensure the participation of key stakeholders, as outlined in the resolution.

ALSO READ:

• Inside Job Exposed: Kenyan Prison Wardens Convicted for Orchestrating Daring Terrorist Escape
• Uganda Pulls the Plug: Nationwide Internet Blackout Ordered Days Before Crucial General Election
• African Elections Under the Spotlight as Zambia Turns to Kenya Ahead of 2026 Vote
• “Two Drug Barons in Cabinet?” Kenya Government Fires Back as Ex-Deputy President Sparks Explosive Drug Claims
• Kenyan Court Freezes Use of Private Lawyers by Government, Sparks Nationwide Legal Storm

The WSIS+20 meeting will evaluate progress made over the last two decades, address ongoing challenges, and develop strategies to advance inclusive, development-focused information societies.

Established by the United Nations, WSIS seeks to create a “people-centered, inclusive, and development-oriented Information Society.” It focuses on bridging the digital divide, expanding access to information and communication technologies (ICTs), and leveraging these tools for sustainable development.

The summit was held in two phases:

1. Geneva Phase (2003): Representatives from 175 countries adopted the Declaration of Principles and set targets, including connecting 50% of the global population to the Internet by 2015.
2. Tunis Phase (2005): This phase addressed unresolved issues such as internet governance and funding mechanisms while advancing the Geneva Agreements.

WSIS continues to play a critical role in fostering global collaboration to achieve a more inclusive digital future.

Kenya’s UN Envoy Erastus Lokaale Appointed Co-Facilitator for WSIS+20 Global Review

The post Kenya’s UN Envoy Erastus Lokaale Appointed Co-Facilitator for WSIS+20 Global Review appeared first on GOSSIP A - Z.

On Sunday, Stephen Jackson, the United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator to Kenya, expressed concern over the abduction of Maria Sarungi Tsehai, a Tanzanian media personality and human rights defender.

Tsehai was reportedly kidnapped in Nairobi. Jackson shared his worries through his official X account, responding to a report by Amnesty Kenya that highlighted the incident. He emphasized how troubling this development was.

The UN Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO) in Kenya is key in supporting the UN and coordinating its efforts across the country.

Tsehai, the victim of the abduction, is known for being a strong critic of Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu. However, the exact reasons behind her abduction are still unclear.

Amnesty Kenya, the first to report the incident, shared that Tsehai was forcibly taken by three armed men in a black Noah vehicle at Chaka Place in the Kilimani area of Nairobi. The kidnapping occurred at approximately 3:15 pm on Sunday. Amnesty Kenya’s statement described the incident and urged people to spread the word and help keep Tsehai safe.

ALSO READ:

• Inside Job Exposed: Kenyan Prison Wardens Convicted for Orchestrating Daring Terrorist Escape
• Uganda Pulls the Plug: Nationwide Internet Blackout Ordered Days Before Crucial General Election
• African Elections Under the Spotlight as Zambia Turns to Kenya Ahead of 2026 Vote
• “Two Drug Barons in Cabinet?” Kenya Government Fires Back as Ex-Deputy President Sparks Explosive Drug Claims
• Kenyan Court Freezes Use of Private Lawyers by Government, Sparks Nationwide Legal Storm

Maria Sarungi Tsehai is a well-known media and communications expert and has a large following on social media, particularly on X, where she actively critiques the Tanzanian government.

Her posts often highlight her activism, including exposing controversial government plans. Before her abduction, Tsehai had drawn attention to the Tanzanian government’s plans to import two airplanes—one for the VIPs and another for Air Tanzania.

This abduction is the second high-profile kidnapping of an East African activist from a wealthy Nairobi neighborhood in just a few months. The first occurred in November 2024 when Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye was abducted from Riverside Drive and taken to Uganda, where he faces national security charges.

The abduction of Tsehai raises concerns about Kenya’s commitment to human rights, especially as the country officially joins the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in January 2025.

UN Chief Sounds Alarm After Foreigner Abduction in Nairobi

The post UN Chief Sounds Alarm After Foreigner Abduction in Nairobi appeared first on GOSSIP A - Z.

Kenyan police officers assigned to the UN-backed mission in Haiti could earn up to Ksh279,955 monthly, including allowances, making their peacekeeping roles financially advantageous.

Each officer is set to receive Ksh182,242 monthly from the international agency, with additional allowances significantly boosting their total earnings.

During the vetting by the Appointments Committee on August 1, President William Ruto’s nominee for the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government, Prof. Kithure Kindiki, disclosed that the police deployed to Haiti are compensated and insured by the United Nations.

Kindiki assured, “Our officers are covered, insured, and paid for by the United Nations, so there is no cause for concern.”

Research indicates these officers will earn $1,410 monthly, about Ksh182,242 at the current exchange rate.

This salary structure, approved by the UN General Assembly in June 2014, has seen slight increments.

Additionally, the officers are entitled to a Mission Subsistence Allowance (MSA) of $756, adding Ksh97,713 to their monthly earnings.

The Kenyan-led mission, authorized by the UN Security Council in October 2023, involves 400 officers as part of a larger group of 1,000 Kenyan police committed to stabilizing the violence-stricken Caribbean nation.

The Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, also supported by the United States, aims to restore law and order in Haiti.

The UN’s reimbursement framework, detailed on its official site under Peacekeeping Missions, outlines the pay structure for contributing countries.

ALSO READ:

• Inside Job Exposed: Kenyan Prison Wardens Convicted for Orchestrating Daring Terrorist Escape
• Uganda Pulls the Plug: Nationwide Internet Blackout Ordered Days Before Crucial General Election
• African Elections Under the Spotlight as Zambia Turns to Kenya Ahead of 2026 Vote
• “Two Drug Barons in Cabinet?” Kenya Government Fires Back as Ex-Deputy President Sparks Explosive Drug Claims
• Kenyan Court Freezes Use of Private Lawyers by Government, Sparks Nationwide Legal Storm

The General Assembly’s resolution 68/281 approved a new rate of $1,332 per person per month from July 1, 2014, with gradual increases to $1,365 in 2016 and $1,410 from July 1, 2017.

The Mission Subsistence Allowance (MSA) is a key part of the officers’ compensation.

According to the UN, MSA covers long-term living costs, including accommodation, meals, and miscellaneous expenses incurred during duty in a field mission.

The allowance is payable to non-staff personnel provided by a government to serve in individual capacities in UN missions, including peacekeeping operations, special political missions, and other field missions.

Kenyan officers deployed to Haiti will be drawn from the General Service Unit (GSU), Special Units, and the Border Patrol Unit (BPU).

This deployment aims to support efforts to restore order in Haiti, which has been troubled by gang violence and instability.

Prof. Kindiki praised the officers’ efforts, stating, “It’s also good to report progress so far. The officers have recovered critical infrastructure, including the port, the airport, the main police station, and the hospital from the gangs. Some of the defiant gang leaders have now signed for peace and are willing to engage. Our officers are doing a commendable job. We are praying for them and hope for their continued success.”

Kenya Cops’ Haiti Mission Pay Revealed

The post Kenya Cops’ Haiti Mission Pay Revealed appeared first on GOSSIP A - Z.

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) on Tuesday reported that young children were tear-gassed during nationwide anti-government protests in Kenya.

Country Representative Shaheen Nilofer from UNICEF condemned the actions of the Kenyan police, calling them unacceptable.

She emphasized the importance of prioritizing every child’s safety by security officers.

“I am deeply concerned about reports of tear gas entering Mwiyala Primary School grounds and affecting school children during today’s protests,” her statement read.

“Children and schools are not, and must never be, targets of violence.”

UNICEF joined other leaders in condemning the police actions after officers released teargas in a school in Kakamega County.

ALSO READ:

• Inside Job Exposed: Kenyan Prison Wardens Convicted for Orchestrating Daring Terrorist Escape
• Uganda Pulls the Plug: Nationwide Internet Blackout Ordered Days Before Crucial General Election
• African Elections Under the Spotlight as Zambia Turns to Kenya Ahead of 2026 Vote
• “Two Drug Barons in Cabinet?” Kenya Government Fires Back as Ex-Deputy President Sparks Explosive Drug Claims
• Kenyan Court Freezes Use of Private Lawyers by Government, Sparks Nationwide Legal Storm

Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo demanded accountability for those responsible.

“Children should never be attacked. We need answers,” she stated regarding the incident.

This was not an isolated incident, as another school in Nairobi was also tear-gassed by police during protests.

Police officers were additionally accused of teargassing patients inside a hospital and church in Nairobi.

In Nakuru, tensions rose after police were seen on CCTV entering a church to search for protestors who had taken refuge there.

The United Nations has urged police officers to respect human rights while managing anti-government protests, which are largely led by Gen Z.

United Nations Issues Statement After Police Teargas Children

The post United Nations Issues Statement After Police Teargas Children appeared first on GOSSIP A - Z.

Ekuru Aukot, leader of the Thirdway Alliance party, has announced his intention to petition the United Nations to halt the deployment of National Police Service (NPS) officers to Haiti.

In his petition, Aukot accuses Kenya and the United States of interfering in Haiti’s affairs, which he claims has led to suffering for the people of the Caribbean nation.

Aukot contends that the proposed deployment of Kenyan police officers to Haiti is merely an excuse to continue the recolonization of the country.

The Thirdway Alliance leader, who filed a court petition on Friday to stop the deployment, argues that the plan violates the Kenyan Constitution.

Aukot asserts that Kenya faces its security challenges and lacks adequate information about the nature and extent of the conflict in Haiti.

In his petition to the United Nations, which is supported by former MP Kabando wa Kabando and former Nairobi town clerk Philip Kisia, Aukot calls on all concerned global citizens to oppose what they describe as an intended invasion of Haiti.

ALSO READ:

• Inside Job Exposed: Kenyan Prison Wardens Convicted for Orchestrating Daring Terrorist Escape
• Uganda Pulls the Plug: Nationwide Internet Blackout Ordered Days Before Crucial General Election
• African Elections Under the Spotlight as Zambia Turns to Kenya Ahead of 2026 Vote
• “Two Drug Barons in Cabinet?” Kenya Government Fires Back as Ex-Deputy President Sparks Explosive Drug Claims
• Kenyan Court Freezes Use of Private Lawyers by Government, Sparks Nationwide Legal Storm

This comes as news emerged that about 200 Kenyan police officers are set to be deployed to Haiti next week as part of a UN Security Council-backed mission to Port-au-Prince.

In July 2023, Kenya volunteered to lead the mission and deploy 1,000 troops to help restore order in the Caribbean nation, which has been plagued by violent criminal gangs.

The US government has committed $100 million (Ksh.13 billion) to support the mission in Haiti and has urged other nations to contribute similarly.

Approximately half of the platoon, which will be based in a barracks recently established by the US government, will be responsible for securing critical infrastructure in Port-au-Prince, while the remainder will engage in direct combat with the criminal gangs.

In March, Ruto announced the signing of an agreement between Kenya and Haiti to facilitate Nairobi’s participation in the multinational security mission.

Ekuru Aukot to Petition UN Against Deployment of Kenyan Police to Haiti

The post Ekuru Aukot to Petition UN Against Deployment of Kenyan Police to Haiti appeared first on GOSSIP A - Z.

Kenya has supported a key resolution at the United Nations that gives the State of Palestine more rights and privileges within the international organization.

This decision comes amid increasing violence in the Gaza Strip, with calls at the United Nations Civil Society Conference in Nairobi for an immediate end to the conflict.

Nairobi had not commented on the situation since President William Ruto initially supported Israel when the conflict began.

Ambassador Martin Kimani, Kenya’s representative at the United Nations, strongly supported the motion during a recent General Assembly debate and vote.

In his speech, Ambassador Kimani emphasized the concept of self-determination, noting, “We cannot deny others who seek self-determination just as we cannot deny our origins as a country founded on a struggle for independence.”

The United Nations General Assembly’s approval of the Palestinian bid for full UN membership is a significant step in the long-standing pursuit of statehood.

With 143 member states supporting and only nine opposing, including the United States and Israel, the decision demonstrates broad global support. Additionally, 25 countries abstained from the vote.

In the East African region, Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi, Ethiopia, and Djibouti all supported the motion.

The General Assembly resolution “determines that the State of Palestine should therefore be admitted to membership” and “recommends that the Security Council reconsider the matter favorably.”

ALSO READ:

• Inside Job Exposed: Kenyan Prison Wardens Convicted for Orchestrating Daring Terrorist Escape
• Uganda Pulls the Plug: Nationwide Internet Blackout Ordered Days Before Crucial General Election
• African Elections Under the Spotlight as Zambia Turns to Kenya Ahead of 2026 Vote
• “Two Drug Barons in Cabinet?” Kenya Government Fires Back as Ex-Deputy President Sparks Explosive Drug Claims
• Kenyan Court Freezes Use of Private Lawyers by Government, Sparks Nationwide Legal Storm

Riyad Mansour, Palestine’s ambassador to the UN, passionately urged the General Assembly before the vote to support “freedom, justice, and peace in this darkest hour.”

Although the resolution does not grant full UN membership, it recommends that the Security Council review Palestine’s status positively.

Despite diplomatic progress in New York, worries about the ongoing Gaza conflict were evident at the United Nations Civil Society Conference in Nairobi.

Civil society groups expressed their collective dismay, calling for an immediate end to the violence in the region.

The death toll in Gaza from Israeli attacks since October 7 stands at 34,904, with tens of thousands wounded.

In Israel, Hamas’s retaliatory strikes have resulted in 1,139 deaths, with several people still held captive.

Amid chants of solidarity such as “In our thousands, in our millions, we are all Palestinians,” Carole Agengo, Co-Chair of the Planning Committee of the 2024 Civil Society Conference, delivered a powerful closing statement.

She emphasized the need for immediate action, stating, “The situation in Palestine requires immediate ceasefire, and indeed, we are all Palestinians.”

Kenya, 142 Other Nations Supports Palestinian Rights at UN Amid Escalating Gaza Conflict

The post Kenya, 142 Other Nations Supports Palestinian Rights at UN Amid Escalating Gaza Conflict appeared first on GOSSIP A - Z.

The dispatch of 1,000 Kenyan police officers to Haiti has faced numerous obstacles, leading to an escalation of violence in the Caribbean country.

The UN approved Kenya’s mission in October 2023, but its execution is still pending. In the April Security Council Report, the UN stressed the importance of deploying this mission to restore order in Haiti.

The UN report disclosed that during the forthcoming 90-day briefing for council members, there will be deliberations on two proposals aimed at accelerating the deployment of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) team under the leadership of Kenya.

One possible resolution entails putting into effect the transitional governance arrangements outlined in the agreement of 11 March, thereby facilitating the deployment of troops.

“This is an important step towards consolidating political consensus among Haitian leaders, and facilitating the deployment of the MSS mission,” read part of the report.

Moreover, the creation of an interim council will ultimately enable Haiti to hold nationwide elections, thereby tackling the fundamental issues underlying the nation’s instability.

At the same time, the alternative approach involves rallying the global community to offer adequate assistance to the soldiers involved in the peacekeeping operation.

“Council members are united in their concern about the spiraling situation in Haiti, including the most recent wave of violence, and generally agree on the need for a Haitian-led political solution that addresses both security and socioeconomic challenges,” read part of the report.

According to the report, the Security Council expressed its dedication to backing initiatives, both globally and locally, aimed at stabilizing Haiti’s political climate and curbing the recent increase in gang-related violence.

ALSO READ:

• Inside Job Exposed: Kenyan Prison Wardens Convicted for Orchestrating Daring Terrorist Escape
• Uganda Pulls the Plug: Nationwide Internet Blackout Ordered Days Before Crucial General Election
• African Elections Under the Spotlight as Zambia Turns to Kenya Ahead of 2026 Vote
• “Two Drug Barons in Cabinet?” Kenya Government Fires Back as Ex-Deputy President Sparks Explosive Drug Claims
• Kenyan Court Freezes Use of Private Lawyers by Government, Sparks Nationwide Legal Storm

The global community has shown backing for the mission, with countries like the United States pledging billions of dollars in support, including funding for ammunition.

Canada has allocated approximately Ksh8 billion towards the mission and will also provide training to the troops before their deployment. This training is scheduled to take place in Jamaica over approximately one month.

Alternatively, in February, Benin extended its support to the mission led by Kenya by committing to deploy 2,000 troops. Additionally, Jamaica, the Bahamas, and Antigua and Barbuda are among the countries poised to provide officers for the mission.

Nevertheless, certain nations like the United States have declined appeals to deploy their military personnel to Haiti. This has sparked apprehension regarding the reluctance of countries boasting highly sophisticated armed forces to step forward and take charge of the mission.

Kenya has faced backlash for consenting to the mission, with certain officers retracting due to safety concerns. Nonetheless, the government has underscored that the deployment remains unchanged.

UN Security Council Unveils 2 Plans to Expedite Kenyan Troops Deployment to Haiti 

The post UN Security Council Unveils 2 Plans to Expedite Kenyan Troops Deployment to Haiti  appeared first on GOSSIP A - Z.

The United Nations is currently seeking assistance in gathering Ksh98 billion (USD674 million) to provide aid to those affected by the ongoing conflict in Haiti.

Ulrika Richardson, a UN representative, stated that millions of individuals in that nation are still subjected to inhumane conditions.

“I’ve seen things here that I’ve never seen in my life,” that go beyond “your worst nightmare,” he told the press.

Richardson states that 5.5 million people require aid, with 40 percent of the population facing urgent food needs.

According to Newsday, an international media source, 314,000 people have been compelled to evacuate their residences.

Consequently, the United Nations called upon individuals worldwide who have goodwill to contribute funds to ease the hardship and provide nutritious meals for the residents of Haiti.

Gossipa2z.com previously stated that there was a surge in kidnappings and killings in the Caribbean nation. Experts suggested that the situation was deteriorating due to Kenya’s delay in dispatching 1,000 police officers.

ALSO READ:

• Inside Job Exposed: Kenyan Prison Wardens Convicted for Orchestrating Daring Terrorist Escape
• Uganda Pulls the Plug: Nationwide Internet Blackout Ordered Days Before Crucial General Election
• African Elections Under the Spotlight as Zambia Turns to Kenya Ahead of 2026 Vote
• “Two Drug Barons in Cabinet?” Kenya Government Fires Back as Ex-Deputy President Sparks Explosive Drug Claims
• Kenyan Court Freezes Use of Private Lawyers by Government, Sparks Nationwide Legal Storm

More than 3,400 individuals have suffered fatalities, injuries, or abductions thus far. According to the Miami Herald, a U.S.-based media organization, January 2024 has been identified as the most turbulent month on record, impacting over 1,100 lives.

The information also indicated that a person loses their life every two hours, and 17 others sustain injuries daily.

“The already dire human rights situation has deteriorated even further, amid unrelenting and expanding gang violence, with disastrous consequences for Haitians. “Every day that passes, more casualties are being recorded,” United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk stated.

In October, President William Ruto proposed sending 1,000 Kenyan police officers to head a collaborative effort with various agencies to address the gangs that had seized control of 80 percent of the nation.

Ruto faced obstacles in his endeavors due to multiple court decisions declaring the deployment unconstitutional.

The most recent judgment issued by Justice Chacha Mwita last month highlighted that the National Security Council and the National Police Service (NPS) lack the authority to send officers beyond the country’s borders.

UN Urges Global Aid: Ksh 98B Needed for Haiti Crisis

The post UN Urges Global Aid: Ksh 98B Needed for Haiti Crisis appeared first on GOSSIP A - Z.

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has announced intentions to transfer some of its personnel from the United States to Kenya.

The organization headquartered in New York has indicated in its job postings that the relocations will be completed by the year 2025.

The Humanitarian Evaluation Specialist and the Director of Programme and Technical Division are among the prominent offices that will be moved to Nairobi.

“The position of the Director of the Programme and Technical Division is currently located at UNFPA Headquarters in New York, USA, and will be relocated to Nairobi, Kenya, with its incumbent, by 2025.

“A fully integrated Programme and Technical Division will be in place by August 2024 ahead of the physical move planned between March and September 2025,” the agency stated in its job adverts.

The UNFPA emphasized the necessity of this action, aiming to broaden its impact by reaching a larger audience and enhancing the accessibility of its services in countries where it is extensively engaged.

ALSO READ:

• Inside Job Exposed: Kenyan Prison Wardens Convicted for Orchestrating Daring Terrorist Escape
• Uganda Pulls the Plug: Nationwide Internet Blackout Ordered Days Before Crucial General Election
• African Elections Under the Spotlight as Zambia Turns to Kenya Ahead of 2026 Vote
• “Two Drug Barons in Cabinet?” Kenya Government Fires Back as Ex-Deputy President Sparks Explosive Drug Claims
• Kenyan Court Freezes Use of Private Lawyers by Government, Sparks Nationwide Legal Storm

The organization’s main objective is to carry out a range of initiatives that center around sexual and reproductive health, operating within the framework of the United Nations.

Kenya, represented by Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei of the Foreign Affairs department, has embraced the decision, stating that it will enhance the country’s standing.

“Another piece of good news that demonstrates a strengthening of Nairobi as the multilateral capital of the Global South,” he stated.

Nevertheless, despite the government’s optimistic outlook, reports are suggesting that certain staff members harbor concerns regarding the proposed relocation.

Many employees express worries about the stability of their jobs, anticipating that some may have to choose to depart from the UN organization voluntarily before the relocation takes place.

“When we asked for an analysis, like share with us the analysis that made you come to this decision, why Nairobi out of other places, why that was decided? None was provided,” one of the staff told the international media house, Devex.

UN Agency to Relocate Staff From New York to Kenya

The post UN Agency to Relocate Staff From New York to Kenya appeared first on GOSSIP A - Z.