International
Kenyan President Promises End To Abductions
Kenyan President William Ruto has promised an end to abductions, following the latest spate of disappearances that have been condemned by rights groups, lawyers and politicians.
Security forces in the East African nation have been accused of carrying out dozens of illegal detentions since youth-led anti-government demonstrations in June and July.
The latest disappearances have primarily involved young men who have criticised Ruto online, with rights groups dismissing police denials of involvement and calling for action.
Speaking to a crowd Friday in Homa Bay, a town in western Kenya, Ruto promised an end to the abductions but also told parents to “take responsibility” of their children.
“We are going to stop the abductions so that our youth can live peacefully,” he said, according to local media reports.
Ruto had addressed the issue in his annual state of the nation speech in November, condemning “any excessive or extrajudicial” action.
But he also said many of the detentions were legitimate arrests against “criminals and subversive elements”.
Anger has continued to grow in the country, with the latest abductions sparking small-scale protests in at least one town.
Police have denied involvement but activists have questioned why they appear to not be investigating the disappearances.
“If indeed the police are not complicit,” the Law Society of Kenya said, they must immediately “investigate and prosecute those responsible”.
Human Rights Watch said earlier this year that its research pointed towards a unit drawn from multiple security agencies.
Ruto’s remarks follow recent comments by former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua, who alleged a secret unit was behind the disappearances.
“Abducting these children and killing them is not a solution… This is the first administration in the history of this country to target children for repression,” Gachagua claimed.
International
Ugandan govt detains 62 Nigerians for ‘operating church without work permits’
Simon Peter Mundeyi, spokesperson for the country’s ministry of internal affairs, said the Nigerians often pose as gospel preachers and engage in other illegal activities.
Photo of the detained Nigerian preachers ( NCIC/X)
The Ugandan government has detained 62 Nigerians for “illegally operating” a church, as well as living and working in the country without valid permits.
In a statement posted on its X handle on Wednesday, the Ugandan national citizenship and immigration control (NCIC), said that the arrest followed a tip-off after learning that the individuals were operating illegally without the required permits.
“Following a tip-off, our enforcement team has arrested 62 Nigerian nationals operating illegally in Adjumani (without work permits),” the statement reads.
The group, primarily found operating a church among other things, is now being processed for prosecution under Uganda’s immigration.
Simon Peter Mundeyi, spokesperson for the country’s ministry of internal affairs, said the Nigerians often pose as gospel preachers and engage in other illegal activities.
He added that they are currently being held at the ministry’s Namanve facility, where they are undergoing legal processes that could result in deportation, fines, or blacklisting.
International
US war in Iran has cost $25 billion so far, says Pentagon official
Jules Hurst, who is performing the duties of the comptroller, told lawmakers on the House Armed Services Committee that most of that money was for munitions.
The United States’ war in Iran has cost $25 billion so far, a senior Pentagon official said on Wednesday, providing the first official estimate of the military’s price tag for the conflict.
With just six months before midterm elections in which President Donald Trump’s Republicans may face an uphill battle to keep their House majority, Democrats are riding high in public opinion polls as they attempt to link the unpopular Iran war with affordability.
Jules Hurst, who is performing the duties of the comptroller, told lawmakers on the House Armed Services Committee that most of that money was for munitions.
Hurst did not detail what that cost estimate included and whether it took into account the projected costs of rebuilding and repairing base infrastructure in the Middle East damaged in the conflict.
Rep. Adam Smith, the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, responded to Hurst: “I’m glad you answered that question. Because we’ve been asking for a hell of a long time, and no one’s given us the number.”
(Reuters)
International
BREAKING: Trump, Wife Narrowly Escape Assassination (Video)
.…as gunman invades dinner party venue. US secret service begins probes
The United States Secret Service has launched an investigation into a shooting incident that occurred in Washington during the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner at the Washington Hilton.
In a statement, the agency said it is working with the Metropolitan Police Department to determine the circumstances of the incident, which occurred near a security screening area.
The shooting was reported close to the main magnetometer checkpoint used to screen guests, prompting an immediate response from law enforcement officers on duty.
The Chief of Communications, United States Secret Service, Anthony Guglielmi, on its X handle today, confirmed that all protected individuals, including the president and first lady, were safe following the incident.
One suspect has been taken into custody, while authorities continue to assess the condition of those involved.Guglielmi said teams are on the ground actively investigating and gathering information, adding that updates will be provided as more details are confirmed.

The Suspects.
“We will provide updates as they become available and confirm information. Our teams are on the ground assessing the situation and investigating. All of our protectees are safe,” he added.
The incident has raised fresh concerns about security at major public events in the US capital, with authorities expected to review procedures as the investigation continues.
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