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Ultimate health recapitalises to N1bn
Ultimate health recapitalises to N1bn
Recapitalisation
By Folasade Akpan
Abuja, June 21, 2024 (NAN) In keeping with the provisions of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act 2022, Ultimate Health Management Services, a HMO, has recapitalised from N400 million to one billion Naira.
The Chairman of the Board of Directors, Angela Ajala, disclosed this on Friday in Abuja during the organisation’s 13th Annual General Meeting (AGM).
She said that the organisation went beyond the N750 million minimum requirements stipulated by NHIA, the regulatory body, for the sector.
She explained that the organisation was able to achieve that because it was progressive and futuristic in its ideas.
Ajala also said that the HMO was not only particular about the wellbeing of Nigerians in Nigeria but also expanding its horizons to cater to the members in diaspora.
“We believe that if they say N750 million, we can do a billion because we are not restricting ourselves to just Nigeria, we’re going beyond.
“So, we needed to expand our base and made sure that we have the capacity to take on the expansion.
“We are dealing with human lives, so the wellbeing of every Nigerian, irrespective of where they are, is very critical to what we do,” she said.
The Managing Director of the organisation, Dr Lekan Ewenla, said inflationary trends needed to be put into consideration for the upward review of premiums so that hospitals could continue to provide services.
“Health insurance is volume driven with provision for basic healthcare services to be covered and an amount attached to the services to be rendered.
“All of these parameters were put into consideration in developing the health insurance programme for Nigerians,” he said.
Ewenla said that the primary health services were meant to be managed at the primary level by the risk managers
He said that the recommendation was to be N550 per person per month in 2005 and an upward review by a recommended percentage within 24 months.
“This was to take care of the inflationary trend which was responsible for the upward review of N550 to N750 in 2014.”
Ewenla said that the review was not carried out in the stipulated two years, which would have been 2007 but was carried out in 2014 instead, which saw the rise of premium from N550 to N750.
“Now the last review that was done was in 2014, we all know the exchange rate today and we all know that the bulk of the medications that we use in this country are imported.
“So, hospitals that are our primary risk bearers no longer enjoy the scheme,”he said.
The MD added that his organisation was working with the regulatory agency to define the clusters available both in the formal and informal sectors of the nation.
He said this was to bring all Nigerians on board the scheme as stipulated in the Act.
“For example, we are looking at the youths of this country that are over 40 million in tertiary institutions across the nation. They will be mandated by the regulatory institutions.
“The organised private sector has partially complied.
“So, the next move is to bring those on the fringes on board.
“With time all the clusters would be brought on board.
“They all have associations and bodies that regulate them, which would make it easier once they are all sensitised about the benefits,’’Ewenla said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
FOF/CEO/AMM
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Edited by Chidi Opara and Abiemwense Moru

June 21, 2024
Drug Abuse: NDLEA arrests 454 suspects in Adamawa
Drug
By Talatu Maiwada
Yola, June 21, 2024 (NAN) The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLE), Adamawa Command, says it has arrested no fewer than 454 suspected illicit drug traffickers/peddlers from June 2023 till date.
State Commander of NDLEA, Mr Samson Agboalu, disclosed this on Friday at a news conference to begin the commemoration of the 2024 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the World Drug Day with the theme: “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention” is celebrated annually on June 26 globally.
Agboalu said that the arrest figure made by the agency reflected a 9.38 per cent decrease from the 501 arrests made in the previous year.
He noted that the drug seizures significantly increased, with a total of 4,732.128 kilo grammes of hard drugs confiscated.
”This is a 75 per cent increase from the 1,164.750 kg seized between June 2022 and June 2023.
“These seizures include a range of substances such as Cannabis Sativa, Methamphetamine (ice), Cocaine, Tramadol, Exol-5, Diazepam tablets, Codeine-based syrup, Rohypnol tablets, and Pentazocine injections.
“Our Drug Demand Reduction (DDR) efforts have also been fruitful, with 107 residential clients treated, counseled, and rehabilitated, and 222 trafficking clients receiving brief intervention counseling,” he said.
Speaking on prosecution efforts and forfeitures from June 2023 till date, he said 148 individuals were convicted, with notable increase from 115 convictions recorded between June 2022 and June 2023.
“The highest sentences handed down were between10 and five years imprisonment, with the least six months.
“Monetary forfeiture recorded an increase, with the sum of N851,153 forfeited to the Federal Government and deposited into the Treasury Single Account (TSA), compared to N729,480 in the previous year.”
The NDLEA commander called for the adoption of preventive measures as a strategic approach in addressing drug abuse in the state.
He said that it was imperative to invest in prevention through increased public education, collaboration with communities by ensuring youths have access to accurate information to discourage drug use.
“As we reflect on the theme, it is clear that investing in prevention is a strategic approach that promises long-term benefits and only effective way to address the root causes of drug abuse.
“Evidence has shown that prevention programmes can significantly reduce the initiation of drug use, thereby reducing the burden on law enforcement and the healthcare system.
“By focusing on education, awareness, and early intervention, we can protect our communities, particularly the youth, from the devastating effects of drug abuse,” he said.
Agboalu also emphasised the need for collaborative effort in the fight against the menace, in order to create a future where children could grow up in a safe, healthy, and drug-free communities.
NAN reports that the command has organised one-week activities in line with the commemoration of the World Drug Day to raise awareness and promote preventive measures (NAN) (www.nannews.ng).
TIM/DCO/ADA
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Edited by Deborah Coker/Deji Abdulwahab
June 21, 2024
Emirship tussle: Lawyers, activists hail court verdict
Emirship tussle: Lawyers, activists hail court verdict
Court
By Femi Ogunshola
Abuja, June 21, 2024(NAN) The National Coalition of Northern Lawyers and a group of activists under the aegis of Public Interest Activists (NCNLPIA), have commended the ruling of the Federal High Court, Kano, which reinstated Alhaji Ado Bayero as Emir Kano.
Mr Napoleon Otache, NCNLPIA convener, on Friday in Abuja commended the court for what he described as upholding the rule of law and protecting the sanctity of traditional institutions.
He said at a news conference that the ruling was a victory for justice, truth, and the people of Kano State.
According to him, the judgment vindicates the popular stance on the illegality of the Kano State Government in dissolving the Kano Emirates.
He urged Gov. Abba Yusuf to apologise to Emir Ado Bayero for the humiliation and embarrassment inflicted upon him by the dethronement, including the unlawful dissolution of the Kano Emirates.
Otache advised the governor to respect the court’s decision and work towards peace and reconciliation in Kano State.
He said that with the judgement, the court had again proven that the judiciary was the last hope of the common man, adding that the court’s ruling has demonstrated that the rule of law must be obeyed.
He said: “the judiciary has given the rude awakening that it is there to correct the conversion of the Kano State House of Assembly.
It would be recalled that Justice Abdullahi Liman of the Federal High Court, Kano overturned all the actions taken by Gov Yusuf after the Kano Emirate law was amended by the State House of Assembly on May 23.
Justice Liman faulted the governor’s assent to the bill and the presentation of an appointment letter to Sanusi on May 24, 2024 in spite an order of court directing all parties to maintain status quo.
However, through the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Haruna Dederi, the state government gave a different interpretation to the ruling.
“The Kano State Government acknowledges the ruling by the Federal High Court regarding the Kano Emirates Council (Repeal) Law, 2024 and views same as upholding the rule of law.
“By the ruling of the Court, it has unequivocally reaffirmed the validity of the law passed by Kano State House of Assembly and assented to by His Excellency the Executive Governor of Kano State on Thursday 23rd May, 2024 by 5: 10pm’’, he said. (NAN)www.nannews.ng
ODF/KUA
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Edited by Uche Anunne
June 21, 2024
Be vigilant, Immigration boss charges border communities
Be vigilant, Immigration boss charges border communities
Communities
By Zubairu Idris
Mai’aduwa (Katsina State), June 21, 2024 (NAN) The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (CGIS), Kemi Nandap, has urged border communities to be vigilant and to provide useful information to authorities on suspected illegal immigrants.
Nandap made the call on Friday while addressing Kongolam border community in Katsina State, as part of her assessment tour to border posts in the country.
“Nigeria is our country, we need to join hands to ensure peace in the country and our job is to manage the nation’s borders.
“We need your support by giving us information on movement of suspected persons around the border areas, because you know the people who lives amongst you.
“Border communities are critical stakeholders in border security, so we need them to continue to join hands with the service to enable it achieve its mandate.
“Safe border is a safe nation, and the NIS is the lead agency when it comes to border security.
“I am here to assess our border facilities, what do we have and what do we need to deploy, all in an effort to effectively man the borders,” the CGIS stressed.
Nandap also paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Umar Farouq, where she solicited for the emirate’s continued support by working with the service to effectively manage the nation’s borders.
Responding, the Emir assured of continuous support to the service to enable it achieve the mandate of securing the borders.
He urged the government to provide the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) with all requirements in order to discharge their duties diligently. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
ZI/AYO/SH
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Edited by Ayodeji Alabi/Sadiya Hamza
June 21, 2024
Police neutralise kidnap suspect, arrest 4 others in Delta
Police neutralise kidnap suspect, arrest 4 others in Delta
Suspect
By Edeki Igafe
Warri (Delta), June 21, 2024 (NAN) The Police Command in Delta has neutralised a suspected member of a kidnap gang during a shootout in Ughelli North Local Government area.
The command’s spokesman, SP Bright Edafe told newsmen on Friday in Warri that the other members of the gang escaped during the shootout.
Edafe said that the incident occurred on Thursday near the Adjekota-Ogor communities of Ughelli North.
He said that the team of police operatives deployed by the Commissioner of Police (CP), Mr Olufemi Abaniwonda, intercepted and engaged the hoodlums resulting in the death of one of the gang members.
Edafe said that the team lead by ASP Julius Robinson, acting on credible intelligence, stormed a criminal hideout on the Ughelli/Patani Road by an abandoned filling station.
“The hoodlums on sighting the police opened fire on the team, and the police responded.
“In the ensuing gun duel, one of the hoodlums sustained serious gun shot injuries while others escaped.
“The injured suspect was taken to the hospital where he died while receiving treatment,” he said.
Edafe said that two Beretta pistol and five rounds of live ammunition were recovered from the gang members.
The command’s spokesman said that a manhunt was already underway for the fleeing members of the gang.
Edafe also said that the police special team arrested four robbery/kidnap suspects in Sapele Town on Wednesday.
He said that ASP Robinson led the police team to the suspects hideout in Sapele and effected the arrest.
According to him, one locally made cut-to-size gun was recovered from the suspects.
Edafe said that preliminary investigation revealed that aside the hoodlums’ involvement in cult-related activities, they were also suspected to be armed robbers
The police spokesman said that investigation into the case was ongoing. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
EDI/AYO/AOS
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Edited by Ayodeji Alabi/Bayo Sekoni
June 21, 2024
Experts harp on harnessing untapped potentials in renewable energy to boost economy
Energy
By Ibukun Emiola
Ibadan, June 21, 2024 (NAN) Experts in renewable energy have harped on the need to fully harness the available potentials in the sector to boost the nation’s economy.
They said this at the Techfine Partners’ training to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Nexgen Energy and Allied Services, in Ibadan on Friday.
According to Wikipedia, renewable energy or green energy is from renewable natural resources that are replenished on a human timescale.
The most widely used renewable energy types are solar energy, wind power and hydropower.
A renewable energy expert with Acetronix Ventures, Mr Oluyombi Awojobi, said since being in the business of renewal energy over the last 10 years, there had been more uptake because of epileptic power from the national grid.
According to him, more people are tending toward solar energy, out of all the renewable energy sources, stressing that government would do well to provide more incentives to further enhance uptake of the clean energy.
“Government can come in by subsidising some of these things: inverters, solar panels and batteries because their prices are presently on the high side.
“If there is a policy or any other means to subsidise these items, people will embrace them more,” he said.
Awojobi said renewable energy would help Nigerians cut the cost of running generating sets by between 30 per cent and 40 per cent in the long run.
Also, the Chief Executive Officer, De-sure Rejfresh Technology, Mr Adeniyi Omotosho, described renewable energy as ‘the future Nigeria is looking for’.
Omotosho said that the industry had improved over the years, adding that more successes had been recorded, especially for those who started more than two decades ago.
He called for more investments in the sector by government, saying it should also focus its agenda on improving its capability to solve unemployment problems and improve the livelihoods of Nigerians.
One of the facilitators, Mrs Ibiyemi Ifaturoti, said though there were lots of initiatives on renewable energy, she, however, expressed the regret that they were uncoordinated.
Ifaturoti, a Senior Consultant at Leading Learning Limited, called on government to give more incentives and subsidise renewable energy for those in the industry such as tax reduction, import duties and renewable energy components, among others.
According to her, the more people embrace renewable energy, the better in terms of reduction of pressure on the national grid, as it would help the economy and serve the underserved communities.
Also, the Customer Service Executive, Nexgen Energy, Mrs Oluwakemi Ayekitan, said Nigerians needed an in-depth knowledge, not just information, about renewable energy to be able to harness the enormous opportunities inherent in it.
Ayekitan said there were lots of renewable energy like biogas and other green energy.
“Though people look at the initial cost, the return on investment surpasses the initial amount that has kept some people from uptaking renewable energy.
“There are lots of advantages in using renewable energy. First, the return on investment is higher than imagined.
“Second, it supports a healthier and safer planet for the future generations, as it doesn’t emit gases into the atmosphere.
“Also, there is the ease and convenience to use renewable energy system. It is an automated system, the newest technology like the brand we represent in Techfine,” Ayekitan said.
Another facilitator and business development expert, Pastor Francis Madojemu, said business owners must ensure they sold quality products to Nigerians.
“A lot of us take advantage of people. We go to China and buy cheaper versions of products; but now, there’s the need to put the customers’ benefits first.
“It will build us goodwill when the economy picks up,” Madojemu said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
IBK/KOO/WAS
Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa and ‘Wale Sadeeq
June 21, 2024
We can no longer plan our meals, FCT residents cry out
We can no longer plan our meals, FCT residents cry out
Food
By Vivian Eze/Veronica Dariya
Bwari (Abuja), June 21, 2024 (NAN) A cross section of residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), says they can no longer fend for their families due to the rising cost of foodstuff .
The residents, who spoke in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja, said that eating beans and yam have become a luxury due to its high cost.
This, they said, had affected their domestic food time table, making it impossible to eat varieties.
Mrs Glory Ocholi, a mother, said that beans have become so expensive that it is difficult to buy in bulk as she usually does to help in her nutrition plan.
“Before now, I used to buy 10 mudus of white beans for between N9, 000 to N10, 000, at N900 to N950 each.
“While the red one was usually slightly above N100 or N200.
“Currently, white beans cost N2,800 while red beans are sold for N3,000 to N3,500 , yam, Irish and sweet potatoes are also very expensive, it is only the rich that can afford them.
“You cannot buy corn or sorghum, vegetables are a no-go area, so at the end of the day, our children are forced to eat whatever we can provide,’’ she said.
Ocholi said that buying foodstuff at a higher cost had forced her to take off meals like ‘akara’ and pap which used to be a Saturday morning meal in her home.
She appealed to both the government and Nigerian Food Products Suppliers and Manufacturers to find ways to address the situation.
Mr Habila Makama, said that he could no longer afford certain foods in his household due to the high prices.
“I used to compliment yam with sweet or Irish potatoes when yam is not in season but now, I cannot afford any of them.
“Sweet potatoes that used to be the cheapest are also expensive. Rice is the only available food now in spite of the cost.
“We eat it every day of the week and probably exchange it with any available swallow with the soup you can afford,’’ he said.
A NAN correspondent who visited the Dutse-Alhaji market reported that five big tubers of yam now go for a negotiable price of N12, 000 to N14, 000.
At Karu market, corn and millet which previously sold for N850 and N900, is now being sold for N1, 300 per mudu.
NAN also reports that a bag of corn which was previously sold for N40, 000 and millet for N65, 000, are now being sold for N90, 000 per bag.
One of the traders in karu market, Mallam Bashiru Ahmed, said that prices of goods fluctuate daily and could increase by 20 per cent or more, within a week.
He said that traders sometimes go to the market to buy a bag of beans for N160, 000, but end up buying for between N180, 000 or N200, 000 due to price fluctuation.
Ahmed attributed the high cost to transportation of the goods from the northern states to the distribution units or towns, where other middle men or traders go to buy from.
“The cost of transportation has contributed to the increase in cost of these foods and it has really affected our business.
“We had to increase the price of grains to meet up with the expenses in logistics, and this is making our customers complain, thereby affecting patronage,’’ he said.
He pleaded with the government to put in place measures that could salvage the cost of transportation and control market price for grains.
This, he said would stop distributors and sellers from inducing unnecessary price increase.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
VEN/DVK/DE/JPE
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Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Joseph Edeh

June 21, 2024
Identify Alzheimer’s disease, take responsibility, care-givers enjoin citizens
Disease
By Esenvosa Izah
Lagos, June 21, 2022 (NAN) Some care-givers and advocates of people living with dementia have called on Nigerians to take responsibility for identifying and advising people with Alzheimer’s disease to seek prompt medical attention.
They made the call at a symposium on Alzheimer’s disease and Brain Awareness, organised by a non-governmental organisation, Christainment Health Awareness Foundation on Friday in Lagos.
The founder of the organisation, Mrs Claudette Bemigho-Amorighoye, said that her experience with family member affected by dementia prompted the need to create awareness around the disease.
“As a care-giver, I knew it was not easy to get diagnosis, identify and recognise the disease, but eventually, we got there and being able to manage it has gone a long way to helping every family member stay calm.
“So, we are trying to get many people, through this campaign, to be able to identify, get their loved ones checked immediately and be able to manage it as much as possible; dementia has no cure, but it can be managed,” she said.
Also, a guest speaker, Dr Oluwatoni Adeyemi, the Senior Special Assistant on Health to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, said that managing Alzheimer’s disease involved a multidisciplinary task.
She said that the country’s demographic population was changing and a study carried out at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, showed that there were many cases annually.
“Managing Alzheimer’s disease is not just a doctor’s responsibility; it is multidisciplinary and so, there are many people that come together to give a holistic treatment,” she said.
The doctor said that although there was dearth of geriatric doctors in the state, however, the state was training more doctors to specialise in providing care for the elderly.
“We found out that there is need for the elderly care because we are having an ageing population; in the past we had a culture where we supported each other.
“However, with the advent of the japa syndrome (moving of people to other countries for socio-economic benefits) many young people are leaving; we need care givers and elderly homes to cater for the elderlies,” she said.
Also, a 70-year-old participant, Ms Yemisi Ransome-Kuti, said that there was need to demystify Alzheimer’s diseases to enable more people to become aware of the symptoms and take urgent steps to address it.
“We need to pay more attention to the signs and also be prepared because it is obvious that the more active you are, the more intellectually engaged you are.
“I urge everybody to see it as his or her responsibility to educate others; spread the information,” she said.
In her remarks, the wife of Ooni of Ife, Queen Ronke Ogunwusi, who also lauded the programmes, said that stigma was a huge challenge that must be addressed to change people’s attitude towards the disease.
“Events such as this educate us more about the dangers, signs, what to look out for and how to manage it,” she said.
Dementia is a general term for loss of memory, language, problem-solving and other thinking abilities that are severe enough to interfere with daily life.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, according to medical experts.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
EEI/KAY
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Edited by Kayode Olaitan
June 21, 2024
Baylesa: Oil communities, firms differ on migration to PIA template
Migration
By Nathan Nwakamma
Yenagoa, June 21, 2024 (NAN) Oil communities in Bayelsa have resisted moves by oil firms to suspend social obligations under the old Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) for the new template in Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), 2021.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the PIA directs the operating firms to set aside three per cent of their operating expenses for the development of their host communities, to be managed by Host Community Development Trusts (HCDT).
Under the GMoU, oil firms choose projects to execute and determine the budget and unilaterally award the contracts.
The PIA, on the other hand, empowers the communities to drive their development process.
The phasing out of the GMoU projects met with resistance as the communities said that the old projects must run side by side with projects to be funded from the three per cent Host Community Development Fund.
The concern for the continuation of the GMoU projects cut across oil communities in Ogbia, Yenagoa, Brass, Nembe, Ogbia, Southern Ijaw and Ekeremor Local Government Area (LGA) of Bayelsa.
Reacting to suspected moves to jettison the electricity component of the old GMoU, youths and women from Kolo Creek Cluster communities of Elebele, Imiringi, Otuasega and Oruma shut down the Otuasega manifold and the Kolo Creek Logistics base operated by Shell.
They also protested the alleged abandonment of electricity supply to the communities by the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC).
Mr Okala Precious, a representative of the Kolo, Creek Cluster communities, said they were angry over the failure of SPDC to restore electricity supply to the area despite several meetings.
The protest compelled the oil firm to restore electricity supply as the community occupied and disrupted operations in the facility.
NAN reports that while SPDC inaugurated eight HCDT in May 2023 and set aside over 50 million dollars to fund the trusts; the composition of the Estuary Area (EA) fields had been ridden with compatibility crisis.
The EA host communities are kicking against the composition of the EA HCDT which clustered 12 communities as incorporated by SPDC.
They said that seven of the 12 communities who claimed that foisting 12 communities with cultural differences under one HCDT was a recipe for crisis, was unacceptable to them.
The EA host communities in Ekeremor LGA, on May 18 took a protest to the EA oilfields, off the Atlantic coastline to press home their demand for a separate trust.
Mr Timothy Geregere, a representative of the seven host communities, said that the meeting between SPDC officials and the communities to resolve the face-off on May 30 was futile.
He said that in spite of the provocative stance of the SPDC officials at the meeting, the seven communities have maintained a peaceful occupation of the EA field.
He said that the host communities would only resort to shutting down the facility as a last resort if ongoing mediation by the Bayelsa government fails.
Reacting to concerns of discarding the GMoU projects, Mr Michael Adande, Spokesman for SPDC, said that the company would continue with the approved projects under the old GMoU template.
He said that the HCDTs would inherit the GMoU projects and funds already accrued to the erstwhile GMoU.
“Some of the GMoUs still have funds in their accounts which will be inherited by the HCDTs which will continue implementation of approved projects.
“SPDC will continue to support approved GMoU projects as the HCDTs will drive the development process in our host communities going forward,” Adande said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

NN/CEO/CJ/

Edited by Chidi Opara and Chijioke Okoronkwo

June 21, 2024
1 person killed, more than 200 injured in Kenya anti-tax demonstrations
1 person killed, more than 200 injured in Kenya anti-tax demonstrations
Demonstration
Nairobi, June 21, 2024 (Reuters/NAN) One person was killed and at least 200 people injured across Kenya in Thursday’s nationwide protests against government plans to raise 2.7 billion dollars in additional taxes, an alliance of rights groups and the police watchdog said.
Police fired tear gas and water cannons to disperse protesters in the capital Nairobi, the five rights groups, which include Amnesty International and the Kenya Medical Association, said in a joint statement late on Thursday.
The presence of spent cartridges implied the use of live rounds, they said, adding that more than 100 protesters had been arrested across Kenya.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority said on Friday it had documented the death of a man “allegedly as a result of police shooting and several serious injuries suffered by other demonstrators including police officers.”
The 29-year-old man died during treatment for a wound on his thigh at a hospital on Thursday night, according to a police report seen by Reuters.
The report did not state how he was injured.
Gillian Munyau, the mother of the dead man, Rex Kanyike, who worked at a casino in Nairobi, said his friend had told her a plainclothes officer had shot him while they ran away from teargas.
“If someone is fighting for their rights, why use live bullets? Had he been armed, we would have understood. But he was just walking with his friend,” Munyau told Reuters outside a mortuary, where she had gone to collect her son’s body.
Munyau told privately-owned Citizen Television that Rex’s friends told her police officers who had past him being attended to offered no help.
“The officers said “let him die there” and continued walking by,” she told Citizen Television.
Nairobi county police commander Adamson Bungei did not answer phone calls from Reuters seeking comment.
“We commend the several thousands of protesters, many of whom are youthful, for picketing peacefully (and) exhibiting restraint and decorum despite provocation by police,” the rights groups said.
Protesters want the government to abandon its finance bill, saying it will choke the economy and raise the cost of living for Kenyans who are already struggling to make ends meet.
The International Monetary Fund, however, says that the government needs to increase revenues to reduce the budget deficit and state borrowing.
Earlier this week the government softened its position a little, with President William Ruto endorsing recommendations to scrap some of the new levies, including on car ownership, bread, cooking oil, and financial transactions.
Despite the widespread demonstrations, which broke out in 19 of Kenya’s 47 counties, lawmakers passed the finance bill in its second reading on Thursday, moving the contested tax proposals to their next stage for approval.
Lawmakers are expected to meet on Tuesday to vote on proposed changes to the bill, which parliament’s budget committee says would blow a 200 billion Kenyan shilling (1.56 billion dollars) hole in the 2024/25 budget, and compel the government to make spending cuts. (Reuters/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
YEE
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(Edited by Emmanuel Yashim)
June 21, 2024