by admin | Mar 25, 2025 | news, news media, politics, politics and government, politics and law
On Tuesday, March 25, the local newspapers addressed various subjects, with politics being prominently featured throughout their pages.
A newspaper highlighted potential hurdles that ex-Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i might encounter as he gets ready to officially announce his candidacy for president.
1. People Daily
The newspaper exposed the potential criminal and misdemeanor accusations that former Matiang’i might confront once he announces his run for presidency.
As reported by People Daily, certain officials within the present administration are displeased with the previous Interior Cabinet Secretary’s move to contest President William Ruto’s position in the 2027 election.
Matiang’i’s attempt received support from the Jubilee Party, with party members stating they would back him as their nominee.
Trusted sources informed The People Daily that initially, Matiang’i was expected to confront just five criminal charges during the first six months of 2023. However, this action was delayed following an intervention by prominent local politicians from his home region of Kisii, including ex-Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu.
His choice to run for president has infuriated key figures within Ruto’s administration, prompting them to decide to reassess the current charges and potentially bring additional ones.
According to People Daily, 14 charges have already been formulated against Matiang’i.
The severe accusations set to be imposed on the ex-CS encompass the substantial Ruaraka land scam where their name has frequently surfaced negatively, misuse of authority, embezzlement through an intermediary, and defiance of judicial directives, particularly concerning actions at the Immigration Department related to proceedings initiated by self-imposed exile dissident attorney Miguna Miguna, whose travel document was annulled under Matiang’i’s watch.
Other charges include allegations of sexual assaults and molestation involving a youth from the Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Nairobi Central Church, accusations of money laundering, claims of defrauding KSh 10 billion intended for the unimplemented Huduma Number initiative, incidents of shooting civilians during COVID-19 enforcement activities, extrajudicial killings with subsequent disposal of bodies into rivers such as Yala, Tana River, and Isiolo, along with other locations within Kenya.
The files should be submitted to the courts located in Nairobi, Kisumu, Kisii, and Mombasa.
2. Taifa Leo
The newspaper highlighted the challenges faced by ex-Kiambu governor Ferdinand Waititu, who is presently incarcerated at Nairobi Remand and Allocation Prison.
The ex-county leader was found guilty of various offenses including fraud, misuse of authority, and conflicting interests in a KSh 588 million corruption case.
He received a prison sentence of 12 years; his spouse Susan Wangari faced a similar verdict and was given a year behind bars along with the choice to pay a fine of KSh 500,000 instead.
Speaking from prison, Watitu revealed that the experience there had left him traumatised and his dignity corrupted.
He disclosed that he has lost his appetite and several friendships because people avoid visiting him for fear of being asked to lend money.
“I’ve had traumatic experiences during my time here. I’ve lost both my appetite and my self-respect, and very few people visit me since they believe I’ll ask them for money to cover my fine after being sentenced to 12 years in jail,” Daily Nation reported his statement.
Waititu’s attempts to obtain a bond were thwarted by the judicial authorities.
3. Daily Nation
The newspaper covered the continuing procedure for choosing the new head of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) along with its commissioners.
A specially chosen committee of nine members appointed by President William Ruto commenced the interviews on Monday, March 24.
The initial group consists of 11 nominees who have been selected for the position of chairperson; they will undergo questioning up till March 26.
Following this, interviews with the 105 candidates shortlisted for the commissioner roles will continue through until late April.
The panel is overseen by Nelson Makanda.
On the opening day of the interviews, the participants included Charles Nyachae, Anne Amadi, Abdulqadir Lorot, and Edward Katama.
4. The Standard
The newspaper covered the turmoil that disrupted the FIFA World Cup qualifying game between Kenya and Gabon on Sunday, March 23.
The standout moment from the game occurred when Mumias East MP Peter Salasya was attacked, beaten up, and forced to flee from the stadium, which took place at Nyayo Stadium.
The assailants who attacked Salasya are thought to be supporters of ODM leader Raila Odinga, against whom the legislator has previously made derogatory remarks.
So far, no arrests have been made following the incident; the legislator connected the assault to his ongoing criticisms of poor governance.
by admin | Mar 25, 2025 | elections, news, politics, politics and government, politics and law
-
Labor now has an even-money probability of winning reelection.
-
PODCAST: Catch up on all the top stories, from President Trump revoking Biden’s pardons to Governor Newsom’s surprising new statues initiative.
Anthony Albanese
is now seen as having equal odds for reelection, with bookmakers finding it impossible to choose between Labor and the Opposition’s chances of victory.
On Monday, Sportsbet set the odds for Labor at $1.90, matching those of the Coalition, following Australia’s escalating trade dispute with Donald Trump and the United States, which unexpectedly bolstered Albo’s position.
At the beginning of this month, Labor’s chances were listed at $2.50, while the Opposition was the favorite at $1.57.
After a Roy Morgan poll showed support for Labor, the party started drawing in more funds.
heading the Coalition with 54.5 percent to 45.5 percent support
.
The outcome went against polls conducted earlier this year by Newspoll and Resolve, indicating that the Coalition was leading at that time.
This was after
Trump
‘ironically, Labor gained more voter support due to the 25 percent tariffs imposed on steel and aluminum.
Roy Morgan CEO Michele Levine stated that this issue had caused a loss for the Opposition Leader
Peter Dutton
, even though Labor failed to obtain any US tariff exemptions.
“The Albanese government has repeatedly tried to link Mr. Dutton with President Trump and his more contentious policies and statements,” Ms. Levine stated.
This campaign might be beginning to make a difference, as Trump’s actions,
including imposing tariffs
, start to have a direct impact on Australians.’
In Canada, a comparable situation is unfolding as the ruling centrist-liberal Liberal Party now leads the opposition following the ascension of Prime Minister Mark Carney replacing Justin Trudeau.
Up until recently, surveys indicated that the Conservative Party of Canada was expected to secure a decisive triumph in this year’s election following ten years in opposition. However, Trump’s tariffs on Canadian goods have altered voter preferences.
In Australia, Sportsbet considers Labor the frontrunner for forming a minority government, with their odds set at $2.37.
compared to $3 for the Coalition
.
A Labor victory seems unlikely at $6, compared to $4.50 for the Coalition, considering the ruling party’s position.
enters the election with a two-seat lead
.
To be in the strongest position to create a minority government alongside conservative crossbench members such as Bob Katter, the Liberal and National parties must secure an additional 13 seats, which would require a swing of four percent.
Mr Dutton’s coalition would require a margin of 52% to 48%, post-preferences, over labor to win.
collect the required number of seats from the government
, considering his team lost secure positions to candidates from the teal party in 2022.
The Newspoll indicates that the Coalition now leads at 51% compared to Labor’s 49%, based on a two-party preferred measure.
taken since January
.
The elections should take place by May 17th, following the dissolution of Parliament shortly after Tuesday evening’s budget announcement.
Since 1931, no federal administration has been ousted from power following only one term.
Read more
by admin | Mar 25, 2025 | business, journalism, news, news media, technology
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To access additional Mail content, click here to subscribe to Mail+.
Since its establishment in 1896 by Alfred Harmsworth during the era of the telegraph, the Daily Mail has prospered through the strategic adoption of cutting-edge technologies.
Never has this statement been truer than it is today as we take pride in
announce
In addition to being Britain’s top-selling print newspaper every day of the week, the Mail also boasts over 250,000 digital subscribers.
Over 92,000 subscribers have joined Mail+ Editions – the digital version that mirrors the print edition of the newspaper you can read.
read using your tablet or smartphone
So far, over 163,000 people have enrolled in Mail+ to access the extensive collection of high-qualitysubscriber-exclusive articles on MailOnline.
Considering that Mail+ was introduced less than a year and a half ago, this rapid growth positions Mail as one of the quickest-rising newspaper subscription services globally.
Moreover, to emphasize that the Daily Mail has become a significant British export, approximately 21,000 subscribers reside in the United States, even though Mail+ was only introduced there last month.
Another 11,000 reside in Australia, where they revel in the outstanding tales emerging from our country.
Sydney
Meanwhile, the Daily Mail print edition remains ahead of its competitors, increasing this lead over time.
Actually, each week, we manage to sell 1.1 million additional copies compared to our nearest rival, The Sun, while The Times lags significantly farther behind.
Throughout the week, one out of every three national newspapers sold belongs to the Mail.
On Saturdays, when we exceed one million sales, 13 Daily Mails are purchased each second.
Ted Verity, the Editor-in-Chief of the Daily Mail, stated: “I believe there has never been a more thrilling period for being a Mail journalist. It’s an era where your content can reach and engage with a larger audience across numerous platforms and in various corners of the globe.”
The swift success of our subscription services is a remarkable testament to the skill and dedication of our exceptional team comprising reporters, writers, photographers, videographers, and editors.
However, this is merely the beginning. Our next objective should be to continually increase our subscriber base year after year, all of which will be supported by the exceptional and highly appealing journalistic content provided exclusively by the Daily Mail.
The Mail has appointed Celia Duncan as the world’s first Global Women’s Editor.
For years, The Mail has been at the forefront of providing exceptional coverage tailored for Britain’s largest and most dedicated group of women readers.
Today, we’re taking our dedication to women’s journalism a step further by appointing the world’s first Global Women’s Editor.
Celia Duncan, who came onboard in 2015 from The Times, will advance into this position following her collaboration with our exceptionally skilled groups of international editors and writers to introduce Mail+, our excellent new digital subscription service, in both Australia and the United States.
Ted Verity, the Editor-in-Chief of the Daily Mail, stated: “Over many years, exceptional journalism focused on women has been the core essence of the Mail.”
However, Celia has elevated this significantly by generating thousands of dazzling daily features, as well as three must-read weekly segments in Femail, Inspire, and Secrets & Lives – all contributing substantially to the number of online subscriptions for Mail+.
No finer indicator of theMail’s aspirations or the thrilling changes underway can be seen than through the hiring of the globe’s inaugural Global Women’s Editor.
Celia stated, “I’m incredibly thrilled to take on the role of the Mail’s inaugural Global Women’s Editor. This is a tremendous honor.”
The Mail has consistently led in women’s editorial content, boasting a dynamic, devoted, and highly involved female audience.
In collaboration with many of the finest writers and editors in Britain, we have significantly increased our focus on women’s content over recent years. The triumphant introduction of Mail+ in both Australia and the United States heralds an exhilarating new era for the Mail.
Read more
by admin | Mar 25, 2025 | government, news, politics, politics and government, politics and law
Although domestic security law hasn’t been implemented as extensively as anticipated, authorities have been encouraged to reveal greater details regarding its usage.
For Chan Po-ying from the League of Social Democrats, the instant effect of Hong Kong’s localized version of the national security law, which took effect a year ago, hit her like a blow to the stomach.
Following the enactment of the National Security Protection Ordinance in March, she will have to wait an additional two and a quarter years before her husband, known as “Long Hair” Leung Kwok-hung—a previous legislator—can be released. In a significant sedition case from last November, he was sentenced to serve six years and nine months behind bars.
Chan, who dedicated 50 years to promoting social equity in the city and now serves as the chairwoman of what was formerly considered the radical faction of the pan-democratic movement, believed that Leung might have been released as soon as 2027. This expectation factored in his previous four years in detention along with an additional reduction of up to one-third off his total sentence due to exemplary behavior during incarceration.
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Nevertheless, the recent legislation mandates that prisoners found guilty of offenses related to national security should not receive sentence reductions unless the authorities confirm that this step would pose no threat to national security. Certain activists have faced restrictions on early release following the implementation of the updated national security law.
Chan, who is 69 years old, stated, ‘We understand that hoping for an early release would be unwise because it would merely result in greater disillusionment later.’
“What matters to me is that his time in prison could become more meaningful,” she said, speaking about her incarcerated spouse who will turn 69 this Thursday.
Regardless of any new laws, her party remains one of the few opposition groups that continue to organize demonstrations outside government buildings.
On its one-year anniversary this Sunday, the law enacted under Article 23 of the Basic Law has been applied cautiously, according to legal professionals and political figures, who point out the limited number of arrests and convictions. The Basic Law serves as the city’s constitutional document.
However, others argued that the complete effects of the legislation, encompassing 39 offenses, ought to be evaluated gradually and across a wider spectrum. They highlighted what they termed its “discouraging influence” on free expression and political engagement.
Containing seditious speech and ‘absconders’
Based on information from governmental sources acquired by the Post, up until March 1st, law enforcement has detained 320 individuals accused of compromising national security pursuant to all pertinent regulations in the region since 2020, following the implementation of Beijing’s iteration of such legislation.
The data shows 91 people and four companies were charged under the 2020 law, with 76 people convicted.
Five were charged under the new domestic national security law, with three sentenced, according to the government.
The government refused to disclose specific figures on how many people had been arrested under the new ordinance, citing its work in defending national security.
However, an examination conducted by The Post of publicly accessible statements and reports revealed that officials primarily utilized the ordinance—which encompasses charges such as treason, rebellion, incitement to revolt, theft of government intelligence, and foreign meddling—in two main ways: suppressing activities deemed seditious and curtailing backing for individuals who fled after being charged with endangering national safety.
As per official announcements, the 13 publicly reported arrests conducted under the ordinance were exclusively linked to charges of sedition.
Under the new law, it is illegal to commit any act, utter words, print, publish, sell, distribute or display any publication with seditious intention.
The crime carries a penalty of up to seven years in prison, which can extend to a maximum of 10 years if the offense includes collaboration with an “outside entity,” like a foreign government, organization, or individuals acting on their behalf.
The offense formerly had a maximum prison term of three years under Sections 9 and 10 of the colonial-era Crimes Ordinance, which has now been abolished.
Police made their first and largest arrests in May of last year, detaining eight people for allegedly publishing seditious materials linked to the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown, ahead of its anniversary on June 4. The eight included activist Chow Hang-tung, but no public information has been available to determine if they have since been charged.
Based on statements and media reports, five people have been charged with sedition to date. Among them, three admitted guilt and received prison terms of up to 14 months.
displaying
anti-government slogans or
persistently posting
Videos and images urging officials to resign.
In the meantime, the government has utilized its newly acquired authority from the ordinance two times now to enforce punitive actions against 13 opposition figures based abroad. This includes activists Nathan Law Kwun-chung and Ted Hui Chi-fung, both of whom have been declared fugitives.
In addition to revoking the passports of absconders, the government has also banned individuals from providing financial support, renting properties to, or engaging in business collaborations with these persons. Those who violate this prohibition could face up to seven years in prison if convicted.
Even though skepticism exists regarding the impact of these actions, Lau Siu-kai—a consultant for the semi-governmental Beijing-based organization known as the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macau Studies—asserted that such steps might diminish their capabilities since potential supporters would be hesitant to back them.
He contended that these activists, who persisted in campaigning against both Beijing and the Hong Kong authorities, would likely see their influence wane over time if they couldn’t retain their supporters. Despite the rewards on their heads possibly garnering backing from international entities, this alone wouldn’t be enough to sustain them.
The measures could deter those who had yet to be placed on the wanted list but wished to organise activities overseas, he added.
Lau stated that the use of the sedition charge by law enforcement indicated their intention to crack down on forms of “gentle resistance” within the city, noting that there have been neither violent protests nor many demonstrations since 2019.
He stated that the emphasis in preventing activities threatening national security would be on individuals using peaceful methods to promote hostility and disapproval towards the government.
Lau was convinced that over time, the ordinance would be implemented more sparingly as enforcement actions were carried out and the boundaries of sedition were delineated by the judiciary.
“As it aims to be preventative, preemptive, and a deterrent,” he stated.
‘Cautious’ application of the law
Simon Young Ngai-man, a barrister and law professor at the University of Hong Kong, concurred that the legislation has yet to be thoroughly examined after one year since its implementation.
He mentioned that we haven’t witnessed the complete impact of the [ordinance] yet,” adding that this might be for the best.
The ordinance, along with the law imposed from Beijing, has “completed the national security framework,” according to Young, highlighting its robust and “unusually powerful” provisions.
“Put differently, the law seems to be achieving its aim of keeping individuals far from the red lines,” he noted.
Young expressed his desire for greater transparency from the government regarding the application of the law, including details on the frequency of use—or lack thereof—of pre-charge detention powers.
According to the ordinance, when investigating a national security case, the police can prolong the pre-charge detention time for an arrested individual beyond the usual 48 hours by up to another 14 days, provided they obtain authorization from a magistrate.
Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung had formerly defended the policy, stating that it provided enough time for law enforcement to probe national security offenses while still safeguarding individual liberties.
Young pointed out that comparable national security laws in other regions featured independent oversight committees, offering transparency and details about the implementation of these statutes. This was absent from the city’s own national security regulations.
He suggested that increasing transparency could be achieved if the government revealed more details about the application of the law.
Grenville Cross, who is both a barrister and the city’s ex-director of public prosecutions, stated that the Article 23 legislation has thus far been implemented “with prudence and moderation.”
He observed that the law was invoked infrequently and remarked that every instance was handled with “wise and impartial judgment” by the judicial system.
“The regulations are explicit, and everyone understands their position,” Cross stated. “Should individuals decide to violate these rules, regardless of their reasons, they should anticipate repercussions, as this is a standard aspect of judicial systems across the globe.”
Previously, some international investors expressed reservations regarding the ordinance and its potential impacts before it was enacted last March. Most were especially concerned about the introduction of clauses related to “state secret theft” and “foreign meddling that threatened national security.” Nonetheless, up until now, details concerning these aspects of the legislation have not been made available to the general public.
Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee, who previously served as the security minister and currently leads the crucial decision-making body known as the Executive Council, stated that the recent legislation has minimal effects on society, noting that only a small number of individuals have faced prosecution under it.
“It has had significantly lesser effects on civil society and the business environment compared to US President Trump’s executive orders,” she stated.
Beyond the arrests
However, Thomas Kellogg, who serves as the executive director of the Center for Asian Law at Georgetown University in Washington, suggested that assessing this legislation based merely on the count of arrests and utilized provisions would be insufficient. He contended that its wider ramifications hold greater significance, even though these effects prove more challenging to record or measure accurately.
He stated that the offense of sedition, in particular, has turned into a “major instrument for penalizing political expression,” and he noted that its persistent application continues to harm Hong Kong’s standing within the global community.
“The challenge of setting boundaries around free expression lies in the fact that the government must continuously monitor these limits, lest people believe they can once again utter specific statements and subsequently do just that,” he explained.
This makes it harder for the government to claim to the global community that they are moving past 2019 and 2020.
John Burns, a retired professor from the Department of Politics and Public Administration at the University of Hong Kong, voiced similar worries about the use of the sedition charge. He stated that this offense has been employed to “suppress government criticism, foster self-censorship, and bolster support for the authorities.”
This involves transforming the political climate in Hong Kong… shifting it from an environment that emphasizes engagement, variety, and transparency to one that prioritizes compliance, uniformity, and responsibility.
A representative from the government informed the Post that the ordinance was designed to precisely target actions threatening national security and clearly define the components and consequences of these offenses to tackle, counteract, discourage, and stop such activities.
He stated that it affects merely a very tiny segment of the population without infringing upon the fundamental rights and liberties rightfully held by Hong Kong residents.
The National Security Department established a reporting hotline in November 2020 for citizens to submit tips. As of February 28 of this year, officials noted that over 890,000 pieces of information have been received through this channel.
Apart from arrests, watchers have observed an increasing number of cultural programs showcasing artists who criticize the government getting abruptly canceled throughout the previous year. They attribute this phenomenon to the ordinance instilling fear among individuals about transgressing boundaries.
In last November, the Hong Kong band Kolor along with singer Pong Nan Yik-pong canceled their performances. Previously, both had expressed backing for the anti-government demonstrations of 2019.
Although Kolor chalked up the incident to “unavoidable circumstances,” Nan faced the cancellation of his event venue booking. Subsequently, the former secretary for culture, sports, and tourism Kevin Yeung Yun-hung stated that multiple factors might have led to these cancelations.
Chan remembered that the police officers, who previously just watched from the sidelines without interfering with her group’s activities at the street booths, began documenting her speeches instead. This made her increasingly cautious about choosing her words carefully to prevent any accusations of sedition.
Previously, the League of Social Democrats organized two demonstrations at the West Kowloon Court to show solidarity with their incarcerated members once the nationally secured laws enacted by Beijing were implemented.
However, last May, when the court issued guilty verdicts against 14 out of 16 opposition figures who challenged their subversion accusations in a significant national security trial, she was detained along with four others.
Then, in February, she called off her party’s demonstration over the city’s annual budget blueprint, an annual ritual that had attracted a handful of members outside the government headquarters, citing the “strong pressure” they came under, without giving details.
Chan stated that although she had doubts about her group’s prospects, she was not willing to relinquish her freedom of expression lightly, particularly concerning her opinions on local living conditions, politics, and economics.
There’s no justification for impeding us, provided our actions and statements remain within legal bounds,” she stated. “No entity ought to limit citizens’ freedom of expression.
Additional reporting by Harvey Kong
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This article originally appeared on the South China Morning Post (www.scmp.com), the leading news media reporting on China and Asia.
Copyright (c) 2025. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.
