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The United States Embassy has announced that its consulate office in Nairobi will be closed on Thursday, July 4, 2024, in observance of U.S. Independence Day. Normal services at the Embassy are expected to resume on Friday, July 5, 2024.

The Embassy stated in its notice, “The Embassy will be closed on July 4, 2024, in observance of U.S. Independence Day.” Independence Day in the United States commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. Although the Congress voted for independence from Great Britain on July 2, 1776, the formal Declaration was reviewed and adopted two days later.

While the closure is for the Independence Day celebrations, the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi has also issued advisories to American citizens due to ongoing protests in Kenya. The Embassy noted that, despite organizers of the anti-government demonstrations indicating that the protests would be peaceful, there is potential for them to escalate into violence.

American citizens have been advised to avoid protest areas and large gatherings, maintain a low profile, stay informed through local media, keep their friends and family updated on their whereabouts, and be vigilant of their surroundings. The Embassy also recommended that U.S. citizens review their personal security plans and carry their U.S. passports and Kenyan visas at all times. Additionally, citizens were cautioned about potential traffic disruptions and the risk of opportunistic crimes during the protests.

Worldcoin’s Probe Dropped in Kenya, Clearing Path for Return

Summary:

• Worldcoin probe in Kenya dropped: Kenya’s Director of Public Prosecutions has closed the investigation into Worldcoin, allowing potential resumption of operations.
• Worldcoin’s comeback: The cryptocurrency company plans to work closely with the Kenyan government and regulatory bodies to restart activities.

Details:

Probe and Legal Developments: Worldcoin, a cryptocurrency project by Tools for Humanity, is set to resume operations in Kenya following the closure of a probe by the country’s law enforcement agencies. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) had investigated allegations of illegal data collection by Worldcoin in 2022 and 2023, leading to a suspension of its activities in August 2023. The probe’s findings were reviewed by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), which concluded that there was no need for further police action. This decision was communicated in a letter dated June 14, 2024 .

Recommendations for Future Operations: The DCI advised Worldcoin to ensure proper business registration and obtain necessary licenses from the Office of the Data Protection Commission (ODPC) and the Communication Authority of Kenya (CAK). They also recommended thorough vetting and legal contracting of third-party vendors .

Company’s Response: Thomas Scott, Worldcoin’s operations director, expressed gratitude for the fair investigation and the closure of the case. He highlighted the company’s intention to collaborate with the Kenyan government to resume World ID registration across the country. Worldcoin aims to provide Kenyans with opportunities to engage in the global economy through their digital identity system .

Privacy Concerns and Operational Suspension: Worldcoin’s operations were initially halted due to concerns over the privacy and security of the biometric data it collected. The project’s verification process involved scanning individuals’ irises to create a digital identity called World ID, which raised significant privacy issues. New users received 25 cryptocurrency tokens, valued at approximately KSh 8,256 at the time, after completing the verification .

Global and Local Developments: Globally, Worldcoin had launched on June 24, 2023, but faced scrutiny for its data collection practices. In Kenya, the project had scanned the irises of around 635,000 individuals, though not all had completed the verification process. The company has since introduced World ID 2.0, which enhances the distinction between bots and humans and supports integrations with platforms like Minecraft, Reddit, and Telegram .

Next Steps: Worldcoin’s potential return to Kenya signifies an opportunity for the company to rebuild trust and ensure compliance with local regulations. The company’s proactive approach to addressing previous concerns and its commitment to a transparent collaboration with Kenyan authorities will be crucial for its successful re-entry into the market .

In the heart of Nairobi’s Central Business District on Thursday, the anti-Finance Bill 2024 demonstrations took center stage. The protests were marked by a significant presence of security personnel, with police officers from various units stationed throughout the area to prevent demonstrators from entering restricted zones.

A compelling scene unfolded when a group of young demonstrators encircled a police vehicle, with officers still inside. According to a video obtained by Mpasho, the youths initially chanted “Igwee,” raising their hands in a gesture of respect towards the officers. The chant then shifted to “we are peaceful,” as the youths maintained a calm demeanor while surrounding the vehicle. At the officers’ request, the crowd parted, allowing the police vehicle to reverse and leave the scene.

Despite these peaceful moments, there were instances where tensions escalated, leading the police to deploy teargas to disperse the crowds, resulting in sporadic confrontations.

Thursday’s protests were the second wave of demonstrations in Nairobi, expanding for the first time to other towns and cities across Kenya, including Kisumu, Eldoret, Nakuru, Nanyuki, Nyeri, and Kisii. Mombasa had its own protests on Wednesday, despite heavy rains.

The usually bustling streets of Nairobi saw a marked reduction in activity, with many shops remaining closed and few people venturing into the city center. Armored trucks filled with anti-riot officers were strategically positioned outside parliament buildings, while Parliament Road and City Hall Way were barricaded, cutting off access for both vehicles and pedestrians.

The demonstrations were driven by the Occupy Parliament movement, led by young Kenyans protesting against the proposed taxes in the Finance Bill 2024. In the days leading up to the demonstrations, youth activists took to social media, using the hashtag #OccupyParliament to mobilize support and encourage Kenyans to participate in the protests.

Death Toll Rises to Over 400 in Kenya Starvation Cult Case as Dozen Bodies Discovered in New Mass Graves

NAIROBI, Kenya

The death toll in Kenya linked to a starvation cult has exceeded 400 as authorities unearthed additional bodies from 40 recently discovered mass graves. Coast area police chief Rhoda Onyancha revealed the grim news during a press briefing held at the Kilifi County Referral Hospital command center.

With the discovery of a dozen more bodies, the death toll now stands at a staggering 403. Authorities have been engaged in an intensive investigation into the cult and its leader, Pastor Paul Mackenzie, who heads the Good News International Church in Kenya.

The investigation into the Shakahola cult has been ongoing since mid-April, leading to the shocking revelation of hundreds of corpses hidden in the dense Shakahola Forest in Kilifi County. Pastor Paul Mackenzie stands accused of manipulating his followers into self-starvation, promising them immediate passage to heaven prior to an impending apocalypse.

Among the 37 individuals arrested in connection with the mass murders is Joyce Mwikamba, the wife of the cult leader. The arrest of these individuals marks a significant step in the efforts to bring justice to the victims and hold the responsible parties accountable.

During the exhumation process, homicide detectives have been meticulously collecting 258 DNA samples from the site. The investigations have uncovered distressing evidence suggesting the potential involvement of human organ trafficking. Some victims were found with missing organs, raising suspicions of illicit organ trade within the cult’s operations.

Authorities are working diligently to unravel the full extent of the cult’s activities and ensure that all those involved face appropriate legal consequences. The discovery of these mass graves and the increasing death toll highlight the urgency of addressing such heinous crimes and providing support to the affected families and communities.

The Kenyan government, along with law enforcement agencies, remains committed to bringing justice to the victims and preventing similar tragedies in the future. Efforts are underway to raise awareness about the dangers of cults and to provide education and support to vulnerable individuals who may be susceptible to manipulation and coercion.

Controversial preacher Paul Mackenzie and his co-accused have embarked on a hunger strike in response to remarks made by Interior CS Kithure Kindiki, according to Mackenzie’s lawyer, Wycliff Makasembo. The decision to go on a hunger strike was motivated by Kindiki’s statement that he would ensure Mackenzie serves a life sentence. Makasembo argued that Kindiki’s remarks were unlawful and demanded a fair trial for his clients.

Speaking in Shanzu Court, Mackenzie’s lawyer expressed concern over the dangerous and unwarranted nature of the CS’s words. He called for assurances of a fair hearing from the chief justice, the chairperson of the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee of the National Assembly, the DCI, and the Law Society of Kenya. The lawyer emphasized the need for justice to be served impartially.

During a Church Service on Sunday, CS Kindiki stated that Mackenzie’s crime warranted a lifetime sentence in jail. He further added that even if the court were to release Mackenzie, he would be returned to prison. Kindiki claimed that they were gathering sufficient evidence to ensure that the preacher spends the rest of his life behind bars. Mackenzie, a pastor at the Good News International Church, is accused of brainwashing his followers to starve themselves to death with the belief that they will meet Jesus.

The cult case has resulted in the arrest of 45 individuals so far. In a recent development, detectives unearthed nine more bodies, raising the death toll to 251. This is not the first time Mackenzie has resorted to a hunger strike. Following his arrest in April, he refrained from eating for four days, claiming it was part of a fasting and prayer period. This occurred as security agencies conducted exhumations in the Shakahola forest spanning 800 acres.

The hunger strike by Mackenzie and his co-accused highlights their protest against Kindiki’s remarks and their demand for a fair and just trial. The case has attracted significant attention due to the shocking nature of the allegations against Mackenzie and the tragic loss of lives associated with the cult. The legal proceedings will need to ensure the principles of fairness and impartiality to reach a just resolution