The High Court is set to impose its sentence on Joseph Irungu, also known as Jowie, for the murder of businesswoman Monica Kimani. This comes after a series of legal proceedings and deliberations that saw Jowie convicted of the heinous crime, while his co-accused, Jacque Maribe, was exonerated of the murder charge.

The ruling, delivered by Judge Grace Nzioka, made 13 findings that implicated both Irungu and Maribe. However, while Maribe was acquitted of the murder charge, she was found guilty of lying to a public officer. Interestingly, Judge Nzioka pointed out that Maribe could not be convicted of this offense since she had not been charged with it originally, raising questions about the legal process and the charges brought against her.

Joseph Irungu alias Jowie has been sentenced to death after he was found guilty of the 2018 murder of businesswoman Monica Kimani.

Delivering the verdict on Wednesday, High Court judge Grace Nzioka ruled that the horrific murder of Monica Kimani was "intentional."

"It was not a defensive act. It was not out of provocation. It was planned, intended and executed," ruled Justice Nzioka.

 The case garnered significant attention due to the gruesome nature of Monica Kimani's murder. The judge emphasized that the injuries sustained by Monica indicated meticulous planning, with her neck being slit in a manner akin to slaughtering a goat. Such details underscore the brutality of the crime and the need for justice to be served.

Throughout the trial, the prosecution failed to place Maribe at the scene of the crime, leading to her acquittal. Judge Nzioka highlighted the lack of sufficient evidence to incriminate Maribe and questioned the appropriateness of the charges brought against her. This decision has sparked discussions about the effectiveness of the legal system and the importance of ensuring fair and just proceedings.

As Jowie awaits sentencing, the revocation of his bond terms and his subsequent custody pending sentencing underscore the gravity of the situation. The court's decision will not only bring closure to the case but also serve as a reminder of the consequences of such heinous acts.

The impending sentencing of Jowie Irungu for Monica Kimani's murder marks a pivotal moment in the legal proceedings surrounding this tragic case. While Maribe has been exonerated, the pursuit of justice continues as the court deliberates on the appropriate punishment for the convicted defendant.  

Significant development in the ongoing battle against HIV/AIDS, the United States and South Africa have initiated trials for a novel vaccine named VIR-1388. The trials have already commenced, with results expected to be unveiled in 2024. This collaborative effort is spearheaded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a prominent player in HIV research.

VIR-1388 is engineered to enhance the body's immune response, bolstering its ability to combat germs and safeguard against diseases. Funding for these trials is coming from key stakeholders, including American biotech firm Vir Biotechnology, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and the NIH itself. 

This endeavour is not NIH's first foray into the quest for an HIV vaccine. In 2020, they halted testing of another candidate in South Africa due to insufficient effectiveness in preventing HIV infection.

As the world awaits the outcomes of these trials, there is renewed hope that VIR-1388 may hold the key to combating the HIV virus, marking a pivotal moment in the fight against one of the most devastating pandemics in history.

In an address to the United Nations General Assembly, President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has made a compelling case for the withdrawal of UN forces from his country. Tshisekedi's plea reflects a growing sentiment among African nations that it is high time for the continent to take charge of its own peace and security.

The DRC, a nation marred by decades of armed conflict, has been host to a United Nations peacekeeping mission for nearly two decades. Despite the presence of UN forces, the eastern region of the country has remained plagued by persistent violence and unrest, leaving civilian populations vulnerable to the horrors of armed conflict. UN forces are approximately 18,300 in total as of 2017.

President Tshisekedi's call for the withdrawal of UN forces is a bold and commendable move. It underscores the belief that Africans themselves should lead efforts to resolve conflicts on the continent. The African Union, as President Tshisekedi rightly points out, is better positioned to mediate and find lasting solutions to the complex and often deeply rooted issues that give rise to conflicts in Africa.

The UN mission in the DRC has faced widespread criticism for its inability to effectively confront rebel groups and bring about lasting peace. This frustration has spilled onto the streets in the form of protests, as citizens demand better protection and an end to the cycle of violence. Tshisekedi's decision is a response to the genuine concerns of his people, who yearn for lasting stability and peace.

While some may argue that the withdrawal of UN forces could lead to a power vacuum and further instability, President Tshisekedi's vision is rooted in the belief that African nations must take ownership of their destiny. This move is a call for self-determination and a rejection of the status quo, which has failed to deliver the desired results for the people of the DRC.

In the pursuit of African-led conflict resolution, regional organisations like the African Union can play a pivotal role in mediating disputes, fostering dialogue, and building the foundations for enduring peace. By turning to the African Union, President Tshisekedi and his fellow leaders are not only asserting their commitment to resolving conflicts but also reaffirming the importance of African unity in the quest for peace and security.

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The need for collective action to combat climate change is evident, with the focus on the top polluters to take responsibility and mitigate the damage caused.

However, recent developments have shed light on a growing divide between global leaders, particularly in Africa, and major polluting nations.

Top Polluters

The world's top 10 polluters are China with 10,065 million metric tons of carbon dioxide, the US (5,416 million), India (2,654 million), Russia (1,711 million), Japan (1,162 million), Germany (759 million), Iran (720 million), South Korea (659 million), Saudi Arabia (621 million), and Indonesia, which produces 615 million metric tons.

The entire continent of Africa accounts for just four percent of global carbon emissions, despite suffering the Worst effects of the climate crisis.

The 1992 Rio Declaration, now known as the polluter pays principle, stipulates that the worst-polluting nations should bear the financial burden of addressing the climate crisis to prevent harm to human health.

However, the recent Global Climate Summit witnessed several African leaders taking a stand against the participation of key representatives from major polluting nations. Among these leaders, Ugandan President Museveni's refusal to attend the summit due to the involvement of the U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, John Kerry, raised eyebrows.

President Museveni cited his reservations about engaging with leaders from the U.S., a country that had protested and imposed sanctions on Uganda following the enactment of an anti-LGBTQ bill, which is considered one of the most stringent in the world, allowing for the death penalty for homosexual acts.

President Museveni refused to attend the summit because of Kerry’s involvement and the fact that he came to address African leaders, yet he comes from the Global North, the world's biggest polluter, the Ethiopian delegate said. The Kenyan official gave reasons for Nigeria and South Africa  not being part of the conference

"South Africa formally withdrew, protesting pressure from Some European partners to abandon coal and go the way of renewables, yet 80 percent of the energy in South Africa comes from coal, “the official said.

"They did not want to be lectured to and be in the same room with European partners planning to impose levies on certain carbon-intensive imports from South Africa at a time the country is struggling with power load Shedding." 

The recent climate summit brought forth a powerful call to action, urging wealthy carbon-emitting nations to fulfill their longstanding climate pledges to support financially disadvantaged countries. In addition, world leaders were encouraged to throw their weight behind a proposed "carbon tax on fossil fuel trade, maritime transport, and aviation," signaling a commitment to address climate change through economic measures.

A New Africa

Africa, a continent acutely vulnerable to the worsening impacts of climate change, took center stage at the summit. While highlighting its vulnerability, the primary focus was on catalyzing investments in clean energy solutions. 

Deputy President William Ruto of Kenya emphasized Africa's determination to forge a new path forward, stating, "A new Africa is there, and it means business.

"The summit yielded significant funding commitments, with pledges totaling an impressive $23 billion earmarked for green growth, mitigation, and adaptation efforts across the continent. These financial commitments represent a step towards bridging the gap between developed and developing nations in the fight against climate change.

As the world looks ahead, the competing visions of our energy future will likely be a central theme at the upcoming COP28 talks in the United Arab Emirates, where global leaders will assess the progress made in curbing planet-heating emissions—an issue of paramount importance for the health of our planet and future generations.