Wote, Makueni – In an initiative to uphold national integration and peace, the Kenyan government is dedicating resources to aid counties in the preservation and showcasing of cultural and heritage sites. Ms. Ummi Bashir, Principal Secretary at the State Department for Culture, Arts and Heritage, emphasized the significance of Kenya’s rich cultural heritage during the opening of the 96th Kenya Music and Cultural Festival (KMCF) held at Wote Technical Institute in Wote, Makueni.

According to Kenya News Agency, “The State Department is eager to collaborate more closely with counties to not only showcase our diverse arts and culture but also to protect and promote our heritage sites,” stated Ms. Bashir. She highlighted the vital role of Kenya’s cultural expressions – including music, dance, literature, theater, cuisine, language dialects, films, and visual arts – in enhancing the country’s global reputation as a peaceful and resilient travel destination.

The festival, witnessing participation from at least 30 counties, with 14 already registered, offers a vibrant platform to celebrate Kenya’s diverse cultural tapestry. Ms. Bashir encouraged other counties to follow Makueni’s example in partnering for such cultural initiatives.

In her speech, Ms. Bashir also addressed Kenya’s ongoing collaboration with UNESCO in repatriating lost artifacts and skulls, including the renowned Tsavo forest man-eater lions’ skulls. “Kenya’s membership in the World Heritage Committee is a step forward in accelerating the return of our artifacts and increasing our UNESCO natural and cultural sites beyond the current seven,” she explained.

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Junior of Makueni County lauded the festival’s role in fostering national unity. “Hosting this event in Makueni allows people from across Kenya to converge, interact, and immerse themselves in different cultural practices, reinforcing our unity in diversity,” he remarked.

This concerted effort by the Kenyan government and counties demonstrates a strong commitment to preserving and celebrating the nation’s rich cultural and historical heritage for future generations.

Keetmanshoop, Namibia – The Namibian Police Force (NamPol) in Keetmanshoop is awaiting the Prosecutor General’s decision on whether to prosecute a local businessman following an alleged shooting incident. The event reportedly occurred on Saturday at the businessman’s shebeen in the Tseiblaagte residential area.

According to Namibian Press Agency (NAMPA), NamPol’s crime investigations coordinator for the ||Kharas region, the incident happened between 11:00 and 12:30 on Saturday. The businessman is accused of shooting Jamie Afrikaner, 27, in the neck and Tangeni Alweendo, 31, in the left leg, leading to two charges of attempted murder. While Afrikaner has been discharged after treatment at Keetmanshoop hospital, Alweendo is expected to be transferred to Windhoek for further medical care. Deputy Commissioner Mbango detailed that the incident allegedly followed threats against the businessman at another of his bars and a subsequent altercation at the police station. The shooting reportedly occurred in self-defense after the businessman was attacked by the two men. The businessman subsequently reported himself to the police and filed a case against Alweendo and Afrikaner for violation of peace, assault by threatening, and trespassing. The police are also waiting for the Prosecutor General’s decision on whether to arrest
and charge Alweendo and Afrikaner. Deputy Commissioner Mbango added that the two men allegedly shot are part of the Hosh-Hosh gang, which has been threatening the businessman’s family and his life.

Police investigations into the matter are ongoing.