The Passing of Edgar Lungu Former Zambian President: A Funeral Entangled in Politics and Private Wishes

 Former Zambian President Edgar Chagwa Lungu passed away on June 5, 2025, at age 68 in Pretoria, South Africa, after complications during surgery for a rare esophageal condition.  In keeping with protocol, President Hakainde Hichilema declared an initial seven-day national mourning period—from June 8 to 14—which was later extended to 16 days as the government planned for a state funeral and repatriation to Embassy Park in Lusaka .

However, the process quickly became strained by a deep dispute between the Lungu family (and the Patriotic Front party) and the government. Central to this feud was the family's insistence that President Hichilema not attend the funeral—a clear outcome of long-standing political rivalry  The family accused the government of excluding them from planning and undermining Lungu’s dignity in death, with reports that hospital staff were pressured to withhold documentation . Vigils in Pretoria saw PF members express grief and outrage, with emotional speeches lamenting perceived mistreatment. 

Repeated delays in repatriation ensued—first last weekend, then again mid-week—as negotiations broke down  On June 19, President Hichilema formally ended the national mourning, lamenting that Zambia could not remain in a perpetual state of grief Two days later, on June 20, the Lungu family announced that he would be buried privately in South Africa, with support from that government.

This unfolding saga reveals a tragic intersection of personal wishes and partisan politics. It poses profound questions about national unity, respect for state traditions, and how democracies reconcile private grief with public protocol. Lungu’s final journey—far from home and amid bitter conflict—underscores the complexities that arise when deep political divides linger even in death.

The Return of SUGA: BTS Legend Rejoins the World Stage

 Min Yoongi — better known to millions as SUGA of BTS — is finally back! After completing his mandatory military service, the iconic rapper, producer, and global sensation has returned to civilian life, sparking a wave of euphoria across the BTS ARMY.

Social media exploded the moment the news broke. Hashtags like #WelcomeHomeSUGA and #DDAY_SUGAisBACK trended worldwide as fans poured out their love and pride. Virtual walls of fan art, tribute videos, heartfelt messages, and digital banners lit up the internet in celebration of his long-awaited return.

In his first message post-discharge, Yoongi expressed deep gratitude to his fans, reflecting on his service and sharing his excitement about reuniting with them. His words were warm and humble — true to the Yoongi fans know and love.

The BTS fandom stood strong during his absence, proving once again that the ARMY is more than just a fanbase — it's a global family. Many fans emphasized healing, reminding Yoongi that no apology was ever needed — just his presence, his peace, and his music.

SUGA’s return doesn’t just mark the end of his service — it signals a new beginning. With all BTS members now finished with military duty, the countdown to a full-group comeback has officially begun.

Kenya’s Ominous Debt Trail: Who Took the 6.4 Trillion and Where Did It Go?

 Kenyans are currently shouldering a staggering Ksh 5.1 trillion public debt—but an investigative look into national finances between July 2013 and June 2023 reveals a troubling question: why are we paying for debt we seemingly didn’t need?

Here’s what the data tells us:

From July 2013 to June 2023, Kenya’s total government spending (excluding debt repayment) amounted to Ksh 14.6 trillion. This included:

• Ksh 6 trillion on development projects

• Ksh 3 trillion to county governments

• Ksh 5 trillion on recurrent expenditures like civil servant salaries, pensions, military, and parastatal operations.

Over the same 10-year period, the Kenya Revenue Authority collected Ksh 13.3 trillion in tax revenue.

The gap between expenses and revenue?
Ksh 14.6 trillion (expenditures) – Ksh 13.3 trillion (revenue) = Ksh 1.3 trillion deficit.

This figure suggests Kenya only needed to borrow Ksh 1.3 trillion to bridge the gap—yet official debt figures show that Ksh 6.4 trillion was borrowed over that same decade.

That leaves a chilling Ksh 5.1 trillion unaccounted for.

Where did the extra Ksh 5.1 trillion go? What projects did it fund? Who made the decisions behind these massive loans? These are the questions every Kenyan taxpayer should be asking. If the math doesn’t add up, then someone, somewhere, must be held accountable.

This isn’t just about numbers—it’s about transparency, governance, and justice. As the weight of this debt burdens ordinary Kenyans through rising taxes and shrinking services, the need for answers is urgent

Mzinda Lifestyle Fashion Show: A Celebration of Modern African Cosmopolitan Style

 On 2nd June 2024, the BICC Amphitheatre in Lilongwe came alive with elegance, vibrancy, and creativity as it hosted the most anticipated fashion event of the year—the Mzinda Lifestyle Fashion Show. Designed to showcase and define the essence of a true cosmopolitan lifestyle in modern Africa, the event brought together top designers, models, influencers, and fashion lovers from across the region.

Graced by the stunning Miss Malawi, Jescar Mponda (@jescar_mponda), the show was a grand display of style, culture, and innovation. Jescar's presence added glamour and pride to the occasion, as she confidently walked the runway and inspired young African women with her grace, confidence, and cultural pride.

The fashion collections presented at the show were bold, diverse, and reflective of the dynamic African spirit—fusing tradition with contemporary flair. From vibrant prints to cutting-edge urban looks, the runway celebrated African identity while embracing global trends. Designers used the platform to express African stories through fashion, addressing themes of empowerment, sustainability, and cultural pride.

More than just a fashion show, Mzinda Lifestyle proved to be a lifestyle statement. It celebrated art, elegance, and urban sophistication, all while redefining what it means to be stylish in a modern African city. Guests were treated to a memorable evening filled with music, networking, and show-stopping fashion moments.

The success of the 2024 edition reaffirmed Mzinda Lifestyle Fashion Show as a powerful voice in the African fashion scene, setting new standards for creativity and inclusion. It wasn’t just an event—it was a movement. A movement to showcase Africa’s modern identity to the world, one runway at a time

The Legality of Protests in Kenya as Guaranteed by the Constitution

 In Kenya, the right to protest is a fundamental freedom enshrined in the Constitution of Kenya 2010. Article 37 specifically guarantees every person the right to assemble, demonstrate, picket, and present petitions to public authorities. This right allows citizens to express their views, concerns, and demands peacefully without interference. It is a crucial aspect of participatory democracy and accountability, empowering Kenyans to speak out on issues affecting them.

However, the law also provides a framework to ensure that protests are conducted lawfully and peacefully. The Public Order Act requires organizers of demonstrations to notify the police at least three days in advance. This notification is not a request for permission but a measure to enable security agencies to prepare and ensure the safety of both demonstrators and the public.

Despite these constitutional guarantees, protests in Kenya are sometimes met with resistance, especially when authorities cite concerns over public safety, property damage, or political instability. In several instances, law enforcement agencies have been criticized for using excessive force to disperse peaceful protests, raising concerns over human rights violations.

Nevertheless, the courts in Kenya have consistently upheld the constitutional right to protest, emphasizing that the state has a duty to facilitate, not hinder, peaceful assemblies. Citizens are encouraged to exercise this right responsibly, while the government is expected to respect and protect it in accordance with democratic principles.

In conclusion, protests in Kenya are legal and constitutionally protected. They serve as a vital tool for public participation, accountability, and social change. Upholding this right strengthens democracy and reinforces the voice of the people in governance. Both citizens and authorities must work together to ensure that this freedom is exercised in a peaceful, respectful, and constructive manner

Meet Sharniz: Nairobi’s Bold and Beautiful Fashion Powerhouse

 Sharniz is a dynamic and versatile fashion model based in Nairobi, Kenya. Known for her fierce confidence, elegance, and captivating presence, she is quickly carving out her space in Kenya’s vibrant fashion and entertainment scene. As a model, Sharniz is no stranger to the runway and camera lens—her poses speak volumes, and her unique sense of style continues to turn heads both on and off the stage.

But Sharniz is much more than just a model. She is a sought-after club host and influencer, adding flair and energy to top nightlife events across the city. Her charisma and influence have made her a favorite among brands and club organizers who value her authentic vibe and engaging personality.

Off the runway and the club scene, Sharniz shines in the creative world as an actress and scriptwriter. Her passion for storytelling allows her to express deeper narratives, with aspirations to write and act in powerful productions that reflect the realities and dreams of African youth.

Driven, ambitious, and endlessly creative, Sharniz represents the new wave of multi-talented Kenyan women making an impact in entertainment and fashion. Her journey is just beginning, and the future looks bold, bright, and unstoppable. Keep your eyes on Sharniz—she’s a star in the making

Style Thursdays ; Discover Shayy’s World: Where Travel Dreams Meet Bold Fashion Statements

 Meet Shayy, a vibrant and stylish fashion and lifestyle enthusiast based in Nairobi, Kenya. Known for her bold yet elegant fashion choices, Shayy is making a name for herself in the ever-evolving Kenyan fashion scene. Her love for fashion is more than just a hobby—it’s a passion that she lives and breathes every day, showcasing her unique style through carefully curated outfits and creative photo shoots.

What makes Shayy stand out is not only her impeccable taste in fashion but also her love for travel. With a background in aviation studies from the Air Travel & Related Studies Centre in Nairobi, she merges her wanderlust with her love for style, often drawing inspiration from different cultures and destinations she dreams of visiting. Her aviation background gives her an edge in understanding the beauty of global fashion perspectives.

Shayy uses her platform to inspire young women to embrace confidence and express themselves through fashion. Whether she's styling a casual urban look or going glam for a night out, she brings out her personality in every outfit. As she continues to grow her influence, Shayy is undoubtedly one to watch—a fresh face flying high in both fashion and lifestyle spaces across Kenya and beyond