Kenya’s Human Rights Crisis Deepens Under President Ruto’s Watch

By Ruzeki, Shadoww News 
May 12, 2025 

Kenya is facing an unprecedented human rights crisis under the rule of President William Ruto. A wave of police brutality, enforced disappearances, and suppression of civil liberties has alarmed both local and international observers. Despite securing a seat on the UN Human Rights Council, Kenya’s record tells a troubling story of state-sponsored violence and impunity. Civil society groups are now warning that the country’s democratic foundations are rapidly eroding ahead of the highly anticipated 2027 elections. 

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From Democracy to Dictatorship? Kenya turns rogue; where dissent meets the barrel of a gun. 

Kenya, long viewed as a regional beacon of democracy, is now making global headlines for all the wrong reasons. According to damning reports by the United Nations, Human Rights Watch, and Amnesty International, the country is grappling with its worst human rights crisis in decades — one that has escalated under President William Ruto's administration.

Despite securing a seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for the 2025–2027 term, Kenya's credibility on the international stage is being called into question. Civil society groups, foreign envoys, and rights watchdogs have raised alarm over widespread abuses ranging from police brutality and enforced disappearances to suppression of protests and online censorship.

Police Brutality and Enforced Disappearances

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has documented over 60 extrajudicial killings and 71 enforced disappearances between June 2023 and early 2025. Most of these cases occurred during anti-government protests triggered by unpopular policies like the Finance Bill 2024, soaring living costs, and rising unemployment.

In one chilling report, plainclothes police officers opened fire on demonstrators in Nairobi, killing and maiming several. “This isn’t law enforcement; this is war on citizens,” said one eyewitness. Amnesty International accused security forces of acting with impunity and targeting young protesters in what they describe as a deliberate campaign to stifle dissent.

Silencing Voices — Online and Offline

Kenya’s digital space, once a vibrant arena for civic engagement, has become a minefield for dissenters. Social media users, particularly youth-led critics known as Gen Z activists, are being surveilled, abducted, and tortured for expressing opinions deemed anti-government. 

A recent Guardian exposé detailed how individuals were targeted merely for posting satirical memes about President Ruto. One young Kenyan recounted being blindfolded, beaten, and held incommunicado for three days after tweeting criticism of the regime. 

“The line between national security and state terrorism is being erased,” noted a human rights lawyer following the cases. 

Gender Justice Suppressed

Even movements for women’s rights have not been spared. In December 2024, peaceful demonstrations against femicide were met with tear gas and arrests. Among those detained was the executive director of Amnesty International Kenya. 

The message was loud and clear: not even the most fundamental causes are immune from suppression under Ruto’s rule. 

International Outcry, Local Apathy

Kenya’s election to the UNHRC sparked international and domestic outrage. Civil society leaders branded it “a mockery of justice” and “a slap in the face of victims.” Western envoys expressed deep concern over the country’s direction, calling for accountability and institutional reform. 

Yet inside State House, the government maintains an unwavering stance. Officials deny systemic abuses and accuse critics of political mischief — a stance that only deepens the frustration among Kenyans yearning for justice. 

A Nation at a Crossroads

Kenya is now faced with a stark choice: reform or repression. The current administration’s actions are fast eroding the democratic gains the country has fought so hard to achieve. Unless the government is held accountable — through civic pressure, judicial independence, and international scrutiny — the dream of a free, just, and democratic Kenya risks becoming a relic of the past. 

For millions of Kenyans, the question is no longer whether human rights are under attack — but whether democracy itself can survive another year of this onslaught. 

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The Ongoing Push for United Nations Security Council Reform

By Ruzeki, Shadoww News 
February 18, 2025  

Momentum is building for reforms in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), with growing demands for expansion to better align with the current global power structure. 

Global Push for UNSC Expansion

Germany, India, Japan, and Brazil are among the leading UN members lobbying for permanent seats in the UNSC. However, their bids face strong opposition from two of the current permanent members:

• Russia opposes Germany and Japan’s inclusion.
• The United States resists Brazil and India’s bids.

Both nations have strategically used their veto power to stall reforms and counter each other's influence.

Africa’s Demand for Permanent Representation

The African Union (AU), representing 54 UN member states, has been vocal in demanding two permanent seats to ensure Africa has a stronger voice in global decision-making.

Among African nations, South Africa has emerged as a strong contender due to its economic strength, diplomatic influence, and active role in peacekeeping.

However, Africa is pushing for two permanent seats. This raises the question:
Which other African country should join South Africa in representing the continent in the UNSC?

• Nigeria – Africa’s largest economy with strong regional influence.
• Egypt – A historical diplomatic leader with control over the Suez Canal.
• Algeria – A key player in counterterrorism and Sahel security.
• Kenya – A major contributor to peacekeeping and regional stability.

Egypt and South Africa: The Best Fit for Africa

Among the contenders, Egypt and South Africa offer the strongest combination of diplomatic, military, and economic influence.

• Egypt brings global strategic importance, historical leadership, and control over the Suez Canal.
• South Africa represents Sub-Saharan Africa, has a strong democratic tradition, and plays a leading role in peacekeeping and economic affairs.

This pairing ensures balanced representation of both North and Sub-Saharan Africa in global decision-making.

Why the U.S. Resists UNSC Reform

Despite increasing pressure for reform, the United States remains reluctant to allow UNSC expansion. Here’s why:

1. Maintaining Its Dominance

   • The current UNSC structure favors U.S. influence, allowing it to veto decisions that go against its interests.
   • More permanent members could dilute U.S. power and make global decision-making harder to control.

2. Concerns Over Rival Nations

   • The U.S. opposes Brazil and India’s inclusion, fearing they could strengthen alternative alliances like BRICS+.
   • More UNSC seats could increase Russia and China’s influence if new members align with them.

3. Selective Support for Allies

   • The U.S. supports Japan and Germany, but not full UNSC reform, fearing unpredictable shifts in power.
   • It prefers NATO and bilateral alliances over restructuring global institutions.

4. Fear of a Weaker Veto Power

   • More permanent members could lead to more veto powers, making it harder for the U.S. to block decisions, especially in regions like the Middle East.

5. Political and Bureaucratic Hurdles

   • UNSC reform requires two-thirds approval in the UN General Assembly and no veto from the five permanent members (U.S., Russia, China, France, UK).
   • The U.S. sees this as too risky, as it could trigger a domino effect, allowing unexpected countries to gain influence.

Will the U.S. Ever Support UNSC Reform?

The U.S. may eventually support limited reforms, but only if it can ensure that new members align with its strategic interests.

However, as long as Russia and China hold veto power, the U.S. will likely block major changes to prevent a shift in global power.

The Future of UNSC Reform: A Long Battle Ahead

The fight for UNSC reform will be long and complex, but growing pressure from Africa, Latin America, and Asia might eventually force change.

The big question remains:
Will the world embrace a more balanced UNSC, or will the great powers keep delaying reforms?

What’s your prediction? Will reform happen, or will the status quo remain?

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Gaza Genocide: UN Security Council passes resolution demanding Gaza ceasefire

By Ruzeki, Shadoww News 

March 25, 2024 

Here's what you should know about UNSC cease-fire resolution: 

• The UN Security Council for the first time passes a resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. 
• Fourteen countries voted in favour of the resolution; the US, which is Israel’s main ally, abstained. 
• At least 34,000 Palestinians have been killed and over 80,000 injured in Israeli attacks on Gaza since October 7. 
• The death toll in Israel from Hamas’s October 7 attack stands at 1,000, with dozens still held captive by both sides. 

Israel’s ambassador to the UN, Gilad Erdan, claimed that the resolution failed to demand a ceasefire without conditioning it on the release of captives in Gaza. In addition, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir termed the UN as the wasteland. 

As reported earlier, PM Netanyahu cancelled the departure of an Israeli delegation for talks at the White House on its planned Rafah offensive after the US abstained on the vote on the Security Council resolution. 

Hamas welcomed the UN Security Council resolution but also emphasises its own positions on a ceasefire and the release of captives. 

According to the White House, its abstention from a UN vote demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza does not represent a shift in US foreign policy. US officials are disappointed about Netanyahu’s decision not to send his advisers for talks at the White House about the Rafah operation. 

Malta, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Slovenia and other UN members continue to call for full implementation of the UN Security Council resolution that legally binds Israel to an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip for roughly the next two weeks. 

The UN chief Antonio Guterres says the UN Security Council just approved a long-awaited resolution on Gaza that demands an immediate ceasefire and the immediate and unconditional release of all captives. 

The Security Council just approved a long-awaited resolution on Gaza, demanding an immediate ceasefire, and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.

This resolution must be implemented. Failure would be unforgivable.

— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) March 25, 2024

Algeria’s representative welcomed the resolution’s passing, saying the UN Security Council was finally shouldering its responsibility as the primary organ responsible for maintaining international peace and security. He added that the Gaza genocide had continued for far too long. 

Mozambique’s ambassador to the UN, Pedro Comissario Afonso, introduced the draft resolution demanding a ceasefire in Gaza. Russia’s ambassador to the UN Vasily Nebenzya proposed an amendment to Mozambique's text, but it is voted down by the United States. 

Opinion: A message to President Vladimir Putin of Russia concerning Wednesday's nuclear threats

By Ruzeki, Shadow News 

March 13, 2024 

President Vladimir Putin, as much as you mean well for the Freedom of Russia, I hate to say this, but I must say it anyway: 

"Your reckless nuclear rhetoric is dangerous to the existence of the whole world.

 

Think about it, what happens when Russia nuke the US/NATO?

 

I'm afraid the US/NATO will nuke Russia back, and the nuke cycle continues until the whole planet is full of mushroom clouds.

 

These nukes will release enormous amounts of energy in the form of blast, heat and radiation. Nearly seven billion people in Africa, Europe, Asia and America will be killed; these include the people who view you as their hero.

 

A few million (privileged; politicians & wealthy individuals and their immediate families) will be safe in their bankers...but the majority of us, with nowhere to hide, will be wiped off the face of the earth.

 

Let's try to negot. for a peace deal in #UkraineRussiaWar as well as in Gaza." 

The risk of nuclear weapons use is the highest it has been in decades. Nuclear threats and other reckless behaviour from nuclear-armed states are elevating the risk that conflict escalates into a global catastrophe.  

But it does not have to be this way. Together, we can take meaningful action to rid the world of these threats of nuclear weapons. 

How can we do that?

The current nuclear threats by Russia and the US must never become “normal”. Every voice raised against nuclear weapons and nuclear threats reduces the risk, and can really help prevent their use. 

So, I urge my readers to use your voice on social media, in public rallies, in phone calls or emails to your elected representatives, any other available means.  

The important thing is to speak out against these threats before it is too late. 

It’s time to stop the madness! 

You don’t need to be an expert to speak out against nuclear weapons and call out how dangerous and unacceptable nuclear weapons are. But information is power, and having the facts can help you find new ways to take action in ways that are meaningful to you. 

THE HAGUE: The International Court of Justice (ICJ) holds public hearings in the case South Africa v. Israel

By Ruzeki, Shadow News

January 11, 2024

On Thursday, a legal hearing into the war in Gaza opens in The Hague as the international court of justice (ICJ) hears arguments alleging that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, Palestine. 

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) holds public hearings on the request for the indication of provisional measures submitted by South Africa in the case South Africa v. Israel.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ), the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, holds public hearings on the request for the indication of provisional measures submitted by South Africa in the case South Africa v. Israel on 11 and 12 January 2024, at the Peace Palace in The Hague, the seat of the Court. Session held under the presidency of Judge Joan E. Donoghue, President of the Court. 

South Africa, which has brought the case, is asking the UN top court to act urgently “to protect against further, severe and irreparable harm to the rights of the Palestinian people under the genocide convention, which continues to be violated with impunity”. 

South Africa legal team's Adila Hassim @CIJ_ICJ: “Genocides are never declared in advance, but this court has the benefit of the past 13 weeks of evidence that shows incontrovertibly a pattern of conduct & related intention that justifies a plausible claim of genocidal acts.” pic.twitter.com/7wEx3PlyfT

— UN News (@UN_News_Centre) January 11, 2024 

 In its 84-page written application to the ICJ to open proceedings, South Africa said: 

The acts and omissions by Israel complained of by South Africa are genocidal in character because they are intended to bring about the destruction of a substantial part of the Palestinian national, racial and ethnical group.

Genocide cases can take years to resolve, but South Africa is asking the court to speedily implement “provisional measures” and “order Israel to cease killing and causing serious mental and bodily harm to Palestinian people in Gaza”. 

The filing also says Israel should cease deliberately inflicting conditions calculated to bring about the destruction of the Palestinians as a group, be ordered to prevent and punish incitement to genocide, and halt restrictions on aid as well as evacuation directives. 

Belgium’s deputy prime minister, Petra De Sutter, said that she wanted her country “to take action at the International Court of Justice, following the lead of South Africa”. 

Belgium cannot stand by and watch the immense human suffering in Gaza. We must act against the threat of genocide.

I want Belgium to take action at the International Court of Justice, following the lead of South Africa.

I will propose this within the Belgian government. #begov

— Petra De Sutter (@pdsutter) January 9, 2024 

 I hope you appreciated this article. 

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Israel-Palestine conflict: Updates from day 3 after Hamas surprise attack and Israel retaliation.

By Ruzeki, Shadow News  
October 09, 2023 

Here is the situation in Gaza as of Monday, October 9, 2023: 

• Hamas fighters and Israeli forces continue their gun battles in three main areas in southern Israel: at a kibbutz in Karmia, and in the cities of Ashkelon and in Sderot. 
• On Sunday, through the Arabic news outlet Alghad, Mousa Abu Marzouk, the Hamas senior official, said the group is holding more than 100 Israelis captive in Gaza. Among those held are senior Israeli officers.  
• Israel’s military, which faced tough questions for failing to thwart the Hamas attack, said it had regained control of most of the border with Gaza, killed hundreds of people and taken dozens as prisoners. 
• The Western media accuses Iran for helping Hamas plan its surprise attacks against Israel over the weekend. 
• Iran’s mission to the United Nations said Tehran was not involved in the attacks. However, Iran emphatically stand in unflinching support of Palestine. 
• On Sunday evening, the UN Security Council met behind closed doors in an emergency session amid the war between Israel and Palestine but failed to achieve the unanimity needed for a joint statement.  
• The United States will send multiple military ships and aircraft closer to Israel as a show of support following the surprise attack. 
• Vassily Nebenzia, Russia’s UN ambassador said Russia wants a ceasefire and meaningful negotiations. He acknowledged that the ongoing Israel-Palestine war is a result of unresolved conflict. 
• The Mission of the State of Palestine to the UN released a statement on X (formerly Twitter) saying: 

  🚨An all-out war has been declared by #Israel,the occupying Power,against the #Palestinian civilian population in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East #Jerusalem. Read our full statement 👇@UN @Brazil_UN_NY @antonioguterres #GazaUnderAttack #Palestine @FranceskAlbs pic.twitter.com/jXlEJ4DJ6C

  — State of Palestine (@Palestine_UN) October 8, 2023

• On Sunday, in response to the attack, Israeli air strikes hit housing blocks, tunnels, a mosque and homes in Gaza, killing at least 400 people, including about 100 children. Additionally, thousands of Palestinians were injured. 
• In Saturday's surprise attack, the Hamas fighters killed at least 700 Israelis. Hundreds of Israelis were abducted from the Israeli towns. 
• According to the UN humanitarian relief agency, Israeli air strikes and shelling aimed at houses and apartment buildings have displaced at least 123,000 Palestinians in Gaza. 
• A spokesperson for Thailand’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that 12 Thai nationals were killed and eight wounded in Israel. 
• According to CNN, four Americans were killed in Israeli attacks. 
• On Sunday, the spokesperson for the French Foreign Ministry said a French national was also killed as a result of the attacks. 
• 'As expected', the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said two Ukrainians had also been killed during the Hamas attacks. 
• According to Mexico's Foreign minister Alicia Barcena, a Mexican woman and man were believed to have been taken hostage by Hamas in Gaza on Saturday. 
• On Monday, oil prices were up more than $3 a barrel in Asian trade, as gun battles between Israel army and the Palestinian Hamas fighters raised concerns about supplies. 
• According to analysts, tech companies operating in Israel are expected to fortify security as they could face disruptions. 
• Several airlines have cancelled their flights to Israel citing the security situation in the country. 

Our news desk will bring you more updates on the Israel-Palestine conflict.