Les

Living Breathing Warrior

[Dr. John Njenga Karugia PhD. @johnnjenga]

Dear Matt Lawton,

Nairobi won the 2029 bid! Say congratulations, stop whining with your entitled holier than thou attitude. If criminality was the key determinant as to who hosts what, London of the racist British colonial murderers and racist slave traders of peoples across the world should never host anything.

In 2029, instead of running away from your brutal British colonial ancestors, the peoples of the geography your ancestors decided to call Kenya will run to compete against other peoples of the world including British people.

In 2029, instead of sitting inside British slave trading ships as merchandice to be sold in the Americas, black Africans will sit together with peoples of the world cheering freely for whoever they will choose to support.

In 2029, instead of sitting in British built concentration camps as our ancestors did during the atrocious brutal British gulag in Kenya, our peoples will fill stadiums to welcome all peoples of the world.

In 2029, instead of queueing in a line waiting to be castrated by your British colonial ancestors, as they did upon Mau Mau warriors, Kenyans will queue together with all peoples of the world waiting to access beautiful stadiums built by Kenya through China's participation.

The historic Kasarani Stadium where the 4th All Africa Games were held was built with China's assistance and Talanta Stadium is currently under construction by a Chinese multinational, the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC). Yes, that China where your colonial British ancestors took their opium trade and wars thereof.

Britain is yet to apologise to all societies it destroyed and peoples it murdered, followed by payment of reparations. Despite Britain's record of historical criminality against human rights, London already hosted IAAF World Athletics Championships in 2017. London even hosted the Olympics in 1908, 1948 while it was still brutally colonising millions of humans across the world and once during the postcolonial time in 2012.

Yet, you, a British subject of Your Her and His Majesty, are here whining endlessly complaining bitterly about and against Nairobi for this singular opportunity to host the 2029 event.

You say "its too soon to let Nairobi host event - Kenya should be focusing on restoring its integrity. The sport has missed out on a money-spinner in England."

I say to you Mr. Matt Lawton, 1908, 1948, 2012 and 2017 were too soon for London to host any event meant to be attended by humans from across the world. Britain should be focusing on restoring its integrity. The sport has finally come to the world renowned Home of The Champions!

A simple internet search reveals that about 15% of your British athletes have been involved in doping too. Do not attempt to place yourself(ves) and London on a higher pedestal regarding this horrible practice that taints the sport. To wish Nairobi away due to doping issues is to point four fingers at yourself(ves).

And, please, do not even get me started regarding your British troops conduct in Kenya during contemporary times.

Despite all this, in the very welcoming spirit of Kenya and Kenyans, and as confirmed by Kenyan-British anthropologists Louis and Mary Leakey as home to some of the first humans, and despite your holier than thou attitude, Mr. Matt Lawton, Karibu nyumbani, which is Kiswahili for welcome home. Welcome home to Kenya. Welcome to Nairobi in 2029! Mr. @Lawton_Times

But, before touchdown in Nairobi, please, read history and decolonize your mind. [😬]. When you arrive, you will find an imperfect place and imperfect people, just as your imperfect London and its imperfect people. But, you will also find a beautiful people. They of the hatupangwingwi times.

We should not trade accusations. We should wish our imperfect selves the best. But whichever way, we shall be there to speak for us and all our Kenyan ancestors. Any time, any day and everywhere. Congratulations Nairobi! Congratulations Kenya! Thaai thathaiya Ngai thaai. ⚖️

[Les @BlackCygnum]

@CBKKenya it’s time for central bank to do what Brazil did and launch a payment platform like Pix to save us from the tyranny of poor service from other mobile service providers

[Les @BlackCygnum]

RT @_AfricanUnion: Justice Delayed is Justice Denied.
At 111 years old, Viola Fletcher and Lessie Benningfield Randle remain the only livin…

[African Union @_AfricanUnion]

Did You Know?
The Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921 is one of the worst acts of racial violence in U.S. history The destruction of the prosperous Black neighbourhood of Greenwood, also known as “Black Wall Street,” left hundreds dead, thousands displaced, and Black wealth and property decimated.
Over 35 square blocks burned, more than 1,200 homes destroyed, and businesses, churches, and schools looted. The exact number of Black people is still uncertain because official records were suppressed or destroyed, and many victims’ bodies were never recovered. No one was ever held accountable.
#YearofReparations
#Agenda2063
#TheAfricaWeWant

[African Union @_AfricanUnion]

They were not “slaves.” They were mothers, fathers, leaders, children people. Their descendants still carry the weight of injustice.

This year, let’s lift the voices of the marginalized, reclaim our collective narrative, and push for the reparatory justice Africa deserves.
#YearofReparations

Read the Accra Proclamation on Reparations https://t.co/lUBFLkP2lZ

[African Union @_AfricanUnion]

Reparations begin with understanding.
#YearofReparations

To advance Africa’s reparatory justice agenda, the AU is working towards the establishment of Centers of Excellence dedicated to research, training & capacity-building on reparations, justice & racial healing spaces for scholarship, dialogue & innovation rooted in African perspectives. #Agenda2063
#TheAfricaWeWant

Lead more here: https://t.co/0pbNqFAvfd

[African Union @_AfricanUnion]

The abolition of slavery in 1833 triggered what became the largest government-presided transfer of wealth to private individuals in history. Crucially, no portion of this wealth was paid to the people who were enslaved. Instead, the entirety of the fund went to thousands of slave owners across the globe as compensation for the loss of their "property" or "assets"—the enslaved human beings.

To finance this compensation, the government borrowed £20 million. This sum was enormous, representing 40% of the government's annual tax receipts at the time. Accounting for inflation, this amount would be equivalent to approximately £17 billion today.

The vast pay-outs were distributed to around 47,000 individuals and families, though only about 3,000 families were the principal beneficiaries. The recipients were diverse, ranging from high-ranking aristocrats who ran vast sugar plantations to relatively lesser-known individuals, such as widows, who may have kept only a few enslaved people as a source of passive income.

This systemic financial decision prioritized the wealth and property rights of the slave owners, legally cementing their ill-gotten gains and creating a foundation of inherited wealth that persists today, while providing absolutely nothing to those who endured enslavement.
#Agenda2063
#TheAfricaWeWant

[African Union @_AfricanUnion]

Accountability is not optional. Justice is due.
#YearofReparations

In line with the Accra Proclamation on Reparations, Africa is advancing the exploration of legal and judicial options to secure justice for Africans and people of African descent. #Agenda2063
#TheAfricaWeWant

Learn more here: https://t.co/lUBFLkPAbx

[African Union @_AfricanUnion]

Today, we celebrate men from every generation, the boys learning, the young men rising, the fathers guiding, and the elders whose wisdom anchors our communities.

Here’s to the men who lead with purpose, care with courage, and inspire with integrity.

Happy International Men’s Day.

[African Union @_AfricanUnion]

Statement by the Chairperson of the African Union Commission on the Passing of H.E. Raila Amolo Odinga.

The Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has learned with profound sadness of the passing of H.E. Raila Amolo Odinga, former Prime Minister of the Republic of Kenya, and a distinguished statesman of the African continent.

On behalf of the African Union, its organs and institutions, the Chairperson extends his deepest condolences to the Odinga family, the Government and people of Kenya, and to the entire African family mourning this immense loss.

“H.E. Raila Odinga was a towering figure in Kenya’s political life and a steadfast champion of democracy, good governance, and people-centered development. His decades-long commitment to justice, pluralism, and democratic reform left an indelible mark not only on Kenya but across the African continent. He inspired generations of leaders, including myself, and citizens alike through his courage, resilience, and unwavering belief in the power of dialogue and democratic institutions,” said the Chairperson.

“Mr. Odinga’s contributions extended far beyond national borders. As the African Union High Representative for Infrastructure Development in Africa, he worked tirelessly to advance the continent’s integration and connectivity agenda, helping to lay the foundations for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and broader socio-economic transformation,” he added.

Chairperson Youssouf further noted: “Africa has lost one of its most visionary sons; a leader who dedicated his life to the pursuit of justice, democracy, and unity. His legacy will continue to inspire our collective efforts to build a peaceful, prosperous, and democratic Africa.”

The African Union joins the Government and people of Kenya, and the entire continent, in celebrating the life, service, and enduring legacy of H.E. Raila Amolo Odinga. May his soul rest in eternal peace.

Read @ https://t.co/5UMLFL1lmW

[Les @BlackCygnum]

@Kenyans They should Issue an infrastructure bond so citizens can invest in this project and fund it the way same way Ethiopians built their grand renaissance dam through domestic financing

[African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights @achpr_cadhp]

Call for Input on the Draft Study on Human and Peoples’ Rights and Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotics, and Other New and Emerging Technologies in Africa https://t.co/J102wnpyiR

[Kenya Rugby @OfficialKRU]

ROARRR!!! Our fierce Lionesses have done it again—back-to-back champions! 🏆🏆 What a masterclass from our queens on this special International Women’s Day! Talk about celebrating in style! We couldn’t be prouder—keep ruling the jungle, ladies!
#SafaricomRugby #MpesaPowersKenya7s #KELionesses7s

[HSBC SVNS @SVNSSeries]

WOW 🤯

Judith Okumu with a huge solo try to help the @kenyalioness secure the first #7sChallengerSeries of the season 🇰🇪

[HSBC SVNS @SVNSSeries]

Champions! 🏆

@OfficialKRU take home the first title of the #7sChallengerSeries 🇰🇪

[African Stream @african_stream]

This week marks 140 years since European colonial powers divided Africa. For three months, starting on 15 November 1884, colonialists from almost every European country, the Ottoman Empire, and the United States negotiated in Berlin, Germany, over who would control our home continent, with no African voices present to challenge the butchery.

This notorious event, which finalised on 26 February 1885, carved up 80 per cent of our continent. However, by 1914, only Ethiopia and Liberia remained untouched. The Berlin conference took place after the ‘scramble for Africa’ began and shaped how people today view Africa: As a reservoir of natural resources and our people as sources of labour. Slavery, anyone?

Britain, amongst the principal colonisers of Africa, claimed an almost continuous stretch of land from the Cape of Good Hope to Cairo, controlling what is now South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, ‘British East Africa’ (now Kenya, Uganda, and Zanzibar [now part of Tanzania]), Sudan, South Sudan, and Egypt. Britain also controlled areas now known as Nigeria and Ghana (then dubbed the ‘Gold Coast’), Sierra Leone and the Gambia.

France claimed vast territories stretching from Mauritania to the Central African Republic (then called ‘French West Africa’), along with Gabon and the Republic of Congo (‘French Equatorial Africa’). It also controlled the Indian Ocean archipelagos of Madagascar and Comoros.

Under King Leopold II, Belgium ruled the Democratic Republic of the Congo (‘Belgian Congo’), while Portugal established its presence in Mozambique, Angola and Guinea-Bissau. 

Italy's territories included Somalia (‘Italian Somaliland’), while Germany controlled Tanganyika (now part of Tanzania), Namibia (‘German Southwest Africa’) and Tanzania (‘German East Africa’). Spain, with the smallest claim, took Equatorial Guinea (‘Rio Muni’), plus what is now Western Sahara and a sliver of Morocco.

Perhaps it is time for a Pan-African conference to eliminate colonial borders, paving the way for a future in which we can reclaim our identity, agency, and land.

[African Stream @african_stream]

BATTLE OF ADWA ANNIVERSARY

Following the 1884 Berlin Conference, European powers went on a brutal rampage, claiming African territories for themselves. Part of Italy’s piece of the pie was modern-day Ethiopia. However, their colonial onslaught was stopped dead in its tracks after a well-equipped and trained Ethiopian army defeated them on 1 March 1896. Today, we mark the 129th anniversary of the historic Battle of Adwa.

While the battle started on 29 February, tensions between the Ethiopians and Italians had simmered for years. Since the mid-1880s, the budding European colonial power had established a presence in the then-seaside village of Massawa, in modern-day Eritrea. Once consolidated along the coast, the Italians began occupying inland territories. By 1890, they had declared Eritrea their own.

With nothing to halt their insatiable desire for more African land, repeated violent incursions took the Italians all the way to Ethiopia.

In 1894, Ras Mangasha, the ruler of the Tigray region, mobilised his people against the invaders. Unfortunately, Italy’s army subdued his efforts. The rapid colonial expansion prompted Menilek II, who had been crowned Ethiopian Emperor in 1889, to start mobilising the nation for resistance.

By September 1895, a formidable force of up to 100,000 troops had been assembled. Marching with purpose and determination, the soldiers began retaking territory - but avoided major confrontations with the invading army.

That changed on 29 February 1896 when General Oreste Baraterie, commander of the occupation force and acting on the orders of Rome, attacked the Ethiopians.

By the afternoon of 1 March, Menelik’s forces had routed Italy’s army. It was a decisive blow, one that sent Rome’s ambitions retreating back to Eritrea.

Ever since, Ethiopia’s resolute victory has served as a beacon of African resistance to European colonialism.

[African Union @_AfricanUnion]

𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐬𝐮𝐛𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐛𝐲 𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧 for the positions of:
1. African Union 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭, 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞, 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐦, 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐬 (ETTIM)
2. African Union 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞, 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 (ESTI)

The nominations must be submitted by the Regional Dean to the African Union Office of the Legal Counsel -hand delivered in sealed envelopes 𝐛𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐧 𝟕𝐭𝐡 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 1700 hours EAT.

The job descriptions for two Commissioner positions are available here-https://t.co/REGXlB2Sfa

[African Union @_AfricanUnion]

🎙️𝐑𝐄𝐂𝐀𝐏: 𝐇.𝐄. 𝐌𝐢𝐚 𝐀𝐦𝐨𝐫 𝐌𝐨𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞𝐲, 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐬.

hashtag#YearOfReparations: Say SORRY, and MEAN it.

In the continuing pursuit of justice and equity, the conversation about reparations has emerged as a critical and transformative dialogue that requires the collective attention and action of Africans and all people of African descent. The scope of this conversation goes beyond historical injustices and into the current fabric of societies around the world.

The complexities of addressing past wrongs, whether they stem from colonialism, trans-Atlantic enslavement, apartheid or systemic discrimination, necessitate a thorough examination and strategic approach.

🌐 Download AU THEME OF THE YEAR 2025 concept note here https://t.co/aHvmIgCCz0
#AUSummit

[Les @BlackCygnum]

@thmsleo10 @NdumoZindela @AfricanHub_ Interesting how in a continent that is failed by its leadership which at head of state level is largely one gender except for 2 countries one attacks women instead of the issue so what about all the women who voted for malema and or is it just BLACK women