Britam half-year net profit hits Sh2bn on higher investment income

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In: Tanzania Foreign Investment News, Top News

Insurer and financial services provider Britam posted a 22.5 percent jump in net earnings for the half-year ended June 2024, to Sh2 billion, buoyed by increased investment income.

The rise in half-year net profit from Sh1.64 billion posted in a similar period last year came on the back of net investment income rising 2.5 times to Sh13.27 billion from Sh5.3 billion.

“We are confident in the growth and performance trend that Britam has achieved, supported by its subsidiaries in Kenya and the region. Our business is expanding its revenue base while effectively managing costs,” Britam Chief Executive Officer Tom Gitogo said.

“Our customer-centric approach is fueling growth in our customer base and product uptake, particularly through micro-insurance, partnerships, and digital channels.”

The investment income growth was fueled by interest and dividend income rising 34 percent to Sh9.1 billion, which the insurer attributed to growth in revenue and the gains from the realignment of the group’s investment portfolio.

Britam also booked a Sh3.79 billion gain on financial assets at a fair value, compared with a Sh1.8 billion loss posted in a similar period last year.

The increased investment income helped offset the 12.7 percent decline in net insurance service result to Sh2.13 billion in the wake of claims paid out rising at a faster pace than that of premiums received.

Britam said insurance revenue, which is money from written premiums, increased to Sh17.8 billion from Sh16.6 billion, primarily driven by growth in the Kenya insurance business and regional general insurance businesses, which contributed 30 percent of the revenue.

The group has a presence in seven countries in Africa namely Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan, Mozambique, and Malawi.

Britam’s insurance service expense hit Sh13.6 billion from Sh11.3 billion, while net insurance finance expenses rose 2.6 times to Sh12.3 billion during the same period.

“Net insurance finance expenses increased mainly due to growth in interest cost for the deposit administration business driven by better investment performance. This has also been impacted by a decline in the yield curve, which has led to an increase in the insurance contract liabilities. The increase has been offset by a matching increase in fair value gain on assets,” said Britam.

Britam’s growth in profit is in line with that of other Nairobi Securities Exchange-listed insurers, which have seen a rise in profits.

Jubilee Holdings net profit in the six months increased by 22.7 percent to Sh2.5 billion on increased income from insurance, helping the insurer maintain Sh2 per share interim dividend.

CIC Insurance Group posted a 0.64 percent rise in net profit to Sh709.99 million in the same period as net earnings of Liberty Kenya nearly tripled to Sh632 million from Sh213 million, while Sanlam Kenya emerged from a loss to post a Sh282.2 million net profit.

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Tanzania: Samia Suluhu Hassan Confers Medals As TPDF Marks 60th Anniversary

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In: Tanzania Foreign Investment News

PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, has awarded medals to 15 military officers and soldiers for their distinguished service during the celebration to mark the 60th anniversary of the Tanzania People’s Defence Force (TPDF).

The medals were conferred yesterday during a brief ceremony at Magogoni State House in Dar es Salaam.

Among the award recipients were General Jacob Mkunda, Lieutenant General Salum Haji Othman, Major General Amri Salim Mwami, Major General Fadhili Omari Nondo and Rear Admiral Amiri Ramadhan Hassan.

Other honorees included Major General Jackson Mwasoba, Brigadier General Achila Kagombola, Brigadier General Erick Mlewa, Colonel Kizito Mswada, Colonel Mussa Hamimu Ally, Major Laji Temba, Lieutenant Navy Silvia Lolo, Senior Officer First Class Reginard Kadimba, Corporal Judith Ndekela and Private Selemani Mngoni.

The medals symbolise recognition of the officers’ exceptional service and dedication within the TPDF.

The 60th anniversary of the TPDF not only commemorates its history but also reinforces the critical role of a strong defence force in safeguarding Tanzania’s future.

The ceremony was attended by senior military officials and distinguished guests, including former President Jakaya Kikwete, Zanzibar President Dr Hussein Mwinyi, Vice-President Dr Philip Mpango, former Zanzibar President Amani Abeid Karume, Zanzibar Second Vice-President Hemed Suleiman Abdulla, Chief Justice Professor Ibrahim Juma and Deputy Speaker Mussa Zungu.

ALSO READ: Samia orders TR to assess institutions and companies

In another ceremony on Wednesday, President Samia handed over training aircraft and transport buses to the TPDF during an event at the Military Transport Unit in Dar es Salaam as part of the ongoing anniversary celebrations.

During the conclusion of a military field exercise last Saturday in the Coast Region, President Samia pledged to continue strengthening the TPDF with highly trained personnel and modern equipment, emphasising the importance of building a professional and motivated military.

“A stronger military will be achieved through genuine commitment, dedication and a robust economy,” she was quoted as saying, urging the military to uphold discipline, loyalty, and courage as key values of the TPDF.

The President also lauded the TPDF for its exemplary service both within Tanzania and globally, praising its professionalism and discipline.

In her remarks, President Samia thanked the Chinese government for its collaboration during the recent field exercises, which included naval and land drills.

During the event held in the Coast Region, the Head of State also highlighted the Peace Ark hospital ship, which provided medical services to nearly 8,000 citizens, underscoring the importance of such partnerships in enhancing military readiness.

This joint exercise allowed the TPDF to share experiences and strategies in combating terrorism, illegal fishing, piracy, human trafficking and drug smuggling.

It marked the fourth joint exercise between Tanzania and China, following similar drills held in 2014, 2019/2020 and last September.

This year’s exercise was unique, as it involved all branches of the TPDF – air force, navy and ground forces – whereas previous drills had focused on specific units.

Source: allafrica.com

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Tanzania: U.S. Set to Extend African Railway Project Through Tanzania

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In: Tanzania Foreign Investment News

Nairobi, Kenya — The U.S. government says it is set to expand the Lobito Corridor – a railway project that runs from Angola to Zambia through the Democratic Republic of the Congo – all the way to the Indian Ocean through Tanzania. The railway would connect African countries to global markets and enhance regional trade and economic growth, supporters say.

Speaking to reporters online Wednesday, Helaina Matza, the U.S. acting special coordinator for the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment, spoke about progress made on upgrading and extending the Lobito Corridor.

Matza, who just finished a weeklong trip to the DRC and Tanzania, said the trip focused on “relaunching our partnership with the DRC and engaging with the Tanzanian government and private sector on next steps towards extending the economic corridor to the Indian Ocean. As President [Joe] Biden has said from day one of the launch of this flagship effort, this corridor has never just been about building infrastructure. It’s about offering high-quality, sustainable infrastructure projects that deliver lasting economic growth.”

The U.S. government, with the support of the European Union, African financial institutions, and the governments of Angola, the DRC and Zambia, is working to rebuild and revive the Benguela railway line that the countries used to export materials and minerals even before independence.

The project will be financed by $250 million supplied by the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation.

U.S. officials say the improved railway line is meant to enhance export possibilities for Angola, the DRC and Zambia. The partly refurbished railway has already carried shipments of Congolese copper to Angola’s Lobito port for shipment to the city of Baltimore on the U.S. East Coast.

Erastus Mwencha, former deputy chairperson of the African Union Commission, said transport systems like the Lobito Corridor can help improve trade among African countries.

“One of the reasons intra-Africa trade is low is because of poor transport networks,” Mwencha said, adding that goods can sometimes be brought from Europe to Africa at more competitive rates than goods being moved from one African country to another.

But Mwencha is worried that the ports and railways used to export Africa’s raw materials remain largely the same as they were during colonial times, and that Africa is also still operating on a colonial-era business model.

“Are we going to follow the colonial model of just bringing these raw materials and minerals and exporting them, or are we going to add value?” he said. “To me, that’s the more important aspect.”

Studies show that a poor transportation network in Africa adds 30 percent to 40 percent to the cost of goods traded among African countries, hampering the development of the private sector.

Matza said the Lobito project would benefit not only the U.S. but also African countries and would facilitate business on the continent.

“When you bring trade routes down from 45 days to 36 hours,” she said, “it opens up a whole new world for markets, and that’s what we’re testing here today: How can we help new agribusiness develop? What are the right places to think about cold storage, warehousing, logistics? What local food producers can we help support along the way?”

In addition to refurbishing existing lines, the project envisions adding 1,300 kilometers of railway from Zambia to Tanzania. The project is slated to be finished by 2029.

Source: allafrica.com

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Baloobhai adds Sh474m Bamburi shareholding

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In: Tanzania Foreign Investment News

Billionaire investor Baloobhai Patel and Standard Investment Bank’s Mansa X Fund bought 10.23 million Bamburi shares in July in the wake of Tanzanian conglomerate Amsons Group’s buyout offer of the cement maker, eyeing capital gains and a potential special dividend payout.

Amsons offer triggered a rise in the trading price of Bamburi shares on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) —from Sh45 to an average of Sh62 since the July 10 publication of the firm’s offer documents.

The Tanzanian firm offered to buy the shares at Sh65 each —or Sh23.59 billion in total— hoping that the premium would entice shareholders to look at its bid favourably.

On Wednesday, Bamburi shareholders received a counteroffer from Kenyan firm Savannah Clinker Limited at a price of Sh70 per share, or Sh25.41 billion in total. The Bamburi share price closed at Sh65.75 on Wednesday.

Amsons filings showed that Mr Patel, through his investment vehicle Aksaya Investment Holdings Limited, held 30.52 million Bamburi shares as at June 30, 2024, equivalent to an 8.41 percent stake in the company.

The acquisition notice published by Savannah shows that by July 31, his stake had climbed to 37.73 million shares, indicating an acquisition of an additional 7.21 million shares during July.

As per Wednesday’s closing price, the additional stake is valued at Sh474 million, with his total holding now valued at Sh2.48 billion.
His share in the company has now more than doubled since the beginning of the year, when he held 14.96 million units.

The filings by Savannah also show that SIB’s Mansa X Fund now holds 3.02 million Bamburi shares, with a current value of Sh198.9 million. The fund was not listed among Bamburi’s top 10 shareholders in the June 30 register.

The shares acquired by Mr Patel and Mansa X were mainly supplied by retail investors, whose collective stake in Bamburi dropped by 8.2 million shares in July to 32.72 million units.

NSE data shows that between July 10 and July 31, investors traded a total of 10.23 million Bamburi shares.

The price increase when the Amsons offer was disclosed provided an incentive for retail shareholders to cash in on their stock, especially when the NSE market price nearly matched the offer price.

The price appreciation effectively gave investors a chance to book their offer profit early without waiting for the conclusion of the Amsons deal, whose timelines are dependent on regulatory approval with a long-stop date of November 2025.

For those buying the shares, the incentive lay in the potential of further capital gains upon the progression of the deal, with the counteroffer now opening an additional avenue for further hikes in the offer price as the parties compete to convince shareholders to favour their deal.

Bamburi shareholders are also eyeing a potential special dividend from the Sh12 billion sale of the company’s stake in its Ugandan subsidiary Hima Cement earlier this year.

Both the Amsons and Savannah offers acknowledge the right of the existing shareholders to receive the special dividend if and when it is announced by Bamburi.

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Tanzania’s Faustine Ndugulile elected WHO Africa Regional Director

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In: Tanzania Foreign Investment News
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By APOLINARI TAIRO

Dr Faustine Ndugulile of Tanzania was elected as the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Regional Director for Africa on Tuesday at the ongoing session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa in Brazzaville, Congo.

He received 25 out of 46 votes, defeating candidates from Rwanda, Niger and Senegal. He was supported by 25 African countries, including Kenya.

A former deputy minister of Health in Tanzania, Dr Ndugulile will succeed Dr Matshidiso Rebecca Moeti of Botswana, whose two five-year terms end at the session.

Dr Ndugulile, a medical doctor specialising in microbiology, has extensive experience in public health.

Read: Tanzania speaker to lead global parliamentary body

In his campaigns for the position, he said his priorities include transforming African health systems to achieve universal health coverage, improving maternal and child health and strengthening health security, innovation and research.

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“My candidacy represents a collective effort to transform the health landscape of Africa. By prioritising universal health coverage, maternal and child health,” he had told The EastAfrican earlier.

He also said he would aim at strengthening partnerships between African governments and health institutions.

Dr Ndugulile emphasised the need to improve the service index for universal health coverage, which remains below 50 percent in many African countries.

Dr Ndugulile is currently the Member of Parliament for Kigamboni Constituency in Dar es Salaam and serves as Vice-Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Health and HIV/AIDS in Tanzania, the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and NEAPACOH.

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Africa: Tanzania’s Dr Faustine Engelbert Ndugulile Tapped for WHO Africa Leadership

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Africa: Tanzania’s Dr Faustine Engelbert Ndugulile Tapped for WHO Africa Leadership

Brazzaville — Dr Faustine Engelbert Ndugulile has been nominated as the next Regional Director for the World Health Organization (WHO) African Region, taking the reins from Dr Matshidiso Moeti, who has served two five-year terms at the helm.

African Member States voted to nominate Dr Ndugulile during the Seventy-fourth session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa, held in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo. Other candidates were Dr Boureima Hama Sambo (proposed by Niger,) Dr Ibrahima Socé Fall (proposed by Senegal) and Dr Richard Mihigo (proposed by Rwanda).

Dr Ndugulile’s nomination will be submitted for appointment by the 156th session of the WHO Executive Board, which takes place in February 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland. The newly appointed Regional Director will take office thereafter for a five-year term and be eligible for reappointment once.

In his acceptance remarks, Dr Ndugulile expressed commitment to advancing health of the people of the region. “I’m truly honoured and humbled to be elected to the position of WHO Regional Director for Africa. I thank Member States for the trust shown in me. I promise to work with you and I believe that together we can build a healthier Africa,” said Dr Ndugulile.

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, congratulated Dr Ndugulile on his election as Regional Director for Africa, and praised Dr Sambo, Dr Fall and Dr Mihigo on their campaigns.

“Dr Ndugulile has earned the confidence and trust of the Member States of the region to be elected the next Regional Director for WHO Africa. This is a great privilege, and a very great responsibility,” said Dr Tedros. “I and the entire WHO family in Africa and around the world will support you every step of the way.”

Dr Tedros also thanked Dr Moeti, the outgoing WHO Regional Director, for 10 years of commitment and excellence in service of the countries and people of Africa.

“I thank my sister Dr Moeti for everything she has done for the health of the people of Africa, but also for who she is,” said Dr Tedros. “I thank her for the example she has set, and the legacy she has left.”

Dr Moeti congratulated Dr Ndugulile and wished him success. “I would like to congratulate you for being elected as the Regional Director for Africa. This is an extremely fulfilling role. Despite the many challenges, I know you will take the baton and go on to accelerate the gains already made, putting the health and well-being of the people of Africa at the centre,” said Dr Moeti.

Source: allafrica.com

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Aliyekuwa akiwadai fidia ya Sh306.6 milioni RPC, AG akwaa kisiki mahakamani

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In: Swahili News

Sumbawanga. Aliyefungua kesi ya kudai fidia ya zaidi ya Sh306.6 akwaa kisiki Mahakama Kuu Tanzania.

Limi Mchome mwenye ualbino, alifungua kesi ya madai akiwadai Kamanda wa Polisi (RPC) Mkoa wa Katavi na wenzake wawili, zaidi ya Sh306.6 milioni kama fidia, baada ya watu wasiojulikana kuukata mkono wake wa kulia na kuondoka nao, licha ya kuwahi kutoa taarifa ya uwepo wa watu waliokuwa wakimfuatilia.

Uamuzi wa kuitupa kesi hiyo ulitolewa jana Jumatatu, Agosti 26, 2024 na Jaji Abubakar Mrisha wa Mahakama Kuu kanda ya Sumbawanga, na kumwamuru pia alipe gharama za kesi baada ya kukubaliana na pingamizi la awali lililowasilishwa na wadaiwa.

Limi alikatwa mkono wake wa kulia na watu wasiojulikana na wakaondoka nao, hivyo akafungua kesi ya madai akidai fidia hiyo kwa kile alichodai ni uzembe wa RPC na wenzake kutochukua hatua ya kuzuia uhalifu huo.

Katika madai yake alisema miezi kadhaa kabla ya kukatwa mkono, mkuu wa upelelezi Mkoa (RCO) Katavi, alijulishwa juu ya uwepo wa kundi lililokuwa likimtafuta, lakini hakuchukua hatua ya kumlinda, wakati huo akiwa na umri wa miaka 30.

Tukio hilo lilitokea usiku wa Julai 14, 2015 katika Kijiji cha Mwachona Wilaya ya Mlele mkoani Katavi, watu wasioujulikana walivunja mlango wa chumba alichokuwa amelala, huku wakimfungia kaka yake kwa nje ili asitoke.

Limi alifungua kesi ya madai namba 6 ya 2023 dhidi ya RPC Katavi kama mdaiwa wa kwanza, Katibu Mkuu Wizara ya Mambo ya Ndani ya Nchi kama mdaiwa wa pili na Mwanasheria Mkuu wa Serikali (AG) kama mdaiwa wa tatu.

Hata hivyo, wadaiwa hao waliwasilisha pingamizi la awali wakisema kesi hiyo ni mbaya mbele ya macho ya sheria kwa kuwa imefunguliwa nje ya muda wa miaka mitatu unaoruhusiwa kisheria, hivyo wakaiomba mahakama iitupilie mbali kesi hiyo.

Katika kesi hiyo, Limi anayejulikana pia kama Remi Luchoma, aliomba alipwe Sh215 milioni kama fidia ya kukatwa mkono wake wa kulia na Sh85 milioni kama kipato ambacho angepata kama angekuwa na mkono wake kwa miaka 35.

Mbali na madai hayo, alikuwa anadai Sh5 milioni kama malipo ya kupoteza huduma, apewe matunzo ya watoto wake ikiwamo kuwasomesha kwa kuwa hana tena uwezo wa kuwasomesha lakini pia kupatiwa mkono wa kisasa wa bandia.

Hoja za kisheria za pingamizi

Baada ya kufungua kesi hiyo, wadaiwa wakiwakilishwa kortini na wakili wa Serikali Mjahidi Kamugisha, waliwasilisha pingamizi la awali wakisema kesi hiyo imepitwa na muda (time barred) huku Limi akiwakilishwa na wakili Gadiel Sindamenya.

Akitetea pingamizi la awali, wakili Kamugisha alisema kwa kuangalia hati ya madai, kiini chake ni madai ya uzembe na kwamba madai ya aina hiyo yanatakiwa yafunguliwa mahakamani ndani ya muda wa miaka mitatu tangu uzembe utokee.

“Hii ina maana muda wa kikomo wa kufungua shauri hilo kwa uzembe uliotokea Julai 13,2013 ulimalizika Julai 14,2015. Huu ndio msimamo wa sheria. Madhara ya kufungua kesi nje ya muda ni mahakama kuitupa kwa gharama,” alisema.

Hata hivyo, wakili Sindamenya aliyekuwa akimtetea Limi katika hoja zake alisema pingamizi hilo halina mashiko akisema hoja za wadaiwa zimejikita katika kipengele cha 6 cha sheria ya ukomo sura ya 89 kama ilivyofanyiwa marejeo mwaka 2019.

Kwa maoni yake alisema hiyo sio sawa na ni madai yenye makosa makubwa na kueleza kuwa kosa hilo lilitendeka Julai 14, 2015, upelelezi ukafanyika na watu sita wakakamatwa na kufikishwa kortini kwa kosa la kujaribu kumuua Limi.

Wakili huyo aliongeza kusema kuwa Oktoba 23,2019, washitakiwa 5 walitiwa hatiani na kuhukumiwa kifungo cha maisha jela, akieleza ilikuwa vigumu kufungua kesi kwa wadaiwa wakati kesi ya jinai ilikuwa bado inaendelea kortini.

Alieleza kuwa baada ya washitakiwa kutiwa hatiani, Limi alikusanya ushahidi wa uzembe anaoulalamikia wa Mkuu wa Upelelezi mkoa (RCO) Mkoa wa Katavi kwa kushindwa kutimiza wajibu wake wa kulinda raia na mali zao.

Zaidi ya hayo, Sindamenya alisema kulikuwa na siku 60 za kukata rufaa baada ya hukumu ambazo zilimalizika Desemba 23, 2019 na kwamba ni kanuni ya asili kuwa hukumu ya Mahakama Kuu ni lazima ipate baraka za Mahakama ya Rufani.

Wakili huyo alieleza kuwa Februari 8, 2021 alitoa notisi ya siku 90 kwa wadaiwa, hivyo kwa kuhesabu kuanzia siku ya hukumu hadi siku ambayo alifungua kesi hiyo ya madai, kesi hiyo itakuwa ilifunguliwa ndani ya muda wa kisheria unaotakiwa.

Aliiomba mahakama kuzingatia ibara ya 107(A)(2)(e) ya Katiba ya Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania na kuepuka kufungwa na mambo ya kiufundi ambayo yananyima haki ya msingi, hivyo alitupe pingamizi hilo na kusikiliza kesi ya msingi.

Uamuzi wa jaji ulivyokuwa

Akisoma uamuzi wake kuhusiana na pingamizi hilo, Jaji Mrisha alisema ni jambo ambalo halibishaniwi kuwa mdai alifungua kesi hiyo ya madai ya uzembe dhidi ya wadaiwa, lakini hoja iliyoko mbele yake ni kama kesi imefunguliwa nje ya muda.

Jaji Mrisha alisema mawakili wa pande mbili wanakubaliana kuwa msingi wa kesi hiyo ni madai ya fidia, yanayotokana na uzembe na muda wa kisheria wa kufungua kesi ni ndani ya miaka mitatu na kwamba huo ndio msimamo wa sheria.

Alisema madai ya mdai ni uzembe uliosababishwa na wajibu maombi kwa kushindwa kumlinda asikatwe mkono na kueleza kuwa msingi wa uzembe huo ulitokea 14 Julai 2015, lakini kesi ilifunguliwa Julai 17, 2023.

“Hii inaonyesha ni baada ya miaka sita. Kwa hiyo mdai (Limi) alipaswa kufungua kesi ya madai ya uzembe uliotokea ndani ya miaka mitatu,” alisema Jaji Mrisha.

Hata hivyo, Jaji Mrisha alisema katika wasilisho la mdai aliondoa muda wa usikilizwaji wa kesi ya jinai na tarehe ya hukumu na akaondoa pia muda wa washitakiwa kukata rufaa pamoja na siku 90 za notisi aliyowapa wadaiwa.

Alisema ni msimamo wa sheria kuwa pale kesi inafunguliwa baada ya kupita muda uliowekwa na sheria, mdai ni lazima aonyeshe kwenye hati ya madai sababu za upekee wa kesi yake na Jaji akarejea baadhi ya kesi zilizobeba msimamo huo.

Kutokana na msimamo huo, Jaji alisema alipata muda wa kupitia hati ya madai ya kesi hiyo iliyofunguliwa Julai 17, 2023 na kugundua hakuna aya ambayo mdai anaelezea sababu za kupata msamaha wa kutozingatia sheria ya ukomo.

“Hata kama nitachukua wasilisho lake kuwa mdai alichelewa kufungua kesi kwa sababu alikuwa akisubiri ushahidi wa kutosha katika kesi ya jinai iliyokuwa ikiendelea kortini, kwa maoni yangu sababu haina mashiko mahakama kuikubali,” alisema.

Jaji akaongeza kusema “Msimamo wa sheria uko wazi kwamba mwathirika katika kesi ya jinai hazuiwi kufungua shauri la madai ya fidia mahakamani, kwa kuwa mahakama ya jinai sio sahihi kupima madai ya mtu anayeomba fidia”

Katika uamuzi wake huo, Jaji Mrisha alisema suala la ukomo wa muda ni jambo linalokwenda kwenye mzizi wa mamlaka ya mahakama na haiangukii katika Ibara ya 107(2)(e) ya Katiba ya Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania ya mwaka 1977.

Jaji alisema kwa hoja alizozieleza anakubali pingamizi lililowasilishwa na wadaiwa na kukubaliana nao kuwa kesi imefunguliwa nje ya muda, hivyo inatupiliwa mbali na mdai atawajibika kulipa gharama za kesi hiyo.Continue Reading

Raila Odinga: ‘My heart is ready, my hands are steady’ for AUC top job

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In: Tanzania Foreign Investment News
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By JUSTUS OCHIENG

Kenya on Tuesday unveiled the candidature of its former Prime Minister Raila Odinga for chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) at a colourful ceremony graced by several East African Community (EAC) heads of State.

President William Ruto led the launch at State House, Nairobi, where he hosted East African Community (EAC) Chairman Salva Kiir Mayardit, who is also the president of South Sudan, Presidents Samia Suluhu Hassan (Tanzania) and Yoweri Museveni of Uganda.

samia

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan is greeted by President William Ruto after delivering her speech during the launch of Kenyan candidate Raila Odinga’s bid for the African Union Commission (AU) chairmanship at State House Nairobi on August 27, 2024. Francis Nderitu | Nation Media Group

Also in attendance were Burundi Prime Minister Gervais Ndirakobuca, Rwanda State Minister for Foreign Affairs James Kabarebe, former Tanzania President Jakaya Kikwete and his Nigeria counterpart Olusegun Obasanjo, among other dignitaries.

Read: EAC leaders in Nairobi for Raila AUC bid launch

Speaking at the event, Dr Ruto said Mr Odinga enjoys a positive reputation as a zealous Pan-African who has consistently demonstrated strong faith in Africa’s possibilities, and exemplary commitment to the cause of laying a robust foundation for Africa’s transformation.

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The head of State showered Mr Odinga with praises, noting that he is the best candidate for the position and that he would do all it takes to make him win the February 2025 election.

“I know that Raila Odinga not only possesses the requisite credentials but he is also the ideal candidate to lead the AUC. Accordingly, Kenya endorses his candidature unreservedly and we commit wholeheartedly to support his candidature, vision and leadership,” he said.

“Mr Odinga’s remarkable leadership and exemplary career make him a perfect fit to sit at the helm of the AUC and drive Africa’s transformation and Agenda 2063. He is an ardent champion of African unity, African Integration, infrastructural connectivity and youth empowerment.”

Mr Odinga’s strategic focus, he said, is to harness Africa’s rich and vast human and natural resources for the benefit of Africa’s peoples— making him the “optimal choice” for this position.

“I therefore welcome the continent to rally behind Mr Odinga’s candidature to propel Africa to sustainable peace and a new era of shared prosperity.”

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Kenyan candidate for the African Union Commission chairmanship, Raila Odinga, speaks during the launch of his bid at State House Nairobi on August 27, 2024. Francis Nderitu | Nation Media Group

Campaign secretariat

During the State House event, Dr Ruto launched Mr Odinga’s campaign secretariat, which will be jointly led by Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei and former US Ambassador to the United States Elkanah Odembo.

Mr Odinga said that he was ready to serve Africa.

“My heart is ready, my hands are steady and with your support, I shall get the opportunity to be of service to Africa, the cradle of mankind. I am made in Eastern Africa for Africa,” he said.

He exuded confidence that he would win the seat in the first round of the elections.

Mr Odinga will contest against Djibouti Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, former Mauritius Foreign Minister Anil Kumarsingh Gayan and Richard James Randriamandrato, a former Madagascar Foreign Minister.

Read: Youssouf: My pledge to Africa as AUC chair

Mr Odinga pledged to push for scrapping of visa for intra-Africa travel and removal of trade barriers as he spelled out his vision of a united continent characterised by peace and prosperity for all.

“As a lifelong Pan-Africanist, I will offer participatory leadership to ensure delivery on the priorities of the African people as envisioned in the African Union Agenda 2063,” he said.

“This is Africa’s century… We must harness our vast human and natural resources, and integrate the energy of our youth with the vision and wisdom of our leaders.”

Read: AUC top seat contenders face age-old problems

He added: “Kindly buy my vision, the charge is 34 plus votes in the first round. I particularly appeal to fellow East Africans, that we walk this journey together and go to Addis as a team in February 2025.”

Kenya’s Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, an arch-rival of Mr Odinga on Kenya’s political scene, described the launch as a “great moment for our country.”

“We are here to unveil Kenya’s finest to go and lead Africa. The people of Kenya have been united behind Raila to be AUC chair and Africa, our motherland deserves the best,” he said.

Read: Odinga AU ambitions halt his local moves

President Suluhu lauded Mr Odinga, saying “he is not only a wise statesman but one who can make a strong case for Africa”.

“With Raila Odinga, we envision an ever strong and growing Africa and the Republic of Tanzania assures Kenya of its for support. Tanzania says Baba anatosha achaguliwe (Raila fits the bill and should be elected).”

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South Sudan President Salva Kiir arrives at State House Nairobi for the launch Kenyan candidate Raila Odinga’s bid for the African Union Commission (AU) chairmanship on August 27, 2024. Francis Nderitu | Nation Media Group

President Kiir said his presence in the country was to confirm South Sudan’s endorsement of Mr Odinga.

“As chairman of EAC, I strongly appeal to the region to rally behind Raila as the region’s candidate. Let us talk to our friends across the continent to enable Raila be the next chairman of African Union Commission,” he said.

Mr Museveni described Mr Odinga as a Pan-Africanist who is not just a job seeker but qualified for the post.

“He is the one to lead us in that big battle for prosperity and is the candidate who is fit for this job,” he said.

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Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni speaks during the launch Raila Odinga’s bid for the African Union Commission (AU) chairmanship held at State House Nairobi on August 27, 2024. Francis Nderitu | Nation Media Group

He said he was glad that President Ruto, DP Gachagua and other Kenyan leaders had united for the sake of Mr Odinga’s candidacy.

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