Author: Champe

  • New DUSA Council Sworn into Office

    New DUSA Council Sworn into Office

    by Sumaya Hussein

    (husseinsumaya1@gmail)

    Outgoing DUSA President Aloys Otieno handing over the instruments of power to incoming president Marco Laboso – Daystar University

    Daystar University Students Association (DUSA) council was on Tuesday sworn into office, in a ceremony held in the Nairobi Campus.

    Members of the council were sworn in by the president of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), Mr. Nelson Havi.

    In attendance also was CAS Public Services and Gender affairs Hon. Beatrice Elachi, VC Prof. Laban Ayiro, DVC Academic Affairs Prof. Faith Nguru, DVC Finance Dr. Muturi Wachira, Principal Nairobi Campus Prof. Michael Bowen, Dean of Students Rev. Mutinda Musyimi, members of the congress and the outgoing DUSA team.

    Prof. Ayiro called on the new DUSA council to “see leadership as worship to God”.

    “To Marco Laboso (president); Now that you are a leader, look for these qualities in your team; chemistry, commitment to the ideals of Daystar and character,” he said.

    Marco Laboso sworn in as DUSA President by LSK President Nelson Havi – Daystar University

    Prof. Faith Nguru encouraged the incoming council to “find the script of their leadership in the scriptures”.

    Other members of the incoming council include Deputy President Monicah Gitau, Secretary General Paul Msando, Finance Secretary Wambui Njoroge, Athi River Campus Governor Walter Nalwa, Nairobi Campus Governor Brian Achoka and ISADU Chair Duc Florian.

    The 2021 DUSA elections are the first in four years, since 2017, when the university was closed over a strike.

    The inauguration brings hope for a new dawn in students and the university as a whole.

    Mrs. Jane Irungu dedicates the DUSA council to God – Daystar University
  • How to make good leaders in the current society

    How to make good leaders in the current society

    By Raphael Mutuku

    ra4celeb20@gmail.com

    A leader is a reflection of the society he or she leads. PHOTO | Thinking Maps

    People are a clear reflection of their leaders’ actions, meaning that in a society, a leader is a picture of the people he or she is representing. Leadership should involve translating vision into reality and producing more leaders instead of followers.

    Take a look at our leaders- those chosen and those who work their way through leading positions. How they use resources is a clear reflection of the values and norms that are embraced in that particular society.

    If the society is corrupt, its leaders will definitely follow suit. We blame our leaders for being corrupt while we have embraced the vice. Corruption is being normalised, as it starts from the grassroots. Most people engage in activities such as bribery, unknowingly making corruption a norm in the society.

    The basis of corruption in reference of the Bible is the heart. “The heart is deceitful above all things…” (Jeremiah 17:9).

    The only way to better our society is to teach and embrace good virtues. Loyalty, bravery and truth lead this list. These three virtues are so important in every aspect of life. Our society has been embracing and raising deceitful and greedy people. We live in a society where it’s a man eat man affair, everybody for his own and God for us all. If we raise generations in strict observance of the three main virtues and teach them good values then we will have good leaders and a vision that will easily get actualised.

    Due to dishonesty and greed, we live in a society where resources are allocated in favor of particular people and not the citizen who needs to be served. Good leadership is one that is built in Christian values and the three main virtues.   

  • REMEMBERING DR. SOLOMON NZYUKO

    REMEMBERING DR. SOLOMON NZYUKO

    By Frank Oyosa

    f.oyosa@gmail.com

    “My relationship with Solomon was too deep to bring it out…Solomon commanded me to kneel down in my office and pray…It is Solomon who told me that excellence honors God and inspires others to be the best.” These were his subsequent words upon honoring him with an emotional vernacular chant, a sign of the deep respect and indeed personal relationship he had with the Late Dr. Solomon Nzyuko.  As he led the Daystar family during a memorial service in honor of the fallen hero, the Daystar University’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Laban Ayiro went ahead to attest that his biggest adviser and soldier, now departed, was a man who never sat at the periphery. He adamantly chose the center even in the heat of the moment. “I have lost a very close person to my center in running daystar.” He grieves despite being consoled by the words of Macbeth in the Poem “Do Not Cry For Me Today”.

    The VC Prof. Ayiro remembering Dr. Nzyuko. PHOTO | Frank Oyosa | Involvement Newspaper

    But who was this man? A man who despite his absence, the testimonies accentuate his already eloquent presence even to those who never knew him. For all it is worth, Dr. Solomon Nzyuko was a family man, an elder in the church council, a member of the Daystar University Senate, Director of the DLPDI, an accomplished scholar, a valuable researcher, and above all, a development-oriented transformative leader. Yet it is not these titles that make him a man too difficult to let go! It is the foundations he built, the change he oversaw, the people he inspired, and the lives he touched. It is the impact he has left behind and of course the contagious smile. The tributes visualize a man who tenaciously dedicated his time to leave a legacy of service to humanity. In them, you get to open your eyes to see Dr. Nzyuko for who he truly was, and how his life was a sure demonstration of what it means to live a life of purpose, with love, care, and a worthy cause to make the world a better place. 

    He established a home at Daystar in both his developmental journey as well as the Christian life. He was a devoted and dedicated Daystarian who was at peace with the University’s biblical principles, Christian values, and servant leadership ideals. He inspired many students and colleagues along the patch of Christ. “As a man of God who was deeply dependent on Christ, Solomon inspired me a lot in the way he would pray,” recollected Dr. Kennedy On’garo, Dean School of Human and Social Sciences. Equally, his commitment to students’ success compelled him to dig deep and establish the root cause of any student’s poor performance, expertly addressing it with solutions that always hid in the bible. And at home, his family had gladly learned to accept his busy schedule including late-night sessions going through students’ theses, early morning meetings with the VC, running other activities related to students’ scholarly work, and managing DLPDI’s programs among other personal errands.

    Some of the Daystar staff attending the memorial service. PHOTO | Frank Oyosa | Involvement Newspaper

    Undeniably, in a world full of ordinary people, Dr. Nzyuko chose to be extraordinary with wisdom-filled leadership. Indeed, he matched his biblical namesake. He intentionally made a decision to be a dependable person with unmatched problem-solving skills, that even in his hospital bed he would still be depended on to offer solutions. A man who never led by words but by actions. “He never told me how to love my wife; he showed me how to do it,” his brother Ben confessed.  It is this kind of leadership that saw him traverse the continent, overseeing many successful community projects he initiated. Equally, his success is attributed to his open-mindedness, embracing inclusive consultation, and objectively listening to everyone as a valuable contributor.  

    Being a man with such a legacy, it is neither shocking for the family to confess not to have any regret for who he was whatsoever nor would they ask for anything more or better from him. Despite his busy schedule, he was the best version of a husband, father, and sibling. He loved his family unconditionally and was always available whenever they needed him. His sin Enock fondly remembered the happy moments they would play scrabble as a family. “Whenever we would be getting to the tail end of the game and he is just about to place the final letters before he beats us all he would say ‘Count your losses.’” Of course, he won more often, thanks to his linguistic prowess. His superb command of the English language was the inspiration behind Enock’s communication career path. To Grace, his father was mum-dad and was always open to talk about things that otherwise seem uncomfortable for father-daughter conversations. And to Mama Miriam, he was everything else but more importantly a strong prayer partner who always empathized and knelt down with her. However, even with all the love, mediocrity, ignorance, and pretense were vocabularies he wouldn’t tolerate.

    Dr. Nzyuko’s family members being prayed for by those in attendance. PHOTO | Frank Oyosa | Involvement Newspaper

    Indeed, Dr. Nzyuko touched so many and he will forever be a part of all those he interacted with. As a faithful steward who was intentional, deliberate, and ready to serve, his strong influence and legacy will last a lifetime and the golden moments he leaves behind forever cherished. He truly lived his purpose and fulfilled what God expected of him, even though he was not finished yet owing to the many projects that were still in the pipeline.  All in all, even as he watches his people from above, his smile and companionship will be greatly missed.  And now what remains of us is to embrace his life’s lesson and say adios as we wait to be united with him in the afterlife.

  • Prof.Laban Ayiro azungumzia Elimu ya Utatuzi chuoni Daystar

    Na; Righa Sedellar

    Profesa Laban Ayiro – Naibu Chansela.

    Hivi leo katika makala ya Dau La Elimu na Frank Otieno kwenye runinga ya KTN, Naibu Chansela wa chuo kikuu cha Daystar,Profesa  Laban Ayiro pamwe na Mhadhiri wa chuo kikuu cha Moi,Profesa Violet  Naanyu  na Profesa Lukoye Atwoli wa chuo kikuu cha Aga Khan walichangia pakubwa katika mjadala wa Elimu Ya Utatuzi Masuala (Problem based learning) na kusisitiza kuwa, mfumo huu wa elimu una faida nyingi sana katika maisha ya mwanafunzi.

    Elimu ya utatuzi masuala ni mfumo wa elimu unaolenga kutengeneza binadamu  anayeweza  kutatua matatizo mbalimbali ya kijamii,anayeweza kujimudu maishani na mwenye maadlili yanayoweza kutegemewa nchini na ulimwenguni.

    Profesa  Laban Ayiro alisisitiza kuwa chuo kikuu cha Daystar kimeshachukua mkondo huu wa mafunzo na kusema,”Katika chuo cha Daystar  Walimu huwa wanaenda madarasani ,wanawapa wanafunzi maswali na kuwaaacha wajadiliane na kutatua matatizo mbalimbali kisha kusahihisha matokeo yao kwani  nia yetu ni kutoa wanafunzi walio kamili baada ya kumaliza masomo yao katika chuo kikuu cha Dasystar”.

    Vilevile,wenza wake Profesa Ayiro walisisitiza kuwa,mfumo huu wa elimu unaweza kuwa wa manufaa zaidi japo walimu  pamwe na serikali yetu ya Kenya itatilia mkazo na kuhakikisha kuwa mfumo huu wa elimu umetiliwa maanani na kila mwalimu kutumia mfumo huu kuwaelimisha wanafunzi vyuoni.

    Aidha ,jopo hili la wataalam wa Elimu lilisisitiza kuwa,kuna haja kubwa sana ya walimu kunolewa zaidi na kufunzwa mfumo mpya  wa elimu ili nao pia waweze kuwafunza wanafunzi vyuoni kwani walimu wa sasa walifunzwa mfumo tofauti wa enzi zao. Imekuwa changamoto kubwa sana kwa walimu hawa kuwafunza wanafunzi kutumia huu mfumo mpya wa elimu.Fauka ya hayo,Profesa Violet Naanyu  alisisitiza kuwa elimu huwa ni safari  kwani huwa kuna mwanzo na huwa kuna lengo kuu la mwanafunzi anaposoma na mwalimu anapofunza. Kwa hiyo,Violet alilonga kuwa kuna umuhimu wa walimu kuwa na ushirikiano na wanafunzi ili pamoja waweze kukamilisha ‘safari’ ya  elimu aisee! Kidole kimoja hakivunji chawa .

    Kaditama,wataalam hawa walitoa maoni yao na kusema kuwa ,japo tunataka mfumo huu wa elimu kutufaidi ifaavyo, itabidi viongozi wa vyuo wafunzwe mbinu mpya ya uongozi. Viongozi wawe wanaokubali maendeleo na kuhakikisha kuwa maendeleo tofauti yanatekelezwa katika vyuo wanavyosimamia.

    Wakufunzi nao  wawe tayari kujadiliana na kukosoana na wanafunzi wasiwe na akili ya kufikiri kuwa ni wao pekee wanaojua yote. Wanafunzi pia walihimizwa kuwa na bidii za mchwa na wawe watu wa kutaka kujua mengi, wafanye utafiti na kutumia utafiti huo kutatua matatizo mbalimbali.

    Kwa uhahika,mjadala huu ulikuwa na mafunzo chungu  nzima na ni ombi langu kuwa wewe kama msomaji wangu utaweza kuyatilia maanani yaliyosemwa na wataalam na kuhakikisha kuwa, polepole  na kwa uhakika unakubali mfumo mpya wa elimu kwani mfumo huu una manufaa kadha wa kadha.

  • INVOLVEMENT ISSUE 239

    INVOLVEMENT ISSUE 239

     

    Use the link above to access the Involvement Newspaper issue 239 which features a range of articles written by our writers to ensure that you stay informed on News within and outside Daystar.

  • THE MARSHAL PLAN: A FASTLANE TO POSTGRADUATE GRADUATION

    THE MARSHAL PLAN: A FASTLANE TO POSTGRADUATE GRADUATION

    By: Frank Oyosa

    f.oyosa@gmail.com

    Thumbnail Photo Courtesy of Frank Oyosa

    Just like the then US Secretary of State George Marshall unveiled America’s unilateral aid to Europe in what is popularly known as The Marshal Plan, so did Daystar University Vice-Chancellor Prof Laban Ayiro, unveil The Marshal Plan to his Post Graduate students! Well, don’t get it twisted. While the contents and intentions of Marshall’s Marshal plan are pretty obvious, Prof Ayiro’s Marshal Plan is nothing close to that.

    His recently launched plan is a genuine roadmap that will see all post-graduate students complete their studies on time regardless of the setbacks they may encounter. Coming in at a time when the University was not in its best shape, the VC was disturbed by the high number of post-graduate students pending graduation due to some unavoidable, and well…some avoidable circumstances, way after the 2 years for postgraduate programs elapsed. It is this reality that triggered him to initiate the plan, his dedication and drive to restore the glory of Daystar deer to his heart, and vocal in his voice, his diction, and his actions! 

    Kicking off with a post-graduate students’ re-registration exercise to keep, the VC has committed not only his time but resources to this course. He is adamant that all post-graduate students who are on hold or are done with their coursework MUST graduate by December 2021, and going forward, other post-graduate students must graduate within the 2 years.

    “This is a course that is deep in my heart and I will go out of my way to see that we reach the promised land.” The conviction with which these words are articulated is enough to dispel any doubt while his track record proves him right, and his deep-rooted faith and trust in God back him up. He is keen to reiterate Daystar University’s Christian foundational values as his guiding principles, and acknowledge the weight of the task ahead often asking God to go before him and his team including the students. 

    Interestingly, even though he is surrounded by a team of dedicated Research and Post Graduate studies directorate led by Sr. Prof. Agnes Lando, the VC’s transformational leadership style forbids him from making demands while at the back seat!

    He considers this mission a top-notch priority that his schedule has been made flexible enough to accommodate regular meetings with students, to respond to their concerns and thesis queries. He has in the past facilitated various forums aimed at assisting them to refine their thesis, referring to errors he picked by sampling several submissions. Furthermore, these sessions are about to become weekly activities and not even the impact of Covid-19 on physical meetings can derail them nor the ultimate vision. And as if this is not all, he is part of the supervisors currently supervising two Masters and 2 Ph.D. students. 

    Meanwhile, in other offices, Sr. Prof. Lando and her team are ever busy attending to students’ matters and ensuring communication is smooth, timely, and relevant. A clear indication that the journey to the promised land is indeed on the right track. Being the administrator of the Post Graduate students’ Telegram forum, she is ever communicating an important update or responding to students’ concerns. 

    One wonders if she does sleep. More surprisingly is the promptness, wisdom, and decorum with which she responds to even the most controversial or insulting concern and question. Now meetings have gone online and it’s in her docket to ensure that communication reaches the intended participants on time, the necessary materials are ready for the meetings, chair the meetings and share the materials. And with some students unable to attend the meetings, she is responsible for recording and sharing the video. Yet this is just a quarter of her workload!

    A screengrab of The VC conducting a virtual session on developing a Literature Review – Frank Oyosa

    Well, she has to do it right? But then she is only human and there is only so much she can take yeah! surprisingly, although we may want to pity her and her team, the only pity she is willing to take is students playing their part. All that is asked of them is to be available when called upon, to fulfill their financial obligations, and to support the plan by any means possible. If that is too much to ask, the VC is not hesitant “…to consider anyone who is not committed to the marshal plan an anti-Daystar.” However as is human nature, some of us have to be pushed even if it is for our benefit, and the post Graduate directorate has dedicated herself to doing just that. 

    Meanwhile, the students being the key stakeholders and beneficiaries of this initiative, are obliged to raise concerns they hope to be addressed in a timely and mutually benefiting manner. Thence, besides other concerns, the question of paying extra costs such as activity fee, printing fee and technology fee among others when such services are no longer available have been raised. Other concerns have been re-activation fees for students on hold some of whom have excess fees and removal of or not offering concentration courses in some semesters. Remarkably, the concerned departments have tried their best to respond, and commit to listening to special individual cases. 

    Screenshots of interaction between the students and Sr. Prof. Lando on Telegram – Frank Oyosa

    It would be impractical not to acknowledge the efforts the directorate is putting in this initiative regardless of the apparent challenges. Likewise, with the VC securing a 1-year amnesty period from the senate for students on hold to graduate, and the online thesis management system in its final stages of the trial, we are obliged to recognize that things are indeed taking shape and they will be better when concerns are addressed and we cooperate.

    Meanwhile “…until the day dawns, and the daystar arises in your hearts,” the journey continues.

  • THE MYSTERY OF RESUSCITATING A LIFESAVER

    THE MYSTERY OF RESUSCITATING A LIFESAVER

    By: Frank Oyosa

    f.oyosa@gmail.com

    Thumbnail Photo Courtesy of 1EEE Spectrum

    Like any other national adversity, the outbreak of Covid-19, brought forth the spirit of innovation and invention by various stakeholders within the country in collaborative efforts to at least decrease the diverse effects of the pandemic. In this spirit, when the government through the ministry of health expressed concern that the country is in dire need of ventilators, the spirit of local innovation was awakened triggering professional bodies as well as university students to put their best foot forward to manufacture this vital lifesaving equipment. Among these, were 16 Kenyatta University students from various schools who a few months later, their diligent efforts bore fruits upon the unveiling of the first-ever student assembled ventilator prototype in the country and probably across East and Central Africa. 

    Like a newborn baby, the unveiling of Tiba Vent as they called it was received with enthusiasm and congratulatory messages flowing left, right, and center. And as it would be expected, the government was not left behind in applauding the contribution of local stakeholders such as these for their efforts to be part of the solution. Precisely put, it appeared like the health sector’s plight had just been resolved, at least with the government promising not only their hundred percent support to the students but also to procure the machines once they were ready for the market. Of course, this was a huge motivation to many other innovators who were determined to help save humanity that indeed their input can be acknowledged and appreciated. 

    The students from medicine, pharmacy, nursing, electrical and mechanical engineering together with their lecturers had hoped to see the equipment in the hospitals within few months. Unfortunately, what this team of optimistic scholars, tutors, and the citizens were not told was that they would have to wait a little longer to see the precious machine in action. One would expect that seeing the attention with which the news was received and the desperate state in which the health sector was in at the moment, the certification process of the Tiba Vent prototype would be expedited for it and its forthcoming brothers to start saving lives. On the contrary, 1 year down the line, the ventilator remains unattended to at the approval stage gathering dust in its lifeless state within four walls of the university maternity lab where it was born. 

    Coming at a time when there were only 270 ICU beds with few having ventilators, against the surging number of emergency Covid-19 cases, it is quite a puzzle that such an effective and affordable locally manufactured lifesaving machine would take that long to be approved. And to think that the students had already guaranteed a full-fledged production unit capable of producing 50 ventilators a week! What more would the government wish for? Furthermore, it is to be remembered that the doctors did confirm the capabilities of the ventilator, and the Kenya Bureau of Standard (KEBS) affirming this. All that remained was certification by the Pharmacy and Poisons board. Why would they take their sweet time on this process that doesn’t sound too complex?

    The Tiba Vent Ventilator prototype Photo Courtesy of KU GIS Lab

    Another reason why this process ought to have been hastened is the time and financial implication it takes to import a ventilator. On a rough estimate, importing one such equipment into the country would mean several months of waiting and a budget of between 2.5 to 5 million Kenya shillings. Compare that with the time it would take for a 500,000 Kenya shillings alternative machine being produced in quantities of 50 a week to be transported from Kenyatta University to hospitals across the country. Doesn’t this raise some curiosity? Of course, it does!

    Could it be that we Kenyans just never learn or there is something deeper than that? This country has had a history of egocentric bureaucrats, and it is difficult not to imagine that the delay might be a result of self-centered individuals who want to reap big and stuff money into their pockets through corrupt deals. But then again, there is the nightmare that is double standards! You cannot be encouraging local innovations on one hand and the other hand, you are allowing the bureaucracy to hinder these innovations from serving their purpose. The CS for industrialization is on record stating that after the heights of the pandemic, Kenyans should continue to embrace the spirit of innovation. But with such things happening, how are these innovators to be encouraged? 

    The students explaining how the ventilator works Photo Courtesy of People Daily

    Let us for once think about all the students and young professionals who had been inspired by the invention of this ventilator, only to learn that 1 year down the line nothing much has come out of it. And the delay is not from the inventors but the entity tasked with licensing the equipment. I wonder what could be going through their mind at the moment. Since several other entities had tried their hand in the manufacture of this machine but backed out due to its complexity, the least the government could do was to appreciate the efforts of this team by having the product out as first as possible. Even if they do not earn from it, their hearts will be at peace by virtue that their efforts are saving lives. 

    Now the vaccine is here with us and as is our nature, we are already throwing tantrums “What is wrong with our researchers? Can’t they get into those lab coats and give us local vaccine!” Of course, most of us don’t trust what is coming from outside, and it is not that we cannot produce ours. But let us pause for a moment and think about it. If certifying a ventilator can take up to 1 year or even more, won’t the vaccine be approved when we are dealing with an alien invasion! Well, it is understandable that the ventilator and even the vaccine are both extremely delicate lifesavers that balance between life and death, but it is often said that extraordinary circumstances call for extraordinary measures. I bet the MOH relates with this quite well. Can we for once then stop acting normally as the Kenyan Government and fast-track the approval of such vital equipment.

    All said and done, the country is staring at more deadly impacts of the Covid-19 third wave having already cost us more than 50 lives within 1 month. The press briefings are back again, the lockdowns are already in effect…again and the economy does not seem like it will favor the Wanjiku any time soon. With this third wave becoming more dangerous, ferocious, and fatal, it allows the concerned parties to redeem themselves and demonstrate that indeed they not only appreciate the efforts of the student and academic institutions in the area of research but are also committed to supporting local approaches by Kenyans to save Kenyans. 

  • Daystar mourns death of lecturer

    By Muhanguzi Tola

    tolakofa1@gmail.com

    Dr. Solomon Nzyuko PHOTO| Daystar University

    The Daystar community is this morning mourning the death of senior lecturer and researcher, Dr. Solomon Nzyuko.

    Dr. Nzyuko died on Tuesday morning at the Marter Hospital, according to the university chaplaincy, who confirmed his death to the community.

    “Our University has suffered a terrible loss following the death of our colleague…which occurred today, Tuesday 6 April,” read a statement from the Chaplaincy.

    Members of the Daystar community have since sent out their condolences, describing the deceased as a true servant of God.

    “A true servant of God and a man of integrity. A true elder who desired to serve God with everything he touched. God rest his soul in eternal peace,” said Mrs. Phyllis Mutua, the institution’s Finance Manager.

    Daystar Christian Fellowship (DCF) chair, Moses Tibagye describes his death as a deep loss to the institution, as he called on God to comfort and console his family.

    “It is a deep loss for the University. The rate at which we are losing people we love is devastating. It is never a good time to lose a loved one but I pray that God shall be the peace to the bereaved family,” said Moses.

    DUSA Council president Aloys Otieno described the deceased as a dedicated servant leader, who served students with dedication and excellence.

    “On behalf of the entire student body, I wish to pass our sincere condolences to the family. We will remember them in prayer,” wrote Aloys.

    Prior to his death, Dr. Nzyuko served as the Director for the Daystar Leadership and Professional Development Institute (DLPDI). He was also a project officer with African Medical and Research Foundation (AMREF).

    The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ayiro will this morning lead the Daystar community in special prayers dedicated to the deceased’s family. The prayers are scheduled to start at 9, at Valley Road’s DAC auditorium.

  • Russian President Putin Signs Law that allows him to run for two more terms

    By Fatiha Shabir

    (fatihashabz@gmail.com)

    Russian President Vladimir Putin signs law allowing him to rule till 2036. Photo/Sky news.

    Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday signed a law, paving the way for him to run for two more presidential terms, as well as being granted lifetime immunity from prosecution.

    The new amendment also outlawed same-sex marriage stating that marriage was strictly a “union of a man and a woman” and that a belief in God is a core belief that every Russian should have.

    Putin, who turns 69 this year, is currently serving his fourth presidential term, which is set to end in 2024 according to the previous constitution. The new legislation, could allow him to serve two more six year terms, potentially extending his rule until 2036. That is if he chooses to stand for and win re-election both times.

    The new law formalizes the results of last year’s referendum on amendments to Russia’s constitution. The majority of Russians voted to approve Mr. Putin’s amendments to the country’s constitution last year, with 78% of votes supporting the change and just over 21% voting against it. The turnout was recorded as 68%.

    He argued that resetting the term count was necessary to keep his lieutenants focused on their work instead of “darting their eyes in search for possible successors.”

    If Putin is re-elected twice and serves to the end of the second term, he will beat Josef Stalin to become the longest-serving leader of Russia since Peter the Great, who was in power for 42 years. 

  • Derek Chauvin Trial: Minneapolis Police Chief Says Chauvin’s Use of Force Went Against Policy

    By Nicholas Kweyu

    (nicholaskweyu99@gmail.com)

    Minneapolis police chief, Medaria Arradondo, testifies that Chauvin’s use of force in the arrest of George Floyd was excessive – CNN

    On Monday, Minneapolis Chief of Police Medaria Arradondo, testified that Chauvin’s conduct in the arrest of George Floyd was not in line with training. He said that it in fact breached regulations by showing “disregard for the sanctity of life”.

    “Clearly when Mr. Floyd was no longer responsive and even motionless, to continue to apply that level of force to a person prone out, hands cuffed behind their back- that in no way, shape or forms is anything that is by policy,” said Arradondo. “It’s not part of our training and it’s certainly not part of our ethics or values.”

    He also explained that officers are trained to handle people with dignity and respect. Moreover, they are also given basic first aid training such as using an inhaler to reverse an opioid overdose or handling a bleeding gunshot victim.

    This was spurred by the prosecutor pointing out that Chauvin and the other officers had failed to provide medical assistance to Floyd when he stopped breathing.

    Having been at home during the situation, Arradondo observed the arrest from the bystander video. From this, he could see how long Chauvin had kept Floyd pinned face down and that Chauvin had used more than the allowed “light-to-moderate” pressure. The chief therefore concluded that it was a breach of his department’s principles and values.

    According to law experts who track police prosecutions, it is a highly unusual occurrence for a police chief to provide evidence against one of their own officers. It should, however, be noted that Arradondo, who is the city’s first black chief of police, fired Chauvin and three other officers the day after the arrest.

    This testimony pokes holes in the defense’s theory that Chauvin’s actions during the arrest of George Floyd were based on and in line with the training he had received in his 19 years on the force.