Today in Africa — June 30, 2025: Kenyan Vendor Shot by Police Dies, 1 in 6 Cancer Drugs in Africa Found Defective, East African Activists to Sue Tanzania Over Alleged Torture

Kenyan Vendor Shot by Police Dies After Two Weeks on Life Support

Boniface Kariuki, the 22-year-old vendor shot in the head during protests in Nairobi, has died after being declared brain dead last week. He was injured on June 17 as police cracked down on demonstrations sparked by the death in custody of teacher, activist, and political blogger Albert Ojwang. Kariuki had remained in the hospital on life support, with bullet fragments lodged in his brain. His death adds to public outrage over police violence during recent protests, which have left at least 19 people dead.

Two police officers are in custody over Kariuki’s shooting but haven’t been formally charged. Meanwhile, a court has ordered the police to produce another missing blogger, Ndiangui Kinyagia, within 24 hours or appear to explain his disappearance. Rights groups have slammed the government’s response to the unrest, especially after the interior minister called the protests “terrorism” and urged officers to shoot rioters on sight. The fallout continues as the public calls for justice and accountability.

One in Six Cancer Drugs in Four African Countries Found Defective

A new study has found that nearly 20 percent of cancer medications sampled in Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, and Cameroon are either substandard or fake, raising serious concerns about patient safety and treatment outcomes. Published in The Lancet Global Health, the research tested nearly 200 products from hospitals and pharmacies, revealing that one in six had incorrect levels of active ingredients. Some of the faulty drugs were found in major hospitals, and many issues weren’t detectable by visual inspection alone.

Experts say poor regulation, counterfeit products, and weak supply chains are behind the problem. The World Health Organization is now working with the four countries to respond, while researchers call for urgent investment in proper labs, better oversight, and on-site testing tools. While most cancer drugs tested were safe, the study confirms that vulnerable patients are still being exposed to medicines that may do more harm than good.

East African Activists to Sue Tanzania Over Alleged Sexual Torture

Two prominent activists from Kenya and Uganda say they will sue the Tanzanian government after being detained, tortured, and sexually assaulted during a visit to support opposition politician Tundu Lissu in May. Boniface Mwangi and Agather Atuhaire say they were abducted from their hotel in Dar es Salaam by men they believe were security agents, brutally beaten, sexually violated, and dumped at the border two days later. They plan to seek justice through Tanzanian courts and international legal bodies.

Their claims have sparked regional outrage and raised fears of rising repression in Tanzania ahead of October’s elections. President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s government denies involvement but says it is investigating. Critics say the crackdown on dissent mirrors the authoritarian tactics of former president John Magufuli and reflects deep insecurity within the ruling CCM party. Rights groups are calling for accountability and urgent electoral reforms.

Senegal’s Luxury Sheep Steal the Spotlight at Annual Beauty Contest

Senegal’s prized Ladoum sheep took center stage at Dakar’s annual beauty pageant, where breeders showcased the towering animals as symbols of wealth and prestige. Judged on size, horns, and shine, this year’s top male, Prive, was valued at over $100,000. The Ladoum, distinct from sheep used for meat or sacrifice, are bred for years and can sell for 280 times more than regular sheep. The tradition draws crowds, young breeders, and international buyers, keeping this cultural practice deeply rooted in Senegalese family life.

Cameroon Tourism Minister Enters Presidential Race as Biya Stays Silent

Cameroon’s long-time Tourism Minister Bello Bouba Maigari, 78, has accepted his party’s nomination to run for president in the upcoming election, even as 92-year-old President Paul Biya has yet to confirm if he will seek another term. Maigari, a loyal Biya ally and former prime minister, is the second northern politician to launch a campaign, signaling possible cracks in Biya’s decades-long alliance with northern elites. Former government spokesperson, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, another Biya ally, announced his candidacy last week. With over eight million registered voters and northern provinces holding major electoral weight, the race is starting to heat up.

Uganda’s Museveni Confirms 2026 Run, Aims for 45 Years in Power

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, 80, says he’ll run again in next year’s election, setting the stage for a possible fifth decade in power. Museveni, who first took office in 1986, has overseen two constitutional changes to extend his rule. He claims his goal now is to grow Uganda into a $500 billion economy, up from $66 billion currently. His main challenger remains Bobi Wine, the pop star-turned-opposition leader, who has also announced his candidacy after rejecting the 2021 election results as rigged.

South Africa’s Main Opposition Boycotts National Dialogue After Ramaphosa Fires Deputy Minister

South Africa’s Democratic Alliance has pulled out of the national dialogue meant to unify the country, accusing President Cyril Ramaphosa of sidelining coalition partners. The move follows Ramaphosa’s dismissal of DA deputy trade minister Andrew Whitfield over an unauthorized U.S. trip. DA leader John Steenhuisen said the party won’t leave the government — yet — but warned it’s “losing confidence” in Ramaphosa’s leadership of the unity coalition. Tensions between the ANC and DA have grown since last year’s election forced them into a fragile alliance.

Tanzania Bus Crash Kills 37, Sparks New Calls for Road Safety

At least 37 people died and 30 were injured when two buses collided and caught fire on the Moshi–Tanga highway in northern Tanzania. The crash happened Saturday evening in the Sabasaba area of the Kilimanjaro region. President Samia Suluhu Hassan offered condolences and urged stricter road safety enforcement, calling the ongoing road deaths a national tragedy. The identities of the victims have not yet been released.

Nigerian Billionaire Aminu Dantata to Be Buried in Saudi Arabia

Aminu Dantata, one of Nigeria’s richest businessmen and uncle to Aliko Dangote, has died at 94 in the UAE and will be buried in Saudi Arabia’s holy city of Medina, per his final wish. Dantata, known for his philanthropy and quiet influence in business and politics, built a legacy spanning agriculture, construction, and real estate. He leaves behind three wives, 21 children, and 121 grandchildren. Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu called his death a “monumental national loss.”