Today in Africa — October 1, 2025: Kenya Offers Reward for Escaped Serial Killer, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu Defends Reforms Amid Poverty, South African Opposition Leader Julius Malema Convicted on Gun Charges

Every day, OkayAfrica shares a roundup of news we’re following but haven’t published as full articles. These short updates cover what’s happening on the continent — in culture, politics, and beyond. For more on stories like these, be sure to check out our News page, with stories from across the regions.

Kenya Offers Reward for Escaped Suspected Serial Killer

Kenyan police have announced a reward of 1 million shillings ($7,700) for information leading to the arrest of Collins Jumaisi Khalusha, accused of murdering more than 40 women whose bodies were found in a Nairobi quarry. Khalusha escaped custody in August 2024 along with 12 others after cutting through a wire mesh roof, sparking outrage over how he fled from one of the capital’s most secure police stations near the U.S. embassy and UN offices.

The renewed appeal comes more than a year later, following public criticism and a recent Citizen TV documentary questioning police inaction. Activists say authorities have failed the victims, with some bodies still unrecovered. Several officers were previously arrested for allegedly aiding Khalusha’s escape but were later released on bail. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations insists it is “on track” to resolve the case, though many Kenyans remain doubtful.

Tinubu Tells Nigerians “Worst Is Over” as Poverty Deepens

President Bola Tinubu used Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day today, October 1, 2025, to defend his economic reforms, insisting that scrapping fuel subsidies and unifying the exchange rate were painful but necessary. He pointed to second-quarter GDP growth of 4.23%, falling inflation, trade surpluses, and rising reserves as signs the economy is stabilizing. Tinubu also highlighted cash transfers to eight million households and new infrastructure projects as proof that reforms are bearing fruit.

But critics and citizens say the reality is harsher, with more than 129 million Nigerians living in poverty and aid cuts forcing the World Food Programme to shut down nutrition centers in the northeast. Questions also surround the transparency of the government’s social payments, and opposition leader Peter Obi has accused Tinubu of failing to prioritize urgent humanitarian needs. The speech came as workers protested mass layoffs at the Dangote Oil Refinery, underscoring growing labour unrest.

South Africa’s Opposition Leader Julius Malema Convicted on Gun Charges

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema was found guilty today, Wednesday, October 1, of breaking firearm laws after being filmed firing a rifle at a 2018 EFF rally in the Eastern Cape. Magistrate Twanet Olivier dismissed his defense that the weapon was a toy gun, while Malema’s bodyguard, Adriaan Snyman, who was accused of handing him the rifle, was acquitted. Malema denounced the ruling as racist and vowed to appeal up to the Constitutional Court.

The outspoken opposition leader, whose party won 9% of the vote in last year’s general election, could face up to 15 years in prison when sentenced on January 23, though no minimum sentence applies. Known for fiery rhetoric and policies like land expropriation without compensation, Malema remains one of South Africa’s most polarizing politicians.

Sudanese Aid Network Wins Right Livelihood Award

Sudan’s Emergency Response Rooms, a community-led network that grew out of the 2019 revolution, has been awarded the 2025 Right Livelihood Award for delivering aid in war-torn areas often unreachable by international groups. The Swedish foundation also honored activists from Myanmar, Taiwan, and the Pacific Islands for their work on democracy, digital rights, and climate justice. Described as the “backbone” of Sudan’s humanitarian response amid war and state collapse, the network was recognized alongside 159 nominees from 67 countries for advancing collective action in the face of violence and disinformation.

Madagascar Protests Escalate as Calls for Rajoelina’s Resignation Grow

Protests in Madagascar entered a fifth day today, Wednesday, October 1, with crowds across the island demanding President Andry Rajoelina step down despite his move to dissolve the government earlier this week. Sparked by anger over blackouts and water shortages, the youth-led demonstrations have become the country’s biggest in years, spreading beyond the capital city, Antananarivo, to towns like Toliara and turning into a direct challenge to Rajoelina’s rule. The UN says at least 22 people have been killed and over 100 injured, though the government disputes the figures. Opposition parties have vowed not to join any new government under Rajoelina, while protesters continue to chant “Rajoelina out” in rallies nationwide.

Morocco’s Youth-Led Protests Rage On Over Health and Jobs

Anti-government protests in Morocco entered a fourth night Tuesday, September 30, with young people clashing with security forces in some of the country’s largest demonstrations in years. Sparked by anger over underfunded hospitals and schools while billions go into World Cup 2030 projects, the Gen Z-led movement has spread nationwide, leaving 409 people arrested, 23 civilians and 263 police injured, and more than 160 vehicles damaged, according to officials. Human rights groups say minors are among those detained, while Amnesty International urged authorities to address protesters’ demands instead of repression. The unrest has drawn support from public figures like rapper El Grande Toto and goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, as chants of “Stadiums are here, but where are the hospitals?” echo across cities.

Church Scaffolding Collapse in Ethiopia Kills at Least 25

At least 25 people were killed and more than 100 were injured today, Wednesday, October 1, when scaffolding at Menjar Shenkora Arerti Mariam Church in Ethiopia’s Amhara region collapsed during a St. Mary celebration. Witnesses said worshippers had climbed the wooden structure to view a ceiling mural before it gave way, sending people crashing to the ground. Local officials said children and the elderly were among the victims, with hospitals overwhelmed and seeking Red Cross support. Authorities warned the death toll could rise as the community mourns the tragedy.

Boat Accident in Nigeria’s Kogi State Kills 26

At least 26 people died yesterday, Tuesday, September 30, when a passenger boat capsized on the Niger River in Ibaji, Kogi state, officials said. Most of the victims were traders traveling to a market in neighboring Edo state, though the cause of the accident remains unclear. Local authorities pledged to work with federal agencies to improve safety on Nigeria’s waterways, where poorly maintained, overloaded boats without life jackets frequently lead to deadly accidents. Just last month, 31 people were killed in a similar incident in Niger state.