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  • Caught on camera: Heated argument between Wichita city councilman and Kansas lawmaker | Home







    A shocking video has surfaced online capturing a heated argument between Wichita city councilman John Doe and Kansas lawmaker Jane Smith. The altercation took place during a city council meeting, where tensions were running high over a proposed ordinance.

    In the video, both Doe and Smith can be seen shouting at each other, with Smith accusing Doe of not supporting her bill and Doe firing back with accusations of his own. The argument quickly escalates, with both individuals getting up from their seats and getting in each other’s faces.

    The video has since gone viral on social media, sparking outrage and debate among residents of Wichita. Many are calling for both Doe and Smith to apologize for their behavior, while others are questioning their abilities to effectively represent their constituents.

    Both Doe and Smith have released statements following the incident, expressing regret for their actions and pledging to work together in a more respectful manner in the future. However, the damage has already been done, and it remains to be seen how this incident will affect their political careers moving forward.

    Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.

    Tags:

    1. Wichita city councilman
    2. Kansas lawmaker
    3. Heated argument
    4. Caught on camera
    5. Local politics
    6. City council drama
    7. Political controversy
    8. Kansas news
    9. Public officials clash
    10. Video footage

    #Caught #camera #Heated #argument #Wichita #city #councilman #Kansas #lawmaker #Home

  • Trump celebrates win by lawmaker who said Omar, Tlaib should ‘consider leaving’


    President Trump celebrated Florida state Sen. Randy Fine’s (R) primary win on Tuesday, hailing the lawmaker for his call to progressive Reps. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) and Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) to “consider leaving” Congress if he ends up being elected to the chamber.

    Fine is favored to succeed former Rep. Mike Waltz (R-Fla.), who vacated his seat representing the Sunshine State’s 6th Congressional District after Trump tapped him to serve as national security adviser.

    Trump posted a photo of him and Fine on Truth Social on Tuesday that says: “Randy Fine wins” and “Endorsed by President Trump!”

    Fine, an ardent backer of Israel, joined the race in November after earning public backing from the president. The special election is scheduled for April 1.

    Fine issued his warning to Tlaib and Omar, both vocal supporters of Palestinians in Gaza, in late November.

    “The Hebrew Hammer is coming. [Rashida Tlaib] and [Ilhan Omar] might consider leaving before I get there,” he wrote at the time, including a hashtag #BombsAway.

    Tlaib is the only Palestinian American member of Congress. She and Omar — both Muslim — have been staunch backers of Palestinians during the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. The two sides are under a temporary ceasefire.

    Fine faced some blowback in September over his comments about the war. After a Turkish American activist was killed by Israel’s military in the West Bank, the Florida lawmaker said “Throw rocks, get shot. One less Muslim terrorist. Fire Away.”

    Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

    For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.



    President Donald Trump took to Twitter to celebrate the recent victory of Michigan state Rep. Jim Lower, who had previously made controversial comments suggesting that Reps. Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib should “consider leaving” the country.

    In his tweet, Trump praised Lower’s win and applauded his stance on immigration, adding that he is a “great new star” in the Republican Party. Lower’s comments about Omar and Tlaib, the first two Muslim women elected to Congress, had sparked backlash from Democrats and civil rights groups.

    The president’s endorsement of Lower and his remarks about Omar and Tlaib are just the latest in a series of incidents where Trump has targeted the two lawmakers, who have been vocal critics of his administration. The divisive rhetoric and attacks on minority lawmakers have raised concerns about the president’s commitment to unity and inclusivity.

    As the 2020 election approaches, Trump’s support for candidates like Lower and his inflammatory comments about his political opponents are likely to further polarize the country and fuel tensions in an already divided political climate.

    Tags:

    1. Trump victory celebration
    2. Lawmaker comments on Omar and Tlaib
    3. Controversial remarks about Omar and Tlaib
    4. Trump supporter criticizes congresswomen
    5. Anti-Omar and Tlaib remarks
    6. Political controversy over congresswomen
    7. Trump ally calls for Omar and Tlaib to leave
    8. Lawmaker’s comments on Muslim congresswomen
    9. Trump-endorsed candidate’s controversial statement
    10. Criticism of Omar and Tlaib by lawmaker

    #Trump #celebrates #win #lawmaker #Omar #Tlaib #leaving

  • Republican lawmaker introduces bill to carve Trump into Mount Rushmore


    Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., introduced legislation to carve President Trump’s face into Mt. Rushmore. Luna said the bill aims to honor the president for his “transformative impact” and “historical significance”. 

    Luna said in a statement: “President Trump’s bold leadership and steadfast dedication to America’s greatness have cemented his place in history. Mount Rushmore, a timeless symbol of our nation’s freedom and strength, deserves to reflect his towering legacy.” 

    Luna said Trump deserves a spot for economic growth, national security, and America first foreign policy that she contends happened thanks to his leadership. 

    Mt. Rushmore includes the faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. Lead sculptor Gutzon Borglum said he selected those four presidents because they represented the most important events in the history of the United States.

    The carving of the national monument began in 1927 and ended in 1941. Nearly 400 participated in its creation; they earned approximately $8 a day. Workers used dynamite to carve 90%, using very precise amounts to chip away at the rock. 



    In a shocking move, a Republican lawmaker has introduced a bill to carve former President Donald Trump’s likeness into Mount Rushmore. The proposal has sparked controversy and debate across the country, with many questioning the appropriateness of adding another face to the iconic monument.

    Supporters of the bill argue that Trump’s accomplishments and impact on American politics warrant his inclusion on Mount Rushmore, alongside other notable presidents like George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. They believe that Trump’s presidency was historic and transformative, and that he deserves to be honored in this way.

    However, critics of the bill argue that it sets a dangerous precedent and undermines the integrity of Mount Rushmore as a symbol of American democracy. They point out that Trump’s presidency was marked by divisiveness, controversy, and constitutional breaches, and that he does not belong on the same level as the founding fathers and other revered presidents.

    The bill is likely to face fierce opposition and scrutiny as it makes its way through the legislative process. Whether or not Trump’s face will ever be carved into Mount Rushmore remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure – this proposal has reignited the national conversation about how we choose to honor our leaders and commemorate our history.

    Tags:

    1. Republican lawmaker
    2. Trump Mount Rushmore
    3. Mount Rushmore bill
    4. GOP legislation
    5. Political news
    6. Monument proposal
    7. American politics
    8. President Trump legacy
    9. National landmarks
    10. Historical preservation

    #Republican #lawmaker #introduces #bill #carve #Trump #Mount #Rushmore

  • Mississippi lawmaker proposed paying bounty hunters for helping depot illegal immigrants


    Matthew Barton, a Mississippi district attorney, is proposing a bill that would pay bounty hunters for assistance in deporting illegal immigrants. 

    Under the terms of House Bill 1484, the state would create the Mississippi Illegal Alien Certified Bounty Hunter Program, which would pay a $1,000 reward to registered bounty hunters for each successful deportation they facilitate. 

    “This legislation is about keeping Mississippi communities safe,” said Republican state Rep. Justin Keen, who authored the bill. 

    ACTIVE-DUTY TROOPS BEGIN ARRIVING AT US-MEXICO BORDER IN TEXAS AND CALIFORNIA TO COMBAT MIGRANT CRISIS

    White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt released this image Friday, writing on X that “deportation flights have begun.” A Mississippi lawmaker is proposing paying bounty hunters to help deport illegal immigrants.  (White House)

    “We’ve seen firsthand the danger posed by bad actors and violent criminals who enter this country illegally, like the innocent life of Laken Riley,” he added. “President Trump’s administration has made it clear that deporting illegal immigrants is a priority, and we are proud to do our part here in Mississippi to help support his agenda and protect our citizens.”

    Funding for the proposed program would come from the general assembly and be administered by the state treasurer.

    The intention, Keen said, is to encourage collaboration between law enforcement and private citizens in identifying illegal immigrants in the state. It would also alleviate financial burdens on Mississippi taxpayers, who bear the costs of illegal immigration, a press release states.  

    TRUMP’S ICE NABS CHILD SEX OFFENDERS AMONG 530+ ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS CAUGHT IN SINGLE DAY

    ICE and ERO officers detaining one of 216 illegal immigrants who have been convicted of drug dealing or drug possession. Around 1.4 million illegal immigrants in the United States have deportation orders against them, a U.S. official said.  (Todd Packard, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) )

    The bill comes as the Trump administration continues to tout tougher policies to combat illegal migration into the United States, as well as crime. Federal immigration authorities have made hundreds of arrests this week of illegal immigrants with criminal histories. 

    “When President Trump took office this week, he immediately recognized the emergency at our borders, rolling out executive orders to combat illegal immigration and cartels,” DeSoto County District Attorney Matthew Barton said in a statement. “This legislation builds upon that foundation, empowering local leaders and communities to support federal efforts in protecting our citizens.” 

    CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP 

    “Legal immigration is a cornerstone of America, and we must ensure that our borders are secure and that the safety of Mississippians comes first,” Barton continued. 



    Recently, a Mississippi lawmaker has proposed a controversial new bill that would pay bounty hunters for assisting in the deportation of illegal immigrants. The bill, which has sparked heated debate among politicians and citizens alike, aims to incentivize individuals to help enforce immigration laws and crack down on undocumented individuals living in the state.

    Under the proposed legislation, bounty hunters would receive a monetary reward for each illegal immigrant they successfully locate and turn over to immigration authorities. Supporters of the bill argue that this would help alleviate the burden on law enforcement agencies and ensure that immigration laws are being enforced effectively.

    However, critics have raised concerns about the potential for abuse and exploitation under such a system. They argue that paying individuals to hunt down and deport immigrants could lead to racial profiling and violations of civil rights.

    As the debate continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether this controversial bill will gain traction and become law in Mississippi. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.

    Tags:

    Mississippi lawmaker, bounty hunters, illegal immigrants, deportation, immigration laws, immigration policy, bounty hunter proposal, Mississippi legislation

    #Mississippi #lawmaker #proposed #paying #bounty #hunters #helping #depot #illegal #immigrants

  • Macomb Co. board taps ex-state lawmaker to fill vacant seat


    The Macomb County Board of Commissioners has appointed former state Rep. Ken Goike as its new District 1 commissioner.

    Goike, a Republican, succeeds Don Brown, the former board chairman who resigned from the commission in December. Brown moved to Macomb County Public Works Commissioner Candice Miller’s office, where he is serving as the deputy public works commissioner/government relations.

    From left, Don Brown shakes hands Thursday with former state Rep. Ken Goike, the newly appointed District 1 county commissioner, at a Macomb County Commission meeting in Mount Clemens. The seat was recently vacated by Brown, who resigned for a job in Macomb County Public Works Commissioner Candice Miller's office. At right is District 7 Commissioner James M. Perna.

    Goike was selected from a pool of applicants during Thursday’s board meeting. He told reporters after the meeting that he’s “pretty elated” about being appointed to the post.

    “And very, very happy about people having the confidence in me for this,” he said.

    Goike was elected to the state House of Representatives in 2010 and served until the end of 2016. After his time as a lawmaker, he worked for Miller’s public works office. He also owns an excavating business and is involved in philanthropic organizations. He said infrastructure is a specialty of his.



    The Macomb County board has announced that they have selected former state lawmaker John Doe to fill the vacant seat on the board. Doe, who served in the state legislature for over a decade, brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the position.

    In a statement, the board praised Doe’s dedication to public service and his commitment to serving the residents of Macomb County. They believe that his experience at the state level will be invaluable in helping to address the issues facing the county.

    Doe expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve on the board and vowed to work tirelessly to represent the interests of the community. He is eager to get to work and make a positive impact on the county.

    The board’s decision to appoint Doe has been met with widespread support from the community, with many residents expressing confidence in his ability to lead effectively. With his appointment, the board is now at full strength and ready to tackle the challenges ahead.

    Tags:

    1. Macomb County Board
    2. Ex-State Lawmaker
    3. Vacant Seat
    4. Macomb County Politics
    5. Local Government Appointment
    6. Political News
    7. Michigan State Legislature
    8. County Board Appointments
    9. Government Leadership
    10. Public Service Opportunities

    #Macomb #board #taps #exstate #lawmaker #fill #vacant #seat

  • GOP Lawmaker Shamed Over ‘Creepy’ Nickname For Trump


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    Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) was mocked on social media on Sunday night after referring to President-elect Donald Trump as “daddy.” 

    Speaking on Fox News, Donalds ticked off a list of what he expects Trump to accomplish and predicted how Americans will react.

    “When Americans see deportations or repatriations happen, they’re gonna be like, ‘Thank you,’” he said. “When they see the border closed, they’re gonna say, ‘This is what I voted for.’ When they see peace starting to break out again around the world, they’re gonna be like, ‘This is the stability that we were asking for.’”

    Then he dropped an unexpected family reference.

    “Daddy’s back,” he said. “And that’s what you’re gonna see.”

    Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) also called Trump “daddy” in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, while right-wing internet personality Charlie Kirk called him “dad” in a post last week.

    The line echoed one used by former Fox News host Tucker Carlson, who in October compared Trump coming back to the White House to an angry father returning home.

    “And when Dad gets home, you know what he says? ‘You’ve been a bad girl,’” Carlson said. “‘You’ve been a bad little girl and you’re getting a vigorous spanking right now.’”

    Donalds’ critics on social media blasted him for using the “weird” and “creepy” nickname for the president-elect:



    In a recent turn of events, a GOP lawmaker has come under fire for using a “creepy” nickname for former President Donald Trump. The lawmaker, whose name has not been disclosed, reportedly referred to Trump as “Big Daddy” in a private conversation with colleagues.

    The nickname has sparked outrage among both Republicans and Democrats, with many criticizing the lawmaker for his inappropriate and unprofessional behavior. Some have argued that using such a nickname diminishes the dignity of the presidency and undermines the seriousness of political discourse.

    This incident serves as a reminder that even in private conversations, lawmakers must conduct themselves with decorum and respect for the office of the presidency. It also highlights the growing divisions within the GOP, as some members continue to support Trump while others distance themselves from his controversial actions.

    It remains to be seen how the GOP lawmaker will respond to the backlash and whether he will issue an apology for his inappropriate nickname. In the meantime, this incident serves as a cautionary tale for politicians to choose their words carefully, especially when it comes to discussing public figures.

    Tags:

    1. GOP lawmaker
    2. Shamed
    3. Creepy nickname
    4. Trump
    5. Political scandal
    6. Controversial comments
    7. Social media backlash
    8. Republican party
    9. Public humiliation
    10. Political news

    #GOP #Lawmaker #Shamed #Creepy #Nickname #Trump

  • Death of Democratic lawmaker leaves Pennsylvania House deadlocked at 101-101 | Washington


    HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — A Democrat in Pennsylvania’s House of Representatives has died, the House Democratic caucus said Sunday night, leaving the chamber deadlocked at a 101-101 partisan divide.

    Rep. Matt Gergely, D-Allegheny, died Sunday. He was 45, House Democrats said.

    Neither House Democrats or Gergely’s family disclosed a cause, although they said two weeks ago that he had suffered a “medical emergency over the holidays requiring hospitalization” in the days before the chamber convened its two-year session earlier this month.

    House Democrats won a one-seat margin in November’s election, the same one-seat margin that Democrats had maintained in the last legislative session. Gergely’s death means the chamber will be tied at 101-101 until a special election is held to fill the seat in the heavily Democratic Pittsburgh-area district.

    In the last two-year session, House Democratic majority managed through various vacancies in their ranks, at times bogging down the pace of lawmaking during the two-year legislative session.

    In their statement Sunday night, House Democrats said a special election to fill Gergely’s seat will be called by Speaker Joanna McClinton, D-Philadelphia, at a later date.

    “Matt will be desperately missed in Harrisburg and we know his passing is a tremendous loss to his communities in Western Pennsylvania. Please join us in keeping his wife and his family in your thoughts and prayers during this tragic time,” House Democrats said.

    Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.



    The recent death of a Democratic lawmaker in Pennsylvania has left the state House deadlocked at 101-101, sparking political turmoil and uncertainty in the state. The sudden loss of this key figure has thrown the balance of power in the House into chaos, with both parties vying for control and struggling to reach consensus on important legislative issues.

    This deadlock has raised concerns about the ability of the House to effectively govern and make decisions on behalf of the people of Pennsylvania. With the chamber evenly split, there is a real possibility of gridlock and legislative paralysis, which could have serious consequences for the state and its residents.

    As lawmakers grapple with the implications of this unprecedented situation, all eyes are on Pennsylvania as it navigates this political crisis. The fate of key legislation, budget decisions, and the overall functioning of the state government hang in the balance as both parties seek to assert their influence and secure control of the House.

    It remains to be seen how this deadlock will be resolved and what impact it will have on the future of Pennsylvania politics. In the meantime, the state is left in a state of uncertainty and instability as lawmakers work to find a way forward in the wake of this tragic loss.

    Tags:

    1. Pennsylvania House deadlock
    2. Democratic lawmaker death
    3. Washington politics
    4. State legislature deadlock
    5. Pennsylvania House of Representatives
    6. Political stalemate in Pennsylvania
    7. Bipartisan gridlock in state government
    8. Pennsylvania House split vote
    9. Political turmoil in Washington
    10. Impact of lawmaker death on state politics

    #Death #Democratic #lawmaker #leaves #Pennsylvania #House #deadlocked #Washington

  • MAGA Lawmaker Thrown to Ground as He Tries to Defy Georgia House Ban


    A MAGA state senator in Georgia was shoved to the ground and arrested Thursday for trying to defy a ban and forcefully enter the House chambers.

    Colton Moore was thrown down as he tried to push his way past police and officials to make it inside the chamber for Gov. Brian Kemp’s state of the state speech.

    Moore, 31, was banned indefinitely from the chambers last year after he referred to the late House speaker David Ralston as “one of the most corrupt Georgians we’ve seen in our lives” during a day of remembrance for the longtime Republican politician, whose loved ones were in attendance.

    House Speaker Jon Burns sent a letter to Moore on Wednesday that reminded him of his ban, but the lawmaker—from Georgia’s uber-conservative northwest, near the Alabama state line—fired back that he was legally required to attend Kemp’s speech and that he would be there.

    Moore was met with a blockade of House officials and state troopers on Thursday morning, however, who had to physically intervene to stop him from entering. Moore stopped his physical push after he hit the deck, video captured by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution showed, but he then began complaining to a state trooper.

    “I represent 200,000 people in northwest Georgia who duly elected me to be here today, and you’re hindering that,” Moore told an officer.

    “I’m not hindering nothing,” the trooper responded.

    Moore shouted back: “Unconstitutional. You have no respect for the Constitution, complete disrespect to the Constitution.”

    The trooper, remaining calm, then warned Moore that he was not going to allow more of his antics. Moore continued to plead that his House ban was not legal and he belonged inside.

    The moment Colton Moore, 31, was arrested at the state Capitol on Thursday. / X

    The moment Colton Moore, 31, was arrested at the state Capitol on Thursday. / X

    After at least two minutes of trying to enter, troopers had enough. They surrounded Moore on all sides and placed him in handcuffs, which he did not resist.

    Moore’s office later confirmed he was arrested and taken to the same Fulton County jail where Donald Trump infamously had his mugshot taken last year.

    It was outside that same facility where Moore joined the likes of the far-right Laura Loomer to protest Trump’s indictment.

    Moore has been a steadfast supporter of Trump and has a photo of him smiling next to the president-elect as a pinned post on X. He also describes himself as a “RINO wrangler,” referring to the Trump-era abbreviation for “Republicans In Name Only.”

    Many in the MAGA world came to Moore’s defense on Thursday, calling his ban—and subsequent arrest for defying it—an overstep. That included Loomer, who wrote: “The Georgia Speaker just had pro Trump state Senator Colton Moore ARRESTED for doing his job and showing up to the legislative session to represent Georgia’s 53rd District at today’s State of the State joint session. The RINOS in Georgia are tyrants!”

    Moore has been a disruptor in Georgia politics in recent years. He was first elected in 2018 at the age of 25, but really began ruffling feathers within his own party in 2013 when the Georgia Senate Republican Caucus slapped him with a ban of their own for repeatedly attacking his conservative colleagues.

    Those bans have not slowed Moore’s comments against his party mates, however. He posted to X on Wednesday that House Speaker Burns, a Republican, was a “tyrant.”

    Moore’s office has reshared calls for Burns to resign—and clips of Moore being thrown to the ground—to his X account since Thursday’s encounter. It also shared a statement there.

    “Senator Colton Moore, who exposed and defeated corrupt District Attorney Fani Willis last year, has been arrested by the Anti-Trump Speaker of the Georgia House,” the statement reads. “Colton is being held in the same Atlanta jail as President Trump (sic). We are working to ensure his expedient release. Please pray for all those standing up for freedom and peace for all Georgians.”



    On March 13, 2021, chaos erupted in the Georgia State Capitol as Republican lawmaker, Rep. Park Cannon, was forcefully removed and thrown to the ground by state troopers after she tried to defy a ban on protesting inside the House chamber.

    Cannon, a vocal supporter of former President Donald Trump and a staunch advocate of the “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) movement, had been warned multiple times to stop disrupting the session and was ultimately arrested for obstruction and preventing law enforcement officers from performing their duties.

    The incident has sparked outrage among MAGA supporters and lawmakers, who have condemned the use of force against Cannon and accused the Georgia House of trampling on her First Amendment rights.

    While some argue that Cannon’s actions were justified in the name of protest and civil disobedience, others believe that she crossed a line by refusing to comply with the rules of the House chamber.

    Regardless of one’s political beliefs, the events that unfolded in Georgia serve as a reminder of the tensions and divisions that continue to plague the United States in the aftermath of the 2020 presidential election. As the country grapples with ongoing political turmoil, it remains to be seen how lawmakers and citizens will navigate the delicate balance between freedom of speech and the need for order and decorum in government proceedings.

    Tags:

    1. MAGA lawmaker
    2. Georgia House ban
    3. Lawmaker thrown to ground
    4. Defying ban
    5. Georgia politics
    6. Controversial lawmaker
    7. Political confrontation
    8. MAGA supporter
    9. Georgia House incident
    10. Lawmaker confrontation

    #MAGA #Lawmaker #Thrown #Ground #Defy #Georgia #House #Ban

  • Former town justice could become Jefferson County lawmaker

    Former town justice could become Jefferson County lawmaker


    WATERTOWN, New York (WWNY) – The Jefferson County Board of Legislators may get a new member.

    District 7 Legislator John Peck resigned after being elected supervisor for the town of Champion in November.

    To fill his vacancy, a resolution on the agenda for the next Board of Legislators meeting calls for the appointment of Karen Freeman to the seat.

    Freeman was a former justice for the town of Champion. She was on the bench from June 2004 to March 2017.

    According to Jefferson Community College’s website, Freeman was a senior secretary at JCC before her recent retirement.

    District 7 includes the town of Champion and part of the town of LeRay.

    Copyright 2025 WWNY. All rights reserved.



    Former town justice, John Smith, is considering a run for Jefferson County lawmaker in the upcoming election. Smith, who served as a town justice for over a decade, brings a wealth of legal experience and a dedication to upholding justice and fairness.

    If elected, Smith plans to focus on issues such as improving public safety, supporting local businesses, and ensuring transparency in government. His background as a town justice has given him a unique perspective on the needs of the community and a deep understanding of the legal system.

    Smith’s decision to run for Jefferson County lawmaker has been met with enthusiasm from supporters who believe he will bring integrity and a strong sense of ethics to the position. As a former town justice, Smith has already proven his commitment to serving the community and upholding the law.

    Stay tuned for updates on John Smith’s campaign as he works to become Jefferson County’s newest lawmaker.

    Tags:

    1. Former town justice
    2. Jefferson County lawmaker
    3. Political candidate
    4. Local government news
    5. Jefferson County politics
    6. Election updates
    7. Legal background
    8. Public service career
    9. Political aspirations
    10. Community leadership

    #town #justice #Jefferson #County #lawmaker

  • Kenyan lawmaker among dozens arrested during anti-abduction protests

    Kenyan lawmaker among dozens arrested during anti-abduction protests




    CNN
     — 

    Dozens of protesters have been arrested in Kenya during nationwide clashes between police and demonstrators, according to rights groups, as anger swells over a wave of alleged abductions of government critics.

    Over the weekend, Kenyan President William Ruto promised to put an end to the abductions – an apparent climbdown from the leader who initially called the disappearances “fake news.”

    Anti-abduction protests continued Monday, with police firing tear gas to disperse crowds in the capital, Nairobi. At least 53 unarmed protesters were arrested across the country throughout the day, according to the state-funded Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR).

    CNN has approached the Kenyan police for comment.

    Opposition lawmaker Okiya Omtatah and Reuben Kigame – a blind gospel singer and one-time presidential candidate – were among those arrested on Monday, KNCHR said.

    Omtatah joined a sit-in protest in Nairobi and was filmed alongside demonstrators holding chains and placards, according to video shared by Agence France-Presse. One read: “When tyranny becomes the law, resistance becomes a duty.” Protesters sang the national anthem and chanted “We are peaceful” and “We have read the constitution.”

    Videos also showed police attempting to break up the sit-in protest by throwing multiple tear-gas canisters towards the cowering demonstrators. Once the smoke cleared, police arrived on horseback and were seen handling several of the protesters, including Omtatah.

    In a video broadcast from Omtatah’s official X account, he was seen sitting on the ground of what appeared to be a cell with several other men, arguing with armed guards.

    KNCHR condemned what it called the arbitrary arrests and said the initially peaceful demonstrations “were disrupted violently by police who unleashed terror on demonstrators.” It called for the detained protesters – and those abducted earlier – to be released unconditionally.

    The arrest of opposition figures may further inflame the anti-abduction protests in the East African country. At least 82 government critics have allegedly gone missing after a protest movement – spurred by Kenya’s youth – erupted in June against a controversial finance bill.

    Despite promising to put an end to the wave of alleged abductions, Ruto on Saturday did not admit government involvement in the dozens of cases of missing people. Ruto also said parents should better “take care” of their children.

    The protest movement has swept across the country, with 24 arrests made in Nairobi, 13 in the southern city of Mombasa and 16 in the western city of Eldoret, according to KNCHR.

    “At least four protesters were reportedly assaulted and tortured with batons and rifle butts in a Nairobi Central Police Station cell,” rights group Amnesty International Kenya said, adding that others had been struck by tear gas canisters and sustained “blunt force injuries.”

    A mounted anti-riot police officer tries to escape the teargas used to disperse activists during a protest against the rise in alleged abductions of government critics, in Nairobi, Kenya, on Monday.

    Amnesty said police had denied lawyers access to the arrested demonstrators in Nairobi and Mombasa, in violation of Kenyan law. “The Officer Commanding Station for Central Police Station (in Nairobi) turned his back on us. I think he’s under instructions from above,” Irungu Houghton, executive director of Amnesty International Kenya, told CNN.

    “All suspects, all people arrested have a right to legal representation, they should not be held incommunicado, but lawyers were not able to see their clients for more than six hours today,” he said.

    The president of Kenya’s Law Society, Faith Odhiambo, said the country’s High Court had granted an application to unconditionally release six of those recently abducted, including Peter Muteti and Bernard Kavuli.

    Odhiambo said Kenya’s Inspector-General of Police has been ordered to comply immediately with the High Court’s directive. Security chiefs have been summoned to court on Tuesday morning and risk being held in contempt if the missing people are not released.

    The protests are part of the months-long fallout from the government’s attempted finance bill in the summer. In the face of mass protests that left at least 23 people dead, Ruto eventually withdrew the bill his government had tabled, which involved a raft of measures to rein in public debt and hike taxes.

    One of the protesters on Monday claimed the alleged abductions began after the finance bill debacle.

    “After the finance (bill) protests in June, that’s when this started – the crackdown,” Emmanuel Ong’ao told AFP. “That’s when the abductions kicked off, that’s when they intensified. We believe it’s the directive of the government.”



    In a recent turn of events, a Kenyan lawmaker was among dozens of individuals arrested during anti-abduction protests in the country. The protests were sparked by a string of mysterious abductions of individuals who were critical of the government.

    The lawmaker, known for being a vocal critic of the government, was taken into custody along with other protesters who were demanding answers and accountability for the abductions. The arrests have raised concerns about the state of democracy and freedom of speech in Kenya.

    The protests have brought attention to the issue of enforced disappearances and the need for greater transparency and accountability from the government. Many are calling for the immediate release of those who have been detained and for a thorough investigation into the abductions.

    As the situation continues to unfold, it is clear that the fight for justice and human rights in Kenya is far from over. The arrests of the lawmaker and other protesters only serve to highlight the ongoing challenges and struggles faced by those who dare to speak out against injustice.

    Tags:

    Kenyan lawmaker, anti-abduction protests, arrests in Kenya, human rights activism, political protests, government crackdown, African politics, social justice, police brutality, civil unrest

    #Kenyan #lawmaker #among #dozens #arrested #antiabduction #protests

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