NAIROBI, Kenya — Thousands of mourners, including African heads of state and dignitaries, gathered in Nairobi on Friday to honor the life and legacy of Raila Odinga, Kenya’s former Prime Minister and a towering figure in the nation’s democratic journey. Odinga, who passed away at the age of 80 in India earlier this week, was celebrated for his unwavering commitment to political reform and national unity. His casket, draped in the Kenyan flag, was the centerpiece of an emotional Anglican Church service held at a packed soccer stadium, where attendees chanted his name and displayed portraits of the revered leader. The ceremony was marked by traditional symbols of peace, such as twigs, and underscored by heavy security following a tragic incident during Thursday’s public viewing, which claimed three lives. Odinga’s body had earlier lain in state at Parliament, a rare honor typically reserved for presidents, reflecting his profound impact on Kenya’s political landscape. Despite never securing the presidency in his five attempts over three decades, Odinga’s activism was instrumental in transforming Kenya into a vibrant multiparty democracy. President William Ruto, who once campaigned for Odinga in 2007 and later became his political rival, praised the late leader for his selflessness and pivotal role in shaping Kenya’s laws. The two leaders had recently reconciled after months of anti-government protests, leading to opposition members being appointed to cabinet positions. Anglican Bishop David Kodia, who presided over the service, urged leaders to emulate Odinga’s integrity and reject corruption. Political analyst Herman Manyora highlighted Odinga’s legacy, stating, “You can’t point at a man more willing to sacrifice everything just for the sake of his people.” Odinga’s family, including his wife Ida and children Winnie, Rosemary, and Raila Junior, were among the mourners. Winnie, who was with him in India, shared that her father passed away “strong, with dignity and pride,” while Junior vowed to uphold the family’s legacy. The ceremony concluded with President Ruto leading the crowd in singing Odinga’s favorite song, “Jamaica Farewell,” a fitting tribute to a man who dedicated his life to Kenya’s progress.
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Egypt raises fuel prices for the second time this year
Egypt announced a 12% increase in fuel prices on Friday, marking the second such hike this year. The decision, communicated via a government Facebook post, did not specify the rationale behind the move but assured citizens that fuel prices would remain unchanged for at least one year. This adjustment is expected to exacerbate the already high cost of living, as Egyptians continue to face escalating inflation and rising daily expenses. Last year, the country witnessed significant price surges in fuel, subway fares, and a depreciation of the Egyptian pound against foreign currencies. According to the Central Bank of Egypt, annual urban consumer price inflation stood at 11.7% in September, down from 12% in August and 13.9% in July. The latest fuel price adjustments include diesel, which rose from 15.50 pounds ($0.33) to 17.50 pounds ($0.37) per liter, and 92-octane gasoline, which increased from 17.25 pounds ($0.36) to 19.25 pounds ($0.40) per liter. The government emphasized its commitment to maintaining refinery operations at full capacity and incentivizing partners to boost production, reduce import costs, and stabilize prices. Earlier this year, the minimum monthly wage was raised to 7,000 pounds ($138) from 6,000 pounds ($118.58) to alleviate some economic pressures. Egypt’s economy has been severely impacted by years of austerity measures, the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ukraine conflict, and the Israel-Hamas war. Additionally, Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping routes have significantly reduced Suez Canal revenues, a critical source of foreign currency. In response to these challenges, Egypt secured an $8 billion bailout from the IMF, with fuel price hikes deemed necessary to meet the fund’s conditions for further financial assistance.
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Look: UAE-made $25 million self-driving F1 race car ready to compete in Abu Dhabi
The United Arab Emirates has unveiled a groundbreaking innovation in the world of motorsports: a $25 million self-driving Formula One (F1) race car powered entirely by artificial intelligence (AI). Developed by the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC) in Abu Dhabi, the EAV-25 is a sleek, futuristic vehicle designed to compete without human intervention. Its striking hammerhead shark-inspired design and cutting-edge technologies, including advanced sensor systems, edge computing, and fast mobility stacks, make it a marvel of modern engineering. Unlike traditional F1 cars, which cost between $12 million and $15 million, the EAV-25’s components, such as its $50,000 steering wheel and $500,000 wings, reflect its unparalleled sophistication. The car is currently on display at the Evolve Future Mobility Show in Sharjah and will compete in the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League at Yas Marina Circuit on November 15, with a $2.25 million prize pool at stake. The EAV-25 can reach speeds of 370 km/h, outperforming human-driven cars by leveraging AI algorithms that analyze millions of operations per second. This innovation marks a significant milestone in the evolution of motorsports, where data and algorithms are becoming the new competitive edge.
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Experts: Washington’s policy shifts shroud global outlook
Recent shifts in US economic policies, including heightened tariffs and stricter immigration controls, are generating significant uncertainty and volatility in the global economic landscape, experts warn. During a recent webcast, Adam S. Posen, President of the Peterson Institute for International Economics, emphasized that the US economy is currently the primary source of global instability. These policy changes are dampening international trade and investment, with potential ripple effects across both advanced and emerging markets. The Peterson Institute’s semiannual forecast, released on October 9, 2025, highlighted that while optimism around artificial intelligence (AI) has temporarily buoyed the US economy, escalating trade barriers and reduced labor inflows are likely to exacerbate inflation and slow growth. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) echoed these concerns in its World Economic Outlook, projecting a gradual decline in global growth from 3.3% in 2024 to 3.1% in 2026, citing protectionism and policy uncertainty as key headwinds. US tariffs, now at their highest levels in nine decades, have sparked retaliatory measures and temporary trade front-loading, masking underlying economic weaknesses. Immigration restrictions have further strained labor markets, with net inflows reduced by an estimated 2 million in 2025. Despite these challenges, global GDP growth has been revised upward to 3.1% for 2025, driven by temporary factors such as inventory buildup and trade front-loading. However, experts caution that these practices are unsustainable and that inflationary pressures may intensify in the coming years. Emerging markets, particularly China and India, continue to sustain growth despite these headwinds, with China’s exports performing ‘surprisingly well.’ The IMF forecasts emerging market growth above 4%, with China playing a pivotal role in offsetting global economic slack. However, fragmentation in global trade is expected to limit gains, with trade growth projected at just 2.9% in 2025–2026. Posen concluded that US economic volatility remains the dominant force shaping the global outlook, with its policy responses to growth and inflation likely to have far-reaching consequences.
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South Africa thumps Sri Lanka in rain-affected Women’s Cricket World Cup match
In a rain-interrupted Women’s Cricket World Cup match on Friday, South Africa secured a commanding 10-wicket victory against Sri Lanka, inching closer to the semifinals. The game, held in Colombo, saw South Africa chase down a revised target of 121 runs in just 14.5 overs, finishing at 125 without loss. Captain Laura Wolvaardt led the charge with a swift 60 off 47 balls, while Tazmin Brits remained unbeaten with 55 off 42 deliveries, marking their fourth consecutive win in the tournament. Sri Lanka, opting to bat first, struggled to build momentum, posting 105-7 in 20 overs after a lengthy rain delay. The match was initially paused for over five hours, reducing the game to a 20-over contest. Despite the interruption, South Africa’s aggressive batting and Sri Lanka’s bowling challenges, exacerbated by the wet ball, sealed the outcome. Sri Lanka’s Vishmi Gunaratne, who was injured early in the game, returned to top-score with 34 runs. South Africa now sits second in the standings, trailing only Australia, while Sri Lanka remains winless. The tournament continues on Saturday with Pakistan facing New Zealand in Colombo.
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Shutdown could cost US economy $15b a week: Treasury
The ongoing US federal government shutdown, now in its third week, is projected to cost the economy up to $15 billion per week in lost output, according to a Treasury official. This clarification came after Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent initially overstated the impact, suggesting a daily loss of $15 billion. Bessent later corrected his statement, emphasizing the significant economic strain caused by the shutdown. The revised estimate is based on a report by the White House Council of Economic Advisers. Bessent warned that the shutdown is beginning to ‘cut into the muscle’ of the US economy, despite the sustained investment boom in sectors like artificial intelligence (AI). He attributed the economic momentum to President Donald Trump’s policies, including tax incentives and tariffs, which he compared to transformative periods in US history, such as the railroad expansion in the late 1800s and the internet boom of the 1990s. However, the shutdown has created a major obstacle to continued growth. The political deadlock in Congress over spending has intensified, with Trump threatening mass layoffs of federal workers. On Wednesday, a federal judge in California issued a temporary restraining order to halt the planned layoffs of 10,000 workers, following a lawsuit by labor unions. The judge ruled that the layoffs were ‘not ordinary’ and potentially illegal, especially as many employees were unaware of their termination due to inaccessible government email accounts during the shutdown.
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Too many eggs in one basket: Colombia and Brazil get trade lesson
Recent US-imposed tariffs are significantly altering trade dynamics in Latin America, particularly affecting Colombia and Brazil. These tariffs have led to a sharp decline in exports to the US, prompting both nations to seek diversification in their trade partnerships, particularly with China and the European Union. In August, Colombia’s exports to the US plummeted by 13.7%, the steepest drop this year, coinciding with the implementation of a 10% tariff on Colombian imports. This downturn underscores the fragility of Colombia’s export recovery and its heavy reliance on the US market. Jose Manuel Restrepo, Colombia’s former finance minister, highlighted the vulnerability of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in sectors like apparel, processed foods, plastics, and metals, which are most affected by these tariffs. Restrepo emphasized the need for Colombia to diversify its export markets and integrate more deeply with Latin American value chains and the Asia-Pacific region. Similarly, Brazil has experienced a consecutive decline in exports to the US, with a 20.3% drop in September. Jorge Arbache, former chief economist in Brazil’s Ministry of Planning, noted the potential for damaging factory relocations from Brazil to the US due to these tariffs. Both countries are now focusing on strengthening ties with other trading partners and enhancing their industrial diplomacy to mitigate the impact of US protectionist policies.
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Detained Gaza man reunites with family
Shadi Abu Sido, a Palestinian photojournalist from Gaza, has been reunited with his family after being released from Israeli detention as part of a US-mediated ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel. The deal, which ended two years of conflict, also saw the release of 1,700 Palestinians and 250 prisoners convicted or suspected of involvement in deadly attacks, in exchange for 20 Israeli hostages held by Hamas since October 2023.
Abu Sido, who was detained at Al-Shifa Hospital in northern Gaza on March 18 last year, had been told by Israeli guards that his wife and two children were dead. Overwhelmed with grief, he described the moment as shattering his world. However, upon his release on Monday, he discovered that his family was alive. His wife, Hanaa Bahlul, rushed to embrace him at their home in Khan Younis, and he held his children tightly, repeatedly kissing their cheeks and murmuring words of love.
Abu Sido’s detention was reportedly under Israel’s Unlawful Combatants Law, which allows for administrative detention without charge or trial. According to Addameer, a Palestinian human rights group, 2,673 Gazans are currently held under this law. The Israeli military stated that its detention policies comply with Israeli law and the Geneva Conventions.
During his detention, Abu Sido endured severe mistreatment, including beatings, prolonged kneeling, and being handcuffed and blindfolded. His wife revealed that he was initially held at Sde Teiman military detention camp in Israel, then transferred to Ofer military camp in the West Bank, and finally to Ketziot prison in Israel. Bahlul emphasized that her husband’s arrest was solely for his work as a journalist for a Palestinian institution.
The ceasefire deal has brought a temporary halt to the prolonged conflict, offering a glimmer of hope for families torn apart by the violence. Abu Sido’s reunion with his family serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of the ongoing tensions in the region.
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President approves CIA action in Venezuela
In a significant escalation of tensions between the United States and Venezuela, President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that he has authorized the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to conduct covert operations in Venezuela. The decision, which has drawn sharp criticism from Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, marks a new chapter in the fraught relationship between the two nations. Speaking at the White House, Trump accused Venezuela of releasing prisoners and mental patients to cross into the United States illegally, as well as facilitating large-scale drug smuggling operations. However, he provided no concrete evidence to support these claims. When questioned about whether the CIA had been authorized to target Maduro, Trump evaded a direct response, stating only that ‘Venezuela is feeling the heat.’ He also hinted at potential land-based military strikes, emphasizing that the U.S. already has ‘the sea very well under control.’ Maduro swiftly condemned the move, labeling it a ‘CIA-orchestrated coup d’etat.’ According to The New York Times, the new authorization permits the CIA to carry out lethal missions in Venezuela and the Caribbean, while coordinating with broader U.S. military operations in the region. The Trump administration has reportedly made it clear, albeit privately, that the ultimate objective is to remove Maduro from power. Currently, approximately 10,000 U.S. troops, eight warships, and one submarine are deployed in the Caribbean, primarily based in Puerto Rico. Since September, the U.S. has conducted five strikes targeting alleged drug-trafficking boats near Venezuela, resulting in 27 fatalities. Earlier this month, the White House informed Congress that the U.S. is engaged in a ‘non-international armed conflict’ with drug cartels designated as terrorist groups, though it did not specify which organizations. A 2020 report from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration indicated that while some cocaine passes through Venezuela, the country is not a primary source of U.S.-bound drugs. Maduro has repeatedly denounced Washington’s actions, accusing the U.S. of seeking to seize Venezuela’s oil resources. Historically, the CIA has been involved in numerous coups and covert operations across Latin America. Venezuela’s government has condemned Trump’s remarks as a violation of international law and plans to raise the issue with the United Nations Security Council and Secretary-General, demanding accountability from the U.S. government.
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Pressure mounts on UK police force to reverse decision to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from Villa game
In a decision that has sparked widespread criticism, West Midlands Police in Birmingham, England, have banned Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from attending the Europa League match against Aston Villa on November 6, citing security concerns. The move has drawn condemnation from political leaders, sports organizations, and Jewish groups, who argue that it undermines the spirit of inclusivity in football. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer labeled the decision as “the wrong decision,” emphasizing that the police’s role is to ensure all fans can enjoy the game without fear of violence or intimidation. Simon Foster, the elected official overseeing the local police force, has called for an “immediate review” of the ban. Aston Villa, the Premier League club hosting the match, stated that police expressed concerns about public safety outside the stadium and their ability to manage potential protests. West Midlands Police justified the ban by citing “current intelligence and previous incidents,” including violent clashes involving Maccabi fans during a match against Ajax in Amsterdam last season. While fan bans are rare in European football, they are typically imposed due to a history of violence between rival clubs, which is not the case here. However, Maccabi fans have faced increased scrutiny in recent years, partly due to tensions linked to the Gaza conflict. The upcoming match at Villa Park will be Maccabi’s first away game in the Europa League since pro-Palestinian protests occurred during their match against PAOK in Greece on September 24. UEFA, European football’s governing body, has urged British authorities to ensure Maccabi fans can attend the match, emphasizing the importance of a safe and welcoming environment. Maccabi Tel Aviv CEO Jack Angelides expressed dismay, suggesting the ban could signal a more sinister issue of antisemitism. Emily Damari, a British Israeli dual national and Maccabi supporter, condemned the decision, calling it “outrageous” and contrary to the unifying nature of football. The controversy highlights the delicate balance between security concerns and the principles of inclusivity and fairness in sports.