News
Ruto Challenges the World at UNGA 81: Africa Wants a Seat at the Table, Not a Place on the Menu

NEW YORK — Kenya’s President William Samoei Ruto used his address to the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, to deliver a forceful case for reforming the international system, arguing that institutions created in the aftermath of World War II no longer fully reflect the world they are meant to serve.
Ruto’s speech looked back to the founding promise of the United Nations while confronting what he described as deep inequalities in the global political and financial system.
His central argument was straightforward: the world has changed dramatically, and the institutions governing it must change as well.
Ruto began by recalling the 1945 founding of the United Nations, when nations emerging from the devastation of World War II sought to build a system based on peace, international law, sovereign equality and cooperation.
He noted that Kenya joined the United Nations shortly after gaining independence in 1963, entering an organization whose Charter formally recognized the sovereign equality of nations.
But, he argued, the promise of equality remains incomplete.
Africa and the Security Council
One of the strongest themes in Ruto’s address was Africa’s representation in the United Nations Security Council.
Africa has 54 U.N. member states, yet no African country holds a permanent seat on the Council.
Ruto argued that this is increasingly difficult to reconcile with the principle of sovereign equality, particularly because decisions made by the Security Council can affect international peace and security across the African continent.
He pointed to the historical circumstances surrounding the creation of the postwar international system, noting that most African countries were still under colonial rule when the U.N. was established.
The world has since undergone decolonization, dramatically increasing the number of independent African states participating in the international system.
Yet the structure of the Security Council has remained largely unchanged.
Ruto’s call for reform therefore goes beyond temporary membership. He argued for equitable and permanent representation for Africa, including the privileges associated with permanent membership.
The issue is already part of the wider international debate. The United Nations General Assembly has continued discussions about making the international system more representative during its 81st session.
‘The World Has Changed’
Ruto connected the question of political representation to a broader crisis of confidence in international institutions.
He argued that international law loses credibility when countries perceive that the rules are applied differently depending on the circumstances or the identity of the country involved.
For Ruto, consistency is essential to rebuilding trust.
He also linked peace directly to development.
Wars, he argued, do not only destroy military targets. They close schools, damage hospitals, displace families, disrupt trade and increase the cost of food and essential goods.
That means peace and economic development cannot be treated as separate issues.
The U.N. Secretary-General has similarly warned about growing pressure on international cooperation and the rules-based international system.
The Financial System Is Part of the Problem
Ruto then shifted from political institutions to the international financial system.
He argued that developing countries frequently face significantly higher borrowing costs than wealthier economies, making it harder for them to finance infrastructure, education, healthcare and other long-term development priorities.
In his address, Ruto called for reforms that would make development finance more affordable and accessible.
He argued that multilateral development banks should lend more, provide longer-term financing and make greater use of guarantees and risk-sharing mechanisms to encourage private investment.
He also highlighted the role of sovereign credit ratings.
According to Ruto, perceptions of risk can significantly influence the interest rates developing countries pay and the amount of capital available to them.
His broader argument was that capital should reflect genuine economic risk rather than assumptions that make investment more expensive simply because a project is located in an African country.
Africa Wants to Move Beyond Extraction
Ruto also presented an economic vision for Africa centered on industrialization.
The continent has major deposits of minerals, significant agricultural potential, large renewable-energy resources and a rapidly growing consumer market.
But Ruto argued that Africa should capture more value from its resources instead of primarily exporting raw materials.
He pointed to the African Continental Free Trade Area as a potential platform for expanding African manufacturing and reducing the continent’s dependence on imported finished products.
The objective, he suggested, is to turn African resources into African industries, jobs and economic opportunity.
That argument reflects a broader effort by African governments to increase local processing and manufacturing around the continent’s natural resources.
Kenya’s Development Example
Ruto used Kenya’s own investments in education as an example of the type of development he wants to see supported.
He said Kenya has increased spending on education, recruited additional teachers and expanded classroom and laboratory infrastructure.
But he argued that domestic efforts can only go so far when developing countries face high international financing costs.
For Kenya, the message was that national responsibility and international reform must go together.
Governments must manage debt responsibly, strengthen institutions and tackle corruption, Ruto said, while the international financial system must also provide fairer access to capital.
A Warning About a Changing World
The speech repeatedly returned to the idea that global institutions are being asked to manage a world fundamentally different from the one that existed when they were created.
The United Nations was founded in 1945.
Since then, dozens of countries have gained independence, global economic power has shifted, new technologies have transformed societies and developing countries have become increasingly important to the world economy.
Yet some of the most powerful international institutions still reflect the balance of power established after World War II.
Ruto argued that continuing to rely on outdated structures risks weakening public confidence in multilateralism.
He called on countries not to abandon the United Nations, but to reform it.
‘The Unfinished Work of San Francisco’
Ruto ended his address by returning to the founding moment of the United Nations.
The leaders who created the organization after World War II confronted a devastated world and decided to build a new international order.
Ruto argued that today’s generation faces a similar responsibility.
The challenge now is to reform institutions so that they reflect contemporary realities, ensure international law is applied consistently, make development finance more accessible and give countries that have historically been excluded a meaningful voice in global decision-making.
His final message was directed at the entire international community.
“Let ours be the generation that completes the unfinished work of San Francisco,” Ruto said.
The phrase captured the central theme of his address: the United Nations remains necessary, but its institutions must evolve if they are to retain the confidence of the countries and people they were created to serve.
The 81st U.N. General Assembly is taking place at a time when the organization is confronting questions about its effectiveness, global conflicts, economic inequality and the future of multilateral cooperation.
For Ruto, reform is not about abandoning the United Nations.
It is about making the organization more representative of the world that exists today.
And for Africa, that means moving from being a frequent subject of international decisions to becoming a stronger participant in making them.
KSNMediaHub will continue to follow developments from the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.
News
Federal Judge Revokes Citizenship of North Carolina Man Convicted of Child Sex Crimes

RALEIGH, N.C. — A federal judge has revoked the U.S. citizenship of a 72-year-old Durham County man who admitted to making false statements during the naturalization process while concealing criminal conduct, federal authorities announced.
Cyril Domaquik Clemens, a native of Liberia, was sentenced to time served on September 17, 2026, after pleading guilty to naturalization fraud. The court also revoked his naturalized citizenship and ordered him to leave the United States at his own expense, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Federal prosecutors said Clemens made false statements under penalty of perjury on his citizenship application and during an interview with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
According to prosecutors, Clemens answered “no” when asked whether he had ever forced or attempted to force someone into sexual contact or committed a crime for which he had not been arrested.
Clemens became a naturalized U.S. citizen in February 2021. Authorities said the criminal conduct at issue began before he applied for citizenship, meaning the information he withheld was relevant to his naturalization proceedings.
Clemens subsequently pleaded guilty to naturalization fraud in federal court in June 2026, acknowledging the false statements that formed the basis of the prosecution.
The federal case followed his earlier guilty plea in Durham County Superior Court in April 2023 to three counts of indecent liberties with a child. According to the Justice Department, the offenses occurred over an extended period, beginning before Clemens submitted his citizenship application.
The state criminal proceedings and the federal fraud case addressed separate offenses. The state case involved the child sex crimes, while the federal prosecution concerned the false statements made during the process of obtaining U.S. citizenship.
The federal judge revoked Clemens’ citizenship after the fraud conviction and ordered him to leave the country at his own expense. The order to depart is a separate consequence from the revocation of his citizenship. The available announcement does not establish whether he has completed his departure from the United States.
Federal law permits the government to seek denaturalization when citizenship was illegally obtained or secured through concealment of a material fact or willful misrepresentation. The legal requirements are outlined in Section 1451 of Title 8 of the U.S. Code.
The investigation involved U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations, Homeland Security Investigations, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Authorities said the case was pursued as part of Operation False Haven, an initiative targeting immigration fraud involving individuals who allegedly concealed disqualifying criminal histories or other material information.
The case highlights the potential legal consequences of providing false information during the U.S. naturalization process, particularly when the concealed information concerns serious criminal conduct.
For additional details, readers can consult the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina, which publishes federal prosecution announcements and information about cases handled in the district.
KSN Media Hub will continue to follow developments involving federal court rulings, immigration enforcement, and public safety.
This report is based on publicly available government announcements and legal information. Allegations and case details are attributed to prosecutors and official records.
News
Woman Interrupts Church Wedding With Children, Claims Groom Is Her Husband

A wedding ceremony was reportedly interrupted after a woman arrived at a church with her children and confronted a groom she claimed was still her husband.
The woman, who was carrying a baby on her back, reportedly approached the altar and called on her other children to stand beside her as she addressed the congregation.
The incident attracted attention online after footage circulated showing the confrontation unfolding in front of the bride, who was dressed in a white wedding gown, and other wedding attendees.
According to an account published by TUKO.co.ke on October 12, the woman claimed that she and the groom had neither divorced nor separated.
The video, attributed to Ripple Effects in the report, ended without revealing how the confrontation was resolved or whether the wedding eventually proceeded.
Woman says she received information about the wedding
According to the woman’s account as reported by TUKO.co.ke, the man had left home earlier that morning, telling her he was travelling upcountry.
She alleged that she later received information suggesting he was preparing to marry another woman.
The tip-off reportedly prompted her to go to the church, where she confronted the groom in front of the congregation.
During the exchange, she maintained that their relationship had not formally ended and called their children forward as she challenged the ceremony.
Her statements formed the centre of the confrontation, although the groom’s response and his account of the relationship were not included in the material available for this report.
Bride caught in an unexpected confrontation
The incident reportedly left the bride and other people attending the ceremony visibly surprised.
According to the description accompanying the footage, the bride remained near the altar as the woman addressed the congregation. The groom was also present during the exchange, while the priest and other church participants watched.
The available video did not establish whether the ceremony was suspended, cancelled or later continued.
It also did not provide independent confirmation of the woman’s marital status or clarify whether any legal proceedings had taken place before the planned wedding.
Similar incidents have been reported before
Church confrontations involving disputed relationships are not entirely new in news coverage.
In October 2014, The Standard reported a separate incident in Kariobangi South, Nairobi, in which a woman disrupted a church service while alleging that her husband had neglected her and their child.
The circumstances of that earlier incident were different, and there is no evidence linking it to the current video. It nevertheless illustrates how disputes over family responsibilities and relationships can sometimes become public during religious gatherings.
Read The Standard’s 2014 report.
Questions remain unanswered
The latest wedding incident has generated questions about the groom’s relationship with the woman, the bride’s knowledge of the alleged marriage and the eventual outcome of the ceremony.
However, the available footage and published account do not answer those questions conclusively.
KSNMediaHub.com could not establish an independent report confirming the identities of those involved, the location of the church or the legal status of the relationship.
The woman’s statements should therefore be understood as allegations rather than established findings. A response from the groom, the bride or other people directly involved could provide additional context.
News
Fred Machoka Breaks Silence Over Golden Jubilee Rhumba Concert Drama Involving His Niece, Gloria Owoba

Veteran Kenyan broadcaster Fred Machoka has expressed gratitude following his Golden Jubilee Rhumba concert, reflecting on the concerns that surrounded the event before it brought together celebrated musicians from Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The landmark celebration attracted Rhumba enthusiasts eager to watch established performers, including Congolese music star Koffi Olomide, legendary singer Mbilia Bel, Them Mushrooms and Les Wanyika.
However, the concert also generated online discussion following separate incidents involving Koffi Olomide and former nominated senator Gloria Orwoba, drawing attention away from some of the evening’s musical highlights.
In a post-event message cited by TUKO.co.ke, Machoka opened up about the uncertainty the organising team faced before the concert, including concerns about weather conditions and fears that an Ebola-related scare might affect attendance.
Despite those worries, the veteran broadcaster expressed relief that the event went ahead as planned.
Fred Machoka reflects on concerns before the concert
Machoka said the organising team had been anxious about whether external circumstances would disrupt the celebrations, particularly the possibility of rain affecting the event.
He also recalled concerns about whether Ebola-related fears might discourage people from attending.
In his post, Machoka credited God for helping the organisers overcome their worries and deliver the celebration.
His remarks offered a glimpse into the pressures associated with organising a major live music event featuring internationally recognised performers and a large audience.
The broadcaster also thanked fans who turned up to support the concert, praising their enthusiasm and the reception given to the musicians.
Koffi Olomide delivers an extended performance
Koffi Olomide was among the evening’s headline performers, with Machoka praising the Congolese star for entertaining fans during an extended set.
According to the remarks quoted by TUKO.co.ke, Koffi performed for approximately two hours, while his wife, Cindy Le Cœur, and other musicians also contributed to the programme.
Mbilia Bel, Them Mushrooms and Les Wanyika were among the established acts associated with the concert, which celebrated the enduring popularity of Rhumba music across East Africa.
The event highlighted the genre’s continued appeal among audiences who appreciate its distinctive guitar arrangements, harmonies and dance rhythms.
Machoka also recognised the contribution of the event’s presenters and hosts, including Jeff Koinange, Mwalimu Churchill, Eric Latiff, Dee and Patrick Igunza.
He thanked those involved in making the programme possible and indicated that another edition could be considered in the future.
Gloria Orwoba incident draws attention
Despite the music performances, the event attracted controversy after former nominated senator Gloria Orwoba reportedly encountered a difficult moment on stage.
TUKO.co.ke reported that Orwoba was asked to leave the stage amid chants from some members of the audience.
The incident generated discussion online, with attention also directed at her relationship with Machoka, who is her uncle.
However, the circumstances surrounding the exchange and the motivations of individual audience members should not be assumed beyond what can be established from verified footage and accounts.
The episode added a political dimension to an event primarily organised to celebrate music and Machoka’s milestone.
Disagreement involving Koffi Olomide also discussed
A separate incident involving Machoka and Koffi Olomide also attracted attention after footage and accounts of an apparent disagreement circulated on social media.
The exchange became another talking point following the concert, prompting discussion about what had happened between the veteran broadcaster and the Congolese musician.
The available account does not, on its own, establish the full circumstances of the disagreement or either man’s complete perspective on the incident.
Further details should therefore be attributed to verified footage or direct statements from the individuals involved rather than speculation.
Machoka focuses on gratitude and the possibility of another concert
Despite the controversies, Machoka’s post-event message emphasised appreciation for the fans, musicians, presenters and other people who contributed to the celebration.
His remarks suggested that he regarded the event as an important milestone, notwithstanding the challenges and public discussion surrounding it.
He also left open the possibility of organising another edition, while acknowledging that a repeat event was not guaranteed.
The Golden Jubilee celebration brought together generations of Rhumba performers and audiences, underlining the genre’s lasting place in Kenya’s entertainment scene.
For Machoka, the response from music lovers appeared to be a central part of the experience, even as the incidents involving Orwoba and Koffi continued to generate debate after the final performances.
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