标签： Jamaica

KISUMU, Kenya — Tens of thousands of mourners gathered in western Kenya on Saturday to pay their final respects to Raila Odinga, a revered political figure whose death has left the nation in profound grief. The massive turnout in Kisumu, Odinga’s political stronghold, marked the climax of a week-long mourning period that has already claimed at least five lives. As his coffin arrived by helicopter at the city stadium, the crowd erupted in emotional chants of “Baba” (father) and “We are orphans,” reflecting the deep connection Odinga had with his supporters. Odinga, 80, passed away on Wednesday in India from a suspected heart attack, sparking nationwide sorrow, particularly among the Luo community, which he championed. Despite the overwhelming crowd, the event in Kisumu was relatively orderly compared to earlier ceremonies in Nairobi, where security forces resorted to lethal measures to control surging crowds. A medical source reported that 74 people were treated for fainting and dehydration at the stadium. Odinga’s legacy as a key architect of Kenya’s multi-party democracy and the 2010 constitution remains undisputed, though his death leaves a leadership vacuum in the opposition. His pragmatic alliances, including a recent deal with President William Ruto, had alienated some young voters. As Kenya prepares for potentially turbulent elections in 2027, the future of Odinga’s political movement remains uncertain.

PARIS, France — Nicolas Sarkozy, the former French president, is set to begin his prison sentence on Tuesday, marking a historic moment as he becomes the first former head of state from an EU country to be incarcerated. Sarkozy, who led France from 2007 to 2012, was convicted in late September for his involvement in a criminal conspiracy to secure illegal campaign funding from the late Libyan dictator Moamer Kadhafi during his 2007 presidential bid. Despite appealing the verdict and decrying it as an “injustice,” Sarkozy will be held at La Sante prison in Paris. In a defiant statement following his conviction, Sarkozy declared, “If they absolutely want me to sleep in prison, I will sleep in prison — but with my head held high.” This makes him the first French leader to face imprisonment since Philippe Petain, the Nazi-collaborating head of the Vichy regime, who was jailed after World War II. Sarkozy is expected to be placed in solitary confinement, occupying a nine-square-meter cell to minimize interaction with other inmates and prevent unauthorized photography. The presiding judge, Nathalie Gavarino, emphasized the “exceptional gravity” of the offenses, ordering his incarceration even as he appeals. Sarkozy’s legal team is likely to seek his release immediately, but the court retains the authority to deny it if there are concerns about evidence tampering or witness intimidation. If released, he could be placed under judicial supervision or house arrest with an ankle tag. Sarkozy’s legal troubles have mounted since his 2012 re-election loss, including a prior graft conviction. In the Libyan case, prosecutors alleged that his aides struck a deal with Kadhafi in 2005 to fund his campaign, with promises to restore Kadhafi’s international image. However, the court acquitted Sarkozy of charges related to embezzlement, corruption, and illicit campaign financing. Despite losing his Legion of Honour distinction, Sarkozy retains some support on the French right, with his son Louis Sarkozy urging supporters to rally outside their family home. The case has also sparked controversy, with the presiding judge receiving death threats, prompting President Emmanuel Macron to condemn such actions as “unacceptable.” La Sante prison has housed notable figures, including Venezuelan militant Carlos the Jackal and French model agent Jean-Luc Brunel, who was found dead in his cell in 2022.