Kenyans are set to vote in a presidential election marked by a shift from ethnic to class-based politics. Raila Odinga, a long-time candidate from the Luo tribe, faces off against Deputy President William Ruto, who promotes a populist, bottom-up economic approach. The election is notable for the absence of a Kikuyu candidate, a first in Kenya's history. Both candidates have questioned the integrity of the electoral process, raising concerns about potential post-election violence. The 2017 election saw significant unrest, and similar fears loom over this election.

The Ukrainian military collaborates with international fighters, including the Russian Volunteer Corps (RVC), a group of Russian dissidents with controversial white nationalist and neo-Nazi affiliations. The RVC gained attention for cross-border raids into Russia, challenging Russian forces and inspiring more recruits. Despite their extreme politics, the Ukrainian military values their support, raising questions about the alliance's implications. Ukrainian intelligence emphasizes compliance with democratic laws, while the RVC's actions complicate the narrative of Ukraine's fight against Russian aggression.

Eastern Africa is experiencing its worst drought in decades, severely affecting landscapes, livestock, and human populations, particularly in Northern Kenya. The drought, driven by climate change, has led to civil strife among shepherding communities and increased violence due to the prevalence of automatic weapons. The United Nations reports that over 26 million people in East Africa are struggling to find food, with nearly half-a-million children in Northern Kenya acutely malnourished. Kenyan Vice President William Ruto calls for greater action from Western nations to address climate change, while the International Panel on Climate Change warns of more severe droughts and conflicts if emissions are not significantly reduced.

Palm weevil grubs, rich in essential nutrients, are a popular delicacy in Cameroon, with increasing demand and economic value. Traditional harvesting methods are environmentally damaging, leading to the felling of raffia palms. Scientists Fogoh John Muafor and Patrice Levang, along with CIFOR, LIFT, and IRD, have developed sustainable farming techniques using plastic boxes, significantly increasing grub yield and reducing environmental impact. This method offers economic opportunities for professional grub collectors and ensures year-round production, securing the grubs' status as an important protein source and income generator in Cameroon.

Eastern Germany, particularly Saxony, exhibits significant pro-Russian sentiment, influenced by historical ties and current political movements like the Free Saxons and the AfD. Russian President Vladimir Putin's influence remains strong, with many locals viewing NATO and the U.S. negatively. Russian disinformation campaigns have found fertile ground, appealing to both far-right and far-left elements. The rise of the AfD and other right-wing groups poses potential shifts in Germany's political landscape, with implications for its stance on Russia and NATO.

Ukrainian intelligence is utilizing social media and open-source technology to gather information on Russian military positions and conduct effective strikes. Molfar, a Ukrainian company, has been able to pinpoint enemy locations by analyzing online posts, such as a video from the Pyatnashka Brigade's anniversary celebration on Telegram. Using clues from various media, they located a Russian base in Donetsk, which was later targeted by Ukrainian forces. The Russian Ministry of Defense has since limited journalists' access to sensitive areas, but Molfar continues to extract actionable intelligence from Russian soldiers' social media posts.

In Iraq, gender inequality is pervasive, with women facing significant disempowerment and high rates of illiteracy and unemployment compared to men. Cultural expectations pressure women to marry young and be obedient, often leading to domestic violence and other forms of mistreatment. Despite these challenges, a courageous minority of women are fighting against the entrenched patriarchy to promote women's empowerment.

The recent Iraqi elections, marked by a record-low turnout, resulted in significant losses for pro-Iranian Shiite parties, particularly the Fatah Alliance, while the movement led by Shiite cleric Moqtada Sadr emerged as the biggest winner. Pro-Iran factions, including the Hezbollah Brigades, denounced the election results as fraudulent. The US and EU called for addressing any irregularities through proper channels. The elections were advanced to address demands from a youth-led protest movement against corruption and Iranian influence. The political future of Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi remains uncertain amid ongoing factional negotiations.

Iraq's parliamentary election saw a notably low voter turnout, with only 19% of eligible voters participating by midday. The election, held under a new law to support independent candidates, was marked by widespread disillusionment and boycotts, particularly from those affected by the 2019 protests. The Sadrist Movement, led by Moqtada al-Sadr, is expected to emerge as the largest faction, though this is unlikely to significantly alter Iraq's political landscape. The election results are anticipated to lead to prolonged negotiations for government formation. Despite the low turnout, some Iraqis remain hopeful for change.

Candidates linked to militias are playing a significant role in Iraq's October 10 legislative elections by forming political parties like the Rights Movement, led by former Hezbollah Brigades spokesman Hussein Moanes. Critics argue that these candidates have an unfair advantage and hinder necessary reforms. Independent candidates face significant challenges due to the influence of armed groups, making it a matter of life and death, according to journalist Saif Ali.