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Mette Sees bright future for Tusker FC despite Al Hilal defeat

By
Festus Basabo
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Tusker FC head coach Julien Mette believes his team has a promising future despite suffering a 2-0 defeat to Sudanese giants Al Hilal in their opening CECAFA Kagame Cup match played yesterday.

Rather than dwelling on the result, Mette praised his players for their determination, discipline, and courage against one of the strongest and most experienced teams in African football. He said the performance showed encouraging signs that the Brewers are moving in the right direction.

According to Mette, the biggest difference between the two sides was experience rather than quality. He noted that only Victor Mbaoma and Abud Omar in his squad have previously competed in major continental competitions such as the CAF Champions League or the CAF Confederation Cup.

“That is the lesson of experience at this level. Apart from Victor Mbaoma and Abud Omar, I don’t have any player who has played at the level of Al Hilal in competitions like the CAF Champions League or the CAF Confederation Cup. The players performed very well. I’m not disappointed. Instead, I am optimistic and positively surprised by their performance,” Mette said.

The French coach also revealed that Tusker FC is still in the early stages of building a new squad. He explained that the team has trained together for less than two weeks and includes 12 new players, making it difficult to develop cohesion before the tournament.

Mette further disclosed that Tusker was among the last clubs to confirm its participation in the CECAFA Kagame Cup, leaving the coaching staff and players with limited time to prepare.

“We have been training for less than two weeks. One of our players arrived just two days ago. We were among the last teams to register for the tournament, so everyone—the board, the technical staff, and the players—had to work under pressure. We are still in the process of building this team,” he added.

Despite the defeat, Mette remains confident that Tusker FC will continue to improve as the players gain experience and develop stronger chemistry. He believes the performance against Al Hilal has laid a solid foundation for the team’s growth and success in the matches ahead.

Turkana to gain most as CS Murkomen launches major Kerio valley security plan

By
Kimani Karanja
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TURKANA – Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has announced a renewed government strategy to secure the historically volatile Kerio Valley belt, with Turkana County positioning itself as a primary beneficiary of the long-term stabilization effort. The multi-agency initiative links regional security directly to accelerated infrastructure development and effective public service delivery across historically marginalized communities.

Over the weekend, CS Murkomen was joined by Defence CS Soipan Tuya and EAC, ASALs and Regional Development CS Beatrice Askul Moe alongside leaders from Baringo, West Pokot, Elgeyo Marakwet, and Turkana. The high-level delegation launched Kolowa Sub-County in Tiaty, Baringo, and officially initiated a Kerio Belt Security Assessment Mission.

Speaking during the event, Murkomen emphasized that the state is actively building upon progress achieved under Operation Ondoa Uhalifu. He explained that consolidating peace gains requires expanding physical infrastructure and establishing local administrative footprints that bring key government services closer to citizens.

To strengthen operational capacity, the national government handed over 40 desktop computers to 20 police stations across nine sub-counties. Additionally, 81 motorcycles were distributed directly to local chiefs to enhance mobility, speed up administrative response, and improve grassroots intelligence gathering.

Although the official launch took place in Baringo, its economic and security impacts are expected to reach deep into Turkana South, Turkana East, and Turkana Central. These areas have faced decades of cattle rustling, banditry, and resource-driven conflict along shared borders with neighboring counties.

EAC and ASALs CS Beatrice Askul noted that lasting peace in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands requires community cohesion and cultural inclusion alongside firearm recovery operations. She described Operation Ondoa Uhalifu as a multi-agency strategy to mop up illegal weapons and establish a secure, predictable environment for investment.

Regional leaders, including Turkana Senator James Lomenen, Woman Representative Cecilia Asinyen, Turkana South MP John Ariko, and Turkana East MP Nicholas Ng’ikor, attended the launch. Government officials confirmed that the intervention aims to replace lawlessness with functional governance, paving the way for economic growth in livestock trade and the region’s anticipated oil sector development.

Ebola Kenya update: Ministry of health strengthens Turkana & Lokichogio border screening

By
Kimani Karanja
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TURKANA – Kenya has heightened Ebola preparedness measures along its northern frontier, designating Turkana County as the country’s primary buffer against a rapidly escalating outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) that has now surpassed 3,000 confirmed infections.

The Ministry of Health has intensified surveillance at key points of entry, particularly along the vital Lokichogio transport corridor. The move comes amid rising concerns that the virus could spread into Kenya via neighboring South Sudan, where health experts warn of a severe risk of cross-border transmission.

The national health alert follows reports from DRC health authorities confirming that cases have officially crossed the 3,000 mark following a surge in single-day infections and deaths. A joint assessment by Kenya’s Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization indicates the regional epidemic has entered a critical phase.

The Democratic Republic of Congo is approaching a dangerous milestone in this Ebola outbreak, with confirmed cases reaching 2,994, just six cases shy of the 3,000 mark, according to the official report. Health officials are fighting to control a rapidly spreading epidemic in the northeast, where nearly 100 new cases and multiple deaths were reported in a single day, centered in Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, and Tshopo provinces.

Turkana County’s strategic location bordering South Sudan has placed it at the absolute center of Kenya’s emergency response plan. Public health experts warn that if sustained transmission takes hold in South Sudan, Turkana will likely serve as the primary entry point into Kenya due to the high volume of traders, refugees, humanitarian workers, and commercial cargo passing through the Lokichogio corridor.

Border detection is further complicated by the virus’s incubation period, during which infected individuals can travel undetected for days before exhibiting symptoms. The Ministry emphasized that South Sudan is especially vulnerable due to its fragile healthcare infrastructure, porous borders with the DRC and Uganda, informal crossing points, and the continuous movement of refugees and humanitarian relief operations.

Officials also voiced concern over numerous unofficial crossing routes locally known as panya routes which could allow travelers to bypass official health screening stations, severely compromising contact tracing efforts.

In response to the escalating Great Lakes health threat, the Ministry of Health has activated a multi-pronged preparedness strategy across high-risk gateway counties. Key emergency measures include mandatory temperature checks and health declarations at official border posts, the deployment of rapid response teams specialized in managing viral hemorrhagic fevers, the expansion of specialized isolation facilities, and increased community-level surveillance led by local chiefs and Community Health Promoters.

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale highlighted the strategic importance of the northern corridor, noting that if large-scale transmission begins in South Sudan, Turkana County will become Kenya’s most critical frontline defense. He emphasized that the Lokichogio route is a vital transport link, making early screening and rapid detection essential to keeping the virus out of the country. CS Duale further confirmed that the Ministry of Health has already stepped up emergency readiness by increasing surveillance at border entry points and bolstering isolation capacity in designated gateway counties.

Meanwhile, medical personnel in eastern DRC continue battling the epidemic under severe constraints. While the outbreak remains centered in Ituri Province, secondary transmission chains are active across North Kivu, South Kivu, and Tshopo provinces. Ongoing armed conflict, mass population displacement, attacks on health infrastructure, and community resistance continue to disrupt vaccination drives and contact tracing efforts.

With cross-border mobility remaining high across the Great Lakes region, public health officials maintain that unwavering vigilance along Kenya’s northern frontier remains the nation’s single most critical barrier against a local Ebola outbreak.

Wetangula highlights agriculture and infrastructure investment during Kisii visit

By
Binti Wangila
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KISII– National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula has emphasised the importance of sustainable development, agricultural growth and strategic investment as key drivers of Kenya’s economic transformation.

Wetang’ula made the remarks during a visit to Kitutu Chache North Constituency in Kisii County, where he attended a Sunday service and led a fundraising drive at Orwako PAG Church following an invitation from area Member of Parliament Japheth Nyakundi.

The Speaker said the Church continues to play an important role in promoting moral values, peace and national unity.

“The Church is a key pillar of moral values in society. We continue to encourage the Church to pray for our nation so that it maintains peace and cohesion,” said Wetangula.

He described the Gusii region as one of Kenya’s important agricultural zones, noting its contribution through the production of bananas, coffee, tea, sugarcane and other crops.

Wetang’ula said the country should focus on boosting agricultural productivity, improving farmers’ earnings and strengthening food security through sustainable approaches.

He said the government’s development agenda is aimed at creating long-term economic opportunities rather than relying only on subsidy programmes.

“While addressing residents of Gesieka in Kitutu Chache North, Kisii County, I reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting sustainable development across the country,” he said.

The Speaker also highlighted the proposed establishment of an infrastructure fund and a national investment fund, saying the initiatives would help transform the country by supporting major development projects.

He said the funds would support critical sectors including roads, energy, water, housing and other public infrastructure while ensuring national resources are invested responsibly.

Wetangula added that proper investment and management of public resources would strengthen Kenya’s economic foundation and secure a better future for generations to come.

Netanyahu attacks former ICC prosecutor after removal from office

By
Binti Wangila
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NEW YORK, United States — Former International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor Karim Khan has been removed from office after 82 out of 125 member states voted in favour of his dismissal over allegations of serious misconduct and breach of duty.

The decision was reached through a secret ballot held at the United Nations headquarters in New York. Khan, 56, had been suspended earlier following allegations of sexual misconduct, claims he has consistently denied.

His lawyer has said Khan intends to challenge the decision through all available legal channels.

The removal of Khan has drawn a reaction from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is currently the subject of an ICC arrest warrant over alleged war crimes linked to the Gaza conflict.

Speaking after the decision, Netanyahu accused Khan of pursuing charges against him as a way of protecting his own position.

“He thought that if there was an indictment, he would keep his job. There was an indictment, and eventually he lost his job,” Netanyahu said.

The Israeli leader further claimed that Khan’s removal proved that the allegations against him lacked credibility.

“He was removed by many nations that understood he was not credible,” Netanyahu added.

In 2024, Khan sought arrest warrants against Netanyahu and other Israeli officials over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity during the Gaza war. The move triggered strong criticism from Israel and its allies and has complicated Netanyahu’s travel to countries that are members of the ICC.

Netanyahu also criticised New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who had previously said he would seek Netanyahu’s arrest if he visited the city, although he later acknowledged that he lacked the legal authority to do so.

“Khan’s removal shows that the allegations being used against me had no basis,” Netanyahu said.

Despite the controversy, Netanyahu has announced that he plans to attend the United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York in September.

“I intend to come to New York and speak the truth, defend Israel, and speak about the Israel-US alliance from the podium of the United Nations,” he said.

Two men sentenced to death for violent robbery of boda boda rider in Wajir

By
Binti Wangila
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WAJIR– The Wajir Law Courts have sentenced two men to death after finding them guilty of violently robbing a boda boda rider in Wajir Township.

Senior Principal Magistrate Eric Malesi convicted Abdiaziz Ali, also known as “Odi,” and Abdiwahab Mohamed, alias “Steam Boy,” after ruling that the prosecution had proved the case beyond reasonable doubt.

The two were charged with robbery with violence, while Abdiaziz Ali also faced an alternative charge of handling stolen property.

According to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), the prosecution, led by Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Robert Nyoro, presented three witnesses and several exhibits linking the accused to the crime.

In his ruling, Magistrate Malesi held that the prosecution had presented sufficient evidence to secure a conviction.

“The prosecution has proved its case beyond reasonable doubt,” the court ruled before convicting and sentencing the two men.

The court heard that on the night of November 13, 2025, the complainant, Nesiah Thuranira, was operating his motorcycle along Baraza Park Road in Wajir Township when two men approached him pretending to be passengers.

Moments later, five other men armed with knives emerged from a nearby alley, assaulted him, threatened to kill him and robbed him of his mobile phone valued at KSh30,000.

The attackers then forced the rider to an M-Pesa shop where they demanded his M-Pesa PIN before withdrawing KSh15,000 from his mobile wallet. They also attempted to withdraw an additional KSh10,000.

The victim managed to alert the M-Pesa attendant, Josephat Kimathi, although by then the money had already been withdrawn, with an additional KSh5,000 transferred to another phone number.

Investigations established that the mobile number used in the fraudulent transactions had been registered using the identity card details of the first accused’s sister without her knowledge or consent. Detectives also recovered the complainant’s stolen mobile phone from the home of the first accused’s mother.

The two accused persons did not call any witnesses in their defence.

Following their conviction, the court sentenced both men to death and granted them 14 days to file an appeal should they wish to challenge the judgment.

UDA Politics shake Wayu town in Galledyetu sub-county, Tana River county

By
Dominic Barasa
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TANA RIVER-Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes, Geoffrey Kiringa Ruku, has urged residents of Tana River County to turn out in large numbers to register for national identity cards.

Speaking in Wayu, Galledyetu Sub-County, Ruku said obtaining a national ID was essential for accessing government services.

“Every eligible Kenyan should acquire a national identity card because it is the key to accessing government services and exercising their constitutional rights,” he said.

The Cabinet Secretary also called on residents to register as voters in preparation for the 2027 General Election.

“I urge all eligible residents to register as voters early so they can fully participate in choosing the country’s leadership in 2027,” Ruku added.

On the political front, Ruku criticised former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of making statements that could fuel division among communities.

He also defended Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale over his recent remarks, saying that if leaders serving in government are summoned by the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) over their statements, then Gachagua should be the first to appear.

“If government leaders are to be questioned by the NCIC, then Gachagua should be the first to answer before the rest of us,” he said.

Ruku further maintained that leaders and residents from the Mt. Kenya region would remain part of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) government ahead of the 2027 elections.

“Come 2027, the people and leaders of the Mt. Kenya region will remain firmly in the UDA government,” he stated.

The Cabinet Secretary also addressed concerns over the Kenya Meteorological Department’s forecast of heavy rains expected in October across the Coast and North Eastern regions. He assured residents that the government was prepared to respond to any emergencies and support those affected.

“The government is fully prepared to ensure no one suffers unnecessary losses. Those who incur losses due to flooding will receive government assistance,” Ruku said.

Meanwhile, Tana River Woman Representative Amina Dika expressed confidence that President William Ruto would secure a second term in office.

“We will ensure President William Ruto wins a second term, and Tana River County will deliver even more votes to UDA than it did in the 2022 General Election,” Dika said.

Taveta Member of Parliament John Bwire Okano also urged Coast residents to register for national identity cards and subsequently register as voters.

“Residents of the Coast region should obtain their identity cards and register as voters so that in 2027 we can deliver more than three million votes for President William Ruto,” Okano said.

Lamu alarmed as youth gangs fuel rising insecurity after DCI officer attack

By
Binti Wangila
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LAMU-Human rights activists have raised concern over deteriorating security in Lamu County following the stabbing and injury of a Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officer, warning that the incident reflects the growing threat posed by youth involvement in violent crime.

The attack, which happened on Friday, sparked fear among residents and renewed calls for stronger security measures, improved coordination among security agencies, and greater public involvement in fighting crime.

Vocal Africa Chief Executive Hussein Khalid said the assault on the officer was a clear indication that insecurity in Lamu had reached worrying levels and required urgent intervention from the government.

“So far, the problem of young people joining gangs and using machetes and knives to attack others in Lamu has become widespread,” Hussein said.

He added that a pattern of violent incidents had emerged in the county, affecting both ordinary residents and government officials responsible for maintaining law and order.

“We have seen chiefs killed, young people having their legs cut, and now even security officers are being attacked and stabbed. All this is a clear indication that security has deteriorated in Lamu,” he said.

Hussein urged the Ministry of Interior to strengthen security operations in the county by equipping officers with adequate resources, modern tools and specialised training to respond effectively to the rising cases of violence.

He questioned why security interventions implemented in other parts of the country could not be extended to Lamu, saying residents deserved equal attention in efforts to restore peace.

“Lamu deserves the same attention and security interventions being given to other parts of the country,” he said.

The activists also appealed to residents to support ongoing investigations by providing information that could help identify suspects and prevent further attacks.

Lamu Civil Society Organisation chairman Shakir Ahmed called on young people to avoid criminal groups and take responsibility for promoting peace within their communities.

“Every member of the community must obey the law and value the lives of fellow residents. We urge young people to stay away from violent groups and instead work with community leaders to promote peace and strengthen security,” Ahmed said.

Resident Zeinab Ahmed condemned attacks targeting security officers, saying such acts undermine efforts to maintain law and order.

“We strongly condemn these attacks on security officers and appeal to members of the public to cooperate with security agencies in maintaining peace across our county,”she said.

Meanwhile, Vocal Africa Coast Coordinator Walid Sketty said restoring security in Lamu required involvement beyond law enforcement agencies, noting that political leaders and local communities also had an important role to play.

“We are calling on politicians from the Coast region to engage directly with communities and support dialogue involving residents and the security agencies so that incidents such as this do not happen again,” Walid said.

The activists maintained that addressing insecurity in Lamu would require a coordinated approach involving government agencies, political leaders and residents to tackle the causes of violence and rebuild public confidence in security institutions.

Garissa county to host landmark community land awareness baraza

By
Vincent Amara
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Residents and community leaders across Garissa County are set to gather at the Young Muslim Primary School on July 29, 2026, for a pivotal Land Awareness Baraza focused on community land registration and legal tenure security.

Organized through a joint effort by the County Government of Garissa, the Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development, the National Land Commission, and the Council of Governors, the public event aims to equip citizens with essential knowledge to safeguard their ancestral land rights under Kenyan law.

For generations, much of the region’s land has been held under customary arrangements, leaving many communities vulnerable to tenure insecurity and boundary disputes.

During the upcoming morning session running from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM, officials and land experts will outline the step-by-step process for registering community land under the Community Land Act.

Facilitators will demonstrate how formal legal recognition grants communities full decision-making power through elected Community Land Management Committees, ensuring their property is legally protected for future generations.

In addition to securing legal tenure, the awareness campaign highlights the crucial role of clear land ownership in driving local development and maintaining regional peace. Legally recognized boundaries eliminate ambiguity, reducing land-related conflicts between neighboring groups while paving the way for sustainable public and private investments.

By bringing together key government and constitutional bodies under one roof, organizers hope to streamline the administrative process for Garissa residents and ensure every community can confidently secure its land rights.

Guardiola is the best coach of the last 25 years

By
Newton Ingui
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MANCHESTER — New Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca marked his official unveiling by paying ultimate tribute to predecessor Pep Guardiola, calling the legendary Catalan tactical mind the finest manager of the modern era.

Maresca spoke candidly about taking over the Etihad hotseat following Guardiola’s departure after a decade-long spell that yielded 20 major trophies.

Addressing media at his introductory press conference, the 46-year-old Italian underscored the scale of the task ahead while expressing deep admiration for Guardiola.

“First of all, I have to say that it’s a privilege because the club decided to go for me,” Maresca said. “I’ve said many times that I consider Pep probably the best coach in the world in the last 20 to 25 years. It is a challenge. It is nice, it is a privilege.”

Having previously worked under Guardiola as an assistant coach during City’s historic 2022–23 treble-winning campaign, Maresca noted that he understands the blueprint and principles required to maintain success at the highest level.

When asked about the difficulties experienced by premier clubs following long-serving legends—such as Manchester United post-Sir Alex Ferguson or Arsenal after Arsène Wenger—Maresca emphasized Manchester City’s structural stability as the deciding factor.

City have employed just three managers over 17 years (Roberto Mancini, Manuel Pellegrini, Pep Guardiola).

Maresca noted that the club hired him due to a aligned philosophy focused on aggressive pressing off the ball and controlling games.

The Italian is focusing on finalizing pre-season preparations ahead of the Community Shield clash against Arsenal on August 16.

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