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DP Kindiki Warns Politicians Against Inciting Youths to Violence

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki cautioned politicians in Kieni, Nyeri County against inciting youths to cause violence, asserting that politics is about ideas, not violence. This warning comes as Kenya Police Service Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat issued a strong warning against sponsors of political violence, signalling a heightened crackdown ahead of the 2027 election cycle. Meanwhile, Deputy President Kindiki expressed strong confidence that the current broad-based government will win the 2027 elections, dismissing notions of a single-term administration and attributing his belief to extensive development projects that have solidified national support.

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Civil Society Demands Action On Femicide and Migrant Worker Protections

Amnesty International Kenya and other civil society groups are urging the Ministry of Gender, Culture, the Arts and Heritage to submit a critical Cabinet memorandum to address the escalating rates of femicide in Kenya. The European Union has launched a new Ksh 500 million initiative to support civil society organizations in advancing and protecting the rights of Kenyan citizens. Meanwhile, Kenya's migrant workers remain unprotected due to a decade-long legal gap, preventing the use of a mandatory Sh1.5 million security bond meant for their repatriation or the return of remains, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation.

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DCI Arrests Suspects in Separate Fraud and Land Scam Cases

Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested a suspect in Nairobi County accused of forging official signatures in a multi-million shilling land fraud scheme involving KSh50 million at Pangani. In a separate case, DCI arrested Harun Liluma, an interdicted staff member of the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC), for his alleged involvement in fraud impacting the Social Health Authority (SHA). Additionally, a TikToker identified as Peter Maingi Kimani was arrested for allegedly posting a video containing threats directed at President William Ruto.

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Shakahola Massacre Trial Concludes With DPP Closing Case

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has closed its final case in the Shakahola massacre trial after calling 95 witnesses, with Paul Nthenge Mackenzie and 94 others facing charges related to the deaths of 429 people. In a separate legal development, a Bomet court sentenced Bernard Miyeiende Kerongo to 50 years in prison and fined him Sh50 million for trafficking 278 kilograms of cannabis. Meanwhile, the Court of Appeal has ruled that sending explicit messages to a colleague's WhatsApp account constitutes sexual harassment, establishing a hostile work environment under Kenyan law.

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ODM Withdraws Removal Attempt Against Sifuna After Tribunal Ruling

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has backed down from its efforts to remove Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna as party secretary general, agreeing to abide by tribunal orders from the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal. The party had attempted to remove Sifuna from his position, triggering a legal challenge. At the tribunal hearing, ODM planned to use video evidence and transcripts to prove its case against Sifuna and have his challenge against removal dismissed. This marks a reversal for ODM, which had initially pursued Sifuna's removal before the tribunal ruled in his favor.

Politics & Governance

BAT Kenya declares Sh70 dividend as profit rises 18pc

BAT Kenya has declared a total dividend of Sh70 per share, following an 18 percent rise in gross profit for the year ending December 31, 2025. Despite this positive financial performance, the company experienced a decline in net revenue. Separately, Walmart has agreed to pay $100 million to settle claims that it misled gig workers using its Spark Driver app about their pay and tips. Meanwhile, Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey's company Block is implementing significant layoffs, cutting its workforce by nearly half, from 10,000 to less than 6,000 employees as it embraces AI.

Business & Economy

Sacking Amorim could cost Manchester United Sh2.8 billion

Manchester United is facing a significant financial fallout from the dismissal of former head coach Ruben Amorim, with the move potentially costing the club nearly £16 million (approximately Sh2.8 billion). At the same time, English Premier League leaders Arsenal face a crucial title test against London rivals Chelsea this weekend, while Manchester City continue their pursuit of the title and Tottenham are under pressure to avoid another defeat. The UEFA Champions League last 16 draw has also set up a thrilling rematch between perennial rivals Real Madrid and Manchester City, with reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain facing Chelsea in another highly anticipated clash. Meanwhile, Liverpool manager Arne Slot believes star player Mohamed Salah is a victim of his own exceptional standards amid a rare goal drought, as the 33-year-old has gone nine Premier League games without scoring.

Sports

Investigation Reveals Bribery in Kenyan Youth Recruitment for Russian War

An investigation by Citizen TV uncovered a large-scale recruitment ring that allegedly bribed Kenyan government officials to facilitate the departure of hundreds of youths to join the Russian military in the war against Ukraine. This comes as Nairobi County's Chief Officer for Citizen Engagement Geoffrey Mosiria warned parents to restrict children under 17 from using Facebook during the school mid-term break due to inappropriate content and advertising. The two stories highlight concerns over youth welfare and protection from exploitation. Meanwhile, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission announced 12,520 temporary positions for a voter registration exercise, a separate election-related hiring initiative.

Entertainment & Culture

Samsung Galaxy S26 Series Brings Exclusive Google AI Features to Non-Pixel Phones

The new Samsung Galaxy S26 series is introducing groundbreaking AI capabilities, becoming the first non-Pixel phones to receive exclusive Google AI features. This marks a significant expansion of Google's AI ecosystem beyond its own Pixel devices. Meanwhile, TECNO is pushing the boundaries of smartphone innovation with its ambitious Modular Magnetic Interconnection Technology, showcased at MWC 2026, representing a modular smartphone concept aimed at the African market. However, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra's new Privacy Display feature, designed to prevent shoulder surfing, unfortunately turns dark mode blacks into a washed-out gray.

Technology

Vertiv Unveils Digital Twin Platform to Speed AI Data Centre Deployment

Vertiv has introduced a new Digital Twin platform designed to significantly speed up the deployment of AI data centres, moving beyond traditional methods to enable faster and more precise scaling of AI infrastructure. The platform represents an advancement in how organizations can manage and deploy AI infrastructure across hybrid cloud environments. Nairobi has been recognized as a leading Artificial Intelligence hub in Africa, securing the 4th position in the Counterpoint Research 2026 Africa AI Cities Index, highlighting the city's progress in AI adoption and development. Red Hat has simultaneously launched its new integrated AI platform, Red Hat AI Enterprise, aimed at helping organizations effectively deploy and manage AI models and applications across hybrid cloud environments.

Technology

Bitok Orders Immediate Readmission Student in Hijab Dispute

Kenya's Ministry of Basic Education has ordered the immediate readmission of a Grade 10 student expelled from Lwak Girls High School for wearing a hijab. The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) separately ordered the Ministry of Education to immediately reinstate a Muslim Grade 10 student at St Mary's Lwak Girls in Siaya County who was reportedly sent home for wearing a hijab. Meanwhile, Kenya's Commission on Administrative Justice (Ombudsman) has ordered the State Department for Basic Education to eliminate or reduce the Ksh30 SMS placement fee for senior secondary school admissions.

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