Author: Andrew Walyaula

Hussein Mohammed was on Saturday December 7 elected the new Football Kenya Federation (FKF) president, in the second round of voting after round one failed to give an outright winner. The Murang’a SEAL Vice-Chairman bagged 67 votes in the ultimate stage, while competitors Barry Otieno and Doris Petra who had already withdrawn from the race after Hussein claimed a slight advantage in round one but short of the 50+1 votes required, still got a vote apiece in the second phase as some delegates abstained. Hussein’s had been long coming, as opinion from the common man, holding no vote in this…

Rebel forces in southern Syria have reportedly captured most of the Deraa region – the birthplace of the 2011 uprising against President Bashar al-Assad. A UK-based war monitor reports that the “local factions” were able to take control of many military sites there following “violent battles” with government forces. According to Reuters news agency, rebel sources say they had reached a deal for the army to withdraw and for military officials to be given safe passage to the capital, Damascus – roughly 100km (62 miles) away. The BBC has been unable to independently verify these reports, which come as Islamist-led…

The NFL has ended its investigation into the latest sexual assault allegation made against Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson. The 29-year-old was under investigation after the filing of a civil lawsuit in September from a woman in Texas, seeking $1m (£764,000) in damages for an incident that allegedly occurred while the pair were on a date in October 2020. Watson denied the allegation and the lawsuit was settled confidentially. The NFL subsequently conducted its own investigation but announced on Saturday it would take no formal action against Watson. “There was insufficient evidence to support a finding of a violation of the personal conduct policy,”…

The Merseyside derby between Everton and Liverpool, scheduled to take place at Goodison Park, has been postponed due to safety concerns caused by severe weather from Storm Darragh. The decision was made on Saturday morning following an amber weather warning for strong winds in Merseyside, with disruptive conditions affecting much of the UK. The postponement was announced after a meeting involving both clubs, Merseyside Police, and Liverpool City Council. An Everton statement emphasized the priority of ensuring safety: “Whilst we appreciate this will be deeply disappointing for supporters, the safety of fans, staff, and players is of paramount importance.” Liverpool…

The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) was awarded a Certificate of Recognition at the 2024 Financial Reporting (FiRe) Awards. The accolade, presented last night in Nairobi, was in the category of Unqualified Report – International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS), highlighting the Authority’s strong commitment to financial management and accountability. Speaking at the event, NACADA CEO Dr. Anthony Omerikwa expressed pride in the achievement, attributing the success to the Authority’s strict adherence to government policies and guidelines on resource management. “This award reflects the robust systems and frameworks we’ve developed to ensure the prudent…

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has instructed all vehicle dealers to complete pending motor vehicle registration applications by December 6, 2024, following a recent crackdown. The operation, which involved a multi-agency revalidation exercise with the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), the Financial Reporting Centre (FRC), the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), and security agencies, aimed to ensure compliance with the law and eliminate illegal vehicle dealers. “Following the completion of the initiative, the Authority notes that several motor vehicles dealers are holding unregistered vehicles within their premises [showrooms and yards] contrary to the requirement of the Traffic Act, Cap403,”…

Uasin Gishu County CEC Member for Lands, Physical Planning, and Housing, Janet Kosgei, was arrested on Wednesday evening by officers from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) in Eldoret. She is accused of extorting money from citizens seeking land services. EACC Spokesperson Eric Ngumbi confirmed the arrest from Mombasa on Thursday, stating that it was part of an ongoing investigation into multiple complaints. Residents had reported that Kosgei was demanding bribes ranging from Sh100,000 to Sh300,000 for various land-related services. It is alleged that Kosgei created a culture of requiring bribes in exchange for her signature on service approvals, even…

A Modern Coast bus caught fire on Saturday, December 7, near the Gilgil Weigh Bridge along the Nairobi-Nakuru highway. Police said the incident occurred at around 09:40 a.m. in the Kigio Conservancy area. “There were 23 passengers on board, all of whom escaped unhurt. Officers are at the scene to begin investigations into the cause of the fire. A progress report will follow,” police said. The officers have arrived at the scene and are currently investigating the cause of the fire. Videos from the scene show the fire originating from the rear of the bus, quickly spreading toward the driver’s…

Nairobi residents will now pay at least Sh30 more per unit of water after new tariffs were approved for the Northern Collector Tunnel Water Supply System. The changes were announced in a gazette notice dated December 6, 2024, following public consultations. The Athi Water Works Development Agency (AWWDA) had applied to the Water Services Regulatory Board (WASREB) for tariff adjustments for the period 2024/2025 to 2026/2027, citing the need to improve service delivery, operate sustainably, and protect consumer interests. WASREB approved the new tariffs after considering submissions from stakeholders and analyzing available data. Under the revised tariff structure, water charges…

The identity of one of Sean “Diddy” Combs’ earliest sexual assault accusers has been revealed. NHL star Evander Kane’s ex-wife, Anna Kane — who initially filed her lawsuit in December 2023 under the pseudonym “Ms. Doe” — amended her complaint Friday to include her name, which was first reported by TMZ. “I had hoped to use a pseudonym in pursuing justice for what happened to me as a teenager,” Anna tells Page Six in a statement via her attorney Douglas Wigdor. “Defendants’ demand that I use my name was an attempt to intimidate me, but I am not intimidated. I am prepared to proceed and hold…

Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has formed the CHAN-AFCON Multi-Agency Team (MAT) to oversee Kenya’s preparations for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN). The tournament, scheduled from February 1 to February 28, 2025, will be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. This historic event marks the first time CHAN will be hosted across three nations and serves as a precursor to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which the same countries will also co-host. Also Read: Kenya To Host 2027 AFCON Opening And Closing Ceremonies Each host country is required to ensure suitable venues…

Amid an unprecedented cyberattack on telecommunications companies such as AT&T and Verizon, U.S. officials have recommended that Americans use encrypted messaging apps to ensure their communications stay hidden from foreign hackers. The hacking campaign, nicknamed Salt Typhoon by Microsoft, is one of the largest intelligence compromises in U.S. history, and it has not yet been fully remediated. Officials on a news call Tuesday refused to set a timetable for declaring the country’s telecommunications systems free of interlopers. Officials had told NBC News that China hacked AT&T, Verizon and Lumen Technologies to spy on customers. A spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in…

South Korea President Yoon Suk Yeol has apologised for declaring martial law earlier this week and has said there will not be another such order. The embattled leader is facing potential impeachment following Tuesday night’s declaration, which was quickly overturned in the National Assembly. In response to the president’s address, the leader of his ruling People Power Party (PPP) told reporters that it had become impossible for Yoon to continue his normal duty. “His early resignation is inevitable,” said Han Dong-hoon. “I am very sorry and would like to sincerely apologise to the people who were shocked,” Yoon said in…

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has announced the appointment of Abdi Mohamud as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective January 11, 2025. The appointment, made by EACC Chair Bishop David Oginde, was gazetted on December 5, 2024. Mohamud, who is currently the deputy CEO under outgoing head Twalib Mbarak, will become the third CEO of the anti-graft commission. His tenure is set for six years, with no option for renewal. Mbarak, a former military intelligence officer, has served as EACC CEO since January 2019, succeeding Halakhe Waqo, whose six-year term ended on January 10, 2019. Mohamud’s nomination was approved…

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has announced a seven-day partial closure of Mombasa Road at the Southern Bypass interchange. This adds to the ongoing road construction disruptions affecting the busy highway. The closure began on the night of December 6 and will run until Friday, December 13, to allow for maintenance work at the Southern Bypass interchange. KeNHA has indicated that the Nairobi-bound carriageway between FUSO and the Southern Bypass Interchange at Ole Sereni will be partially closed. During this period, heavy vehicles weighing more than 3.5 tonnes and motorists heading to the Southern Bypass will be diverted to…

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has dismissed claims by Controller of Budget (CoB) Margaret Nyakang’o that his county spent zero shillings on development in the first quarter of the financial year, from July to October 2024. Sakaja clarified that counties faced delayed exchequer releases from the National Treasury, receiving funds only on September 23. “Despite these challenges, Nairobi County relied on its own-source revenue to handle operations, maintenance, salaries, and personnel costs,” he said. He added that Nairobi had spent over Sh800 million on development projects in the past five months. “In the last five months, the county has spent Sh844,184,929…