Sophie Kinsella, author of the bestselling Shopaholic series of novels, has died at the age of 55, her family have announced. The writer, whose real name is Madeleine Sophie Wickham, was diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer in 2022. A statement posted to her social media accounts on Wednesday read: “We are heartbroken to announce the passing this morning of our beloved Sophie (aka Maddy, aka Mummy). “She died peacefully, with her final days filled with her true loves: family and music and warmth and Christmas and joy.” Kinsella’s books have sold more than 50 million copies in more than…
Author: David Wafula
Level two and three public health facilities will soon start offering maternity services, with the costs covered under the Primary Health Care Fund (PHCF) through the Social Health Authority (SHA). The decision was made during the 12th Ordinary Session of the National and County Government Coordinating Summit, where the national and county governments agreed to work together on the rollout. “The Ministry of Health and the Council of Governors shall by the second week of January develop a framework for provision of maternity services at level two and three health facilities,” the joint statement read. It added: “In the immediate…
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has taken disciplinary action against match officials following poor officiating in a Kenya Premier League match between Kakamega Homeboyz and Murang’a Seal. In a statement, FKF announced that second assistant referee Jackson Opiayo has been demoted to the National Super League (NSL) for three matches. The federation said Opiayo made an incorrect offside call after taking a poor position on the field, which denied the attacking team a clear scoring opportunity. “Jackson Opiayo has been removed from SportPesa League match appointments for three (3) rounds and reassigned to the National Super League,” the statement reads. FKF…
President William Ruto has promoted 54 Kenyan lawyers to the rank of Senior Counsel, the highest professional honour for advocates in the country. The names were published in a special issue of the Kenya Gazette dated December 10, 2025. Senior Counsel status is awarded under the Advocates Act to lawyers who have shown outstanding service, integrity and contribution to the development of the law in Kenya. President Ruto made the appointments using powers given to him under the law. Among those promoted are National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, National Intelligence Service Director-General Noordin Haji, lawyer and public speaker PLO Lumumba,…
The High Court in Kakamega delivered a significant judgment reinforcing the constitutional mandate of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), setting aside a magistrate’s ruling that had allowed a private prosecution against a local resident. In the decision issued on December 1, 2025, the High Court allowed an appeal filed by the ODPP and the targeted individual Sylvia Atamba, faulting the trial magistrate for overstepping legal boundaries and misapplying the law on private prosecutions. The court set aside the magistrate’s ruling in its entirety. The case stemmed from an incident in August 2022, when one Victorine Atemba…
Celebrated Scottish zoologist and pioneering elephant researcher who founded Save the Elephants Dr. Iain Douglas-Hamilton died in Nairobi at the age of 83. Widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in modern wildlife conservation, Douglas-Hamilton devoted more than six decades to studying and safeguarding African elephants. His pioneering research and tireless advocacy helped reshape global understanding of elephant behaviour and drove international action to curb ivory poaching. Douglas-Hamilton completed the first scientific study of wild elephant social structures at age 23, work that laid the foundation for contemporary elephant behavioural science. As poaching intensified in the decades that…
Enzo Maresca admitted he was “worried” by Chelsea’s slump after Atalanta’s 2-1 victory in the Champions League extended the Blues’ winless run to four matches on Tuesday. Joao Pedro’s first-ever Champions League goal put Chelsea ahead in the first half in Bergamo. But the Blues lost their momentum after the interval and former West Ham striker Gianluca Scamacca grabbed the equaliser before Charles De Ketelaere, who provided the assist for Atalanta’s leveller, capped his influential display with the late winner. Chelsea found it impossible to subdue Belgium forward De Ketelaere, who has six goals and seven assists in his last…
Rwanda denied responsibility for renewed clashes in South Kivu, instead accusing the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Burundi of escalating hostilities and violating ongoing ceasefire commitments under regional peace agreements. In a statement issued Wednesday, Kigali said the Congolese army (FARDC), the Burundian National Defence Force (FDNB), and allied militias — including the FDLR, Wazalendo groups and foreign fighters — have carried out “systematic bombing of civilian villages” near the Rwandan border using fighter jets and attack drones. Rwanda said the AFC/M23 rebel movement has responded to these attacks, claiming it was “forced to counter” FARDC and FDNB operations.…
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has praised and encouraged 22-year-old environmental activist Truphena Muthoni as she attempts to break her own world record in a 72-hour tree-hugging marathon in Nyeri County. Muthoni launched the challenge on Monday, December 8, at the Office of the Governor in Nyeri. She said the initiative aims to break her existing record while creating awareness about the protection of indigenous forests. “I am Truphena Muthoni, a guardian of forests and an advocate for indigenous trees and communities. I am here in Nyeri to attempt a 72-hour tree-hugging challenge to break my own world record and…
Nairobi City County has directed all its employees to undergo a fresh verification of their academic and professional documents. In a notice dated December 2, 2025, County Secretary and Chairperson of the Nairobi County Public Service Board, Oyagi, said the exercise follows earlier directives issued by the county on May 22, 2023, and by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) on August 21, 2025. County staff are required to submit copies of all their academic certificates, professional certificates, and their current appointment letters. They must also submit a duly signed disclaimer form provided by the Nairobi County Public Service Board.…
Lucy Hale net worth is estimated at $6 million, reflecting a career that spans acting, music, television hosting, and brand endorsements. Best known for her breakout role as Aria Montgomery on Pretty Little Liars, Hale has remained a steady presence in Hollywood for more than two decades, successfully transitioning from teen star to leading actress. Lucy Hale Net Worth $6 Million Date of Birth June 14, 1989 Place of Birth Memphis, Tennessee Early Life Lucy Hale was born Karen Lucille Hale on June 14, 1989, in Memphis, Tennessee, to Preston Hale and Julie Knight, a registered nurse. She grew up…
Alexa Vega net worth is estimated at $6 million, a figure that represents her combined wealth with her husband, Carlos PenaVega, an actor and singer best known as a member of the boy band Big Time Rush. Following their marriage, the couple merged their surnames to become the PenaVegas, a rare move that symbolized both their partnership and joint brand. Alexa Vega Net Worth $6 Million Date of Birth August 27, 1988 Place of Birth Miami, Florida Alexa PenaVega built her fortune through decades of work as an actress, singer, pianist, and television personality, transitioning successfully from child stardom into…
Kate Siegel net worth is estimated at $3 million, reflecting her dual success as both an actress and a screenwriter within the film and television industry. Best known for her work in modern horror, Siegel has built a strong reputation through critically acclaimed performances and long-running creative collaborations, particularly with her husband, acclaimed filmmaker Mike Flanagan. Kate Siegel Net Worth $3 Million Date of Birth Aug 9, 1982 Place of Birth Silver Spring, Maryland Over the years, Siegel has carved out a distinctive niche in genre storytelling, earning recognition not only in front of the camera but also behind the…
Carla Gugino net worth is estimated at $4 million, a figure that reflects her longevity, adaptability, and steady success in both film and television. Over more than three decades in the entertainment industry, Gugino has built a reputation as one of Hollywood’s most versatile actresses—moving seamlessly between blockbuster franchises, indie films, prestige television, and streaming-era hits. Carla Gugino Net Worth $4 Million Date of Birth August 29, 1971 Place of Birth Sarasota, Florida From family-friendly fare like Spy Kids to darker, critically acclaimed projects such as The Haunting of Hill House and The Fall of the House of Usher, Gugino…
Bruce Greenwood Net Worth is estimated at $6 million, reflecting a decades-long career marked by versatility, critical acclaim, and steady work across film, television, and voice acting. A highly respected Canadian actor, Greenwood has built his wealth through performances in prestige dramas, major Hollywood blockbusters, and long-running television series, earning a reputation as one of the industry’s most reliable character actors. Bruce Greenwood Net Worth $6 Million Date of Birth August 12, 1956 Place of Birth Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec, Canada Best known for his roles in Exotica, The Sweet Hereafter, Thirteen Days, Star Trek, and The Resident, Greenwood’s career spans more…