Mrima Hill in Kwale County has significant rare minerals. [File, Standard]The United States is aggressively seeking a foothold in Kenya’s untapped critical minerals sector, as Washington races to counter China’s global dominance over the building blocks of modern technology and national defence. The push by the Trump administration will see Kenya on Friday host the US-Kenya Critical Supply Chains Conference in Nairobi, an invite-only forum designed to bridge American capital with Kenya’s reserves of rare earth elements and niobium.

Former Kiminini MP Chris Wamalwa has been at odds with Ford Kenya leader Moses Wetangula. [File, Standard]Former Kiminini MP Chris Wamalwa has defected from Ford Kenya and officially joined the United Democratic Alliance (UDA). At the same time, he declared his intention to contest the party’s Secretary General position, currently held by Hassan Omar.

Pressure mounts on Sifuna as ODM secretary general seat shows jinxed pattern 30th January, 2026Edwin Sifuna’s days as ODM secretary general could be numbered, amid growing political turmoil within the party. His predicament is not unique. Several of his predecessors have faced a similar fate, having been unceremoniously pushed out of the powerful position. In many cases, these ejections have occurred with little regard for the law or the long-term stability of the party.

Opposition leaders march to IG's office in Nairobi on January 30, 2026/COURTESYOpposition leaders have announced the resumption of their joint political activities across the country after a brief hiatus. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said Friday that they will return to Othaya on Sunday for a church service, following the abrupt end of his last meeting. He alleged that a specialised police unit had been dispatched to target them during the Othaya church service. The visit by leaders follows a letter to IG Kanja by Malala informing him of the plan by the United Opposition leaders to visit him and formally submit their complaints. Malala said the visit has been prompted by sustained attacks, harassment, and intimidation of opposition leaders and their supporters across the country.

The Supreme Court has dismissed an attempt by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to halt ongoing High Court proceedings challenging his impeachment, allowing the matter to continue. The Supreme Court, however, dismissed all his requests. On the stay of proceedings, the Court noted:“By necessary and logical reasoning, only proceedings before the Court of Appeal can be stayed by this Court. On the matter of costs, the Supreme Court ruled that, given the public interest nature of the case, there would be no orders as to costs. The decision means that the High Court proceedings arising from Gachagua’s impeachment are now expected to resume.

Sarah Wairimu in the dock at the Kibera Law Court, November 7, 2025. /ODPPSarah Wairimu has filed an application in the High Court seeking to have her trial in the murder case of Dutch businessman Tob Cohen declared a mistrial, citing alleged procedural and constitutional irregularities. Through her lawyer, Wairimu requested the court to nullify previous rulings and have the case reassigned to a different judge for a fresh hearing. The defence also asked the court to expunge certain documents filed by the prosecution, citing procedural concerns. We were clear from the onset that we would visit the scene and begin with a protected witness; no objection was raised by the defence lawyer at that time.

President William Ruto will receive massive support for his second term bid from the Mulembe Nation, the president’s Western Kenya re-election coordinator Ken Lusaka has said. At the same time, he said that Mulembe leaders, both in Kenya Kwanza and those in Opposition, have agreed on supporting the reelection of the President in 2027 as they have all enjoyed the government’s goodies. Supporting President Ruto is a better bet for the Mulembe nation than aligning with a fragmented opposition,” said Savula. “President Ruto has united the nation and significantly improved infrastructure. The leaders vowed to intensify grassroots mobilization across Western Kenya to ensure overwhelming support for the President in the next general election.

In India, the metal had crossed Rs 4 lakh per kilogram on Thursday, reflecting strong global demand and limited supply. In simple terms, silver in China is about Rs 51,000 more expensive per kg than in other major markets. As global silver supplies tighten, Chinese investors are increasingly treating silver as a safe investment. Sharp Fall on MCX on FridayOn Friday, gold and silver futures fell sharply on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) in India. Meanwhile, silver futures for March 2026 delivery fell by about Rs 24,000, bringing prices down to Rs 3,75,900 per kilogram.

Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga and EALA MP Winnie Odinga. [File, Standard]Kenya’s political theatre has rarely lacked drama, but the weeks following the death of Raila Odinga have produced a spectacle few anticipated. In the vacuum left by the departure of one of the country’s most formidable political figures, a new and forceful presence has emerged from within his own bloodline. Winnie Odinga has stepped forward not as a reluctant inheritor of a legacy, but as a determined political actor, confronting grief, factionalism and ambition with an audacity that has electrified the national conversation.

The footage, which circulated widely online, shows what appears to be a violent altercation between students outside the school gates. But was the assault really triggered by obscene gestures made towards a young schoolgirl? Verdict:TRUEA 17-year-old student was assaulted in front of a secondary school in Larkin, Johor Baru, after allegedly making obscene gestures towards a 13-year-old female schoolmate. "Initial investigations found that the incident stemmed from the victim allegedly making obscene gestures towards a 13-year-old female schoolmate, who is also the suspect's friend," he said. The female student has since lodged a police report over the matter at around 5.43pm on the same day, he added.

Carlos Alcaraz is once again at the centre of attention at the Australian Open and not just for his tennis. From Tennis star to crowd favouriteAlcaraz has always enjoyed strong fan support, but during this Australian Open, it’s reached another level. Social media did what it does best, and dating rumours took off almost instantly. Adding another layer to the story, Peggy Gou is set to perform at the Australian Open as part of the AO Live music series on February 1, 2026. The dating rumours may swirl, but Alcaraz seems perfectly happy letting his racket do the talking.

Controversial preacher David Owuor has responded to remarks by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, who alleged that the cleric recently travelled abroad for knee surgery even as he is known for claiming to perform miraculous healings. "The ministry of repentance and holiness strongly refutes recent public remarks attributed by CS Aden Duale regarding prophet Dr. David Owuor. The statements suggesting that the prophet of the lord underwent medical procedures as alleged are false, unverified and misleading," Owuor stated. Prophet David Ouwor preaching at a past rally in Nakuru County. The controversy around Prophet David Owuor intensified in December 2025 when he said he had cured patients of various illnesses, among them HIV and AIDS.

The Australian High Commission in Kenya has warned the public against fraudulent employment and visa-related schemes that falsely claim association with its officers. “Any employment advertisement claiming that an officer at the Australian High Commission can assist with securing a job or obtaining a visa for Australia is fraudulent. PHOTO/ Courtesy“Officers at the Australian High Commission are not authorised to facilitate employment opportunities or assist with visa applications,” the statement added. The Australian High Commission in Nairobi provides official services related to visa applications, citizenship, and consular assistance for Australians in Kenya. The High Commission urged Kenyans to report any suspicious activity to local authorities or through official Australian Government channels.

On Friday, January 30, the Kenyan newspapers highlighted why President William Ruto's allies were jittery over the political deal with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). The dailies also reported the planned lavish expenditure by Deputy President (DP) Kithure Kindiki on helicopters and commercial planes in the financial year ending June 2026. Daily NationThe publication revealed that DP Kindiki plans to spend KSh 338.8 million on travel in the year ending in June 2026. Through National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula, the president urged Wamalwa to decamp the Opposition and join the government side. "With total revenues of KSh1,500.6 billion, there was a KSh136.1 billion underperformance, mostly because of a KSh113.5 billion shortfall in ordinary revenue.

NEW YORK (Jan. 29, 2026) – The National Hockey League announced today that the Vegas Golden Knights will be the Dallas Stars’ opponent in the 2027 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series™. The 2027 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series will begin at 5 p.m. PT and be broadcast on ABC. The 2027 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series is the second time the Stars and the state of Texas will serve as hosts of an NHL outdoor game. Additional details about the 2027 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series, including ticketing information, will be announced when available. ABOUT THE VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTSThe Vegas Golden Knights are a National Hockey League franchise owned and operated by Black Knight Sports and Entertainment LLC.