Kenyans on Wednesday marked what would have been former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s 81st birthday with nationwide tributes celebrating the life, legacy and enduring influence of the veteran opposition leader. Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka joined Kenyans in honouring the late Raila, paying a brief but poignant tribute on his posthumous 81st birthday. An X user, Moibenshire, said, “On this day, January 7, 2026, the first posthumous birthday of Raila Amolo Odinga, we remember a giant whose 81st year would have begun. Today, we mark his birthday not as an ordinary birthday, but one observed in the absence of the very rights he fought for. As Kenyans marked his 81st birthday, many described Raila as a national icon whose legacy remains alive in the country’s democratic institutions and ongoing conversations about justice, equality and national cohesion.

Ketter's visit was aimed at assessing the contingent’s state of readiness, boosting morale and conveying strategic guidance as the troops prepare to undertake a demanding peace support mission. Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officers pose for a photo ahead of their deployment to a UN-led peacekeeping mission. Photo KDFAddressing the troops, Ketter commended them for their high level of discipline, professionalism and commitment demonstrated throughout the pre-deployment phase. Ketter also reassured the contingent of KDF leadership’s continued support, particularly in matters of welfare, logistics and medical support while deployed. KDF has always deployed its troops to UN-peacekeeping missions across Africa and the globe, with the recent deployment being a mission to the Democratic Republic of Congo.

PETALING JAYA: The Securities Commission (SC) has appointed Datuk Seri Ahmad Johan Mohammad Raslan as its non-executive chairman of its audit oversight board (AOB), effective Jan 5, 2026. In a statement, the SC said Ahmad Johan has served as a non-executive board member of the AOB since December 2020 and was redesignated as the non-executive chairman. Ahmad Johan succeeds Tan Sri Abu Samah Nordin who had completed his two-year term as the AOB’s non-executive chairman on Jan 4, 2026. “The SC extends its sincere appreciation to Abu Samah for his exemplary leadership to the AOB during his tenure.”“With a wealth of leadership experience spanning both the corporate and public sectors, Ahmad Johan brings deep expertise in audit, governance and financial oversight.”The SC noted that Ahmad Johan previously served as executive chairman of PwC Malaysia (from 2004 to 2012) and has held prominent roles including chairman of the Financial Reporting Foundation, member of Bank Negara Malaysia’s Financial Stability Executive Committee, and member of the International Advisory Panel under Labuan Financial Services Authority.

Companies across most sectors reported taking on more staff to meet rising demand and build capacity for the future. [iStockphoto]Kenyan businesses expanded their workforce in December at the fastest pace in over six years, according to a private survey released on Tuesday, providing a strong finish to 2025 and fueling optimism for sustained job creation as firms anticipate robust economic growth in 2026. The Stanbic Bank Kenya Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), compiled by S&P Global, remained firmly in expansionary territory at 53.7 in December, down slightly from November’s four-year high of 55.0.

Russia’s ties with Maduro gave the Kremlin strategic influence in Latin America and access to Venezuela’s vast oil and energy resources. The operation has also renewed attention on former White House adviser Fiona Hill’s 2019 congressional testimony regarding Russia’s position on Venezuela. Russia’s ties with Maduro gave the Kremlin strategic influence in Latin America and access to Venezuela’s vast oil and energy resources. While Russia has condemned Washington’s operation in Venezuela, the Kremlin has not directly addressed Hill’s account. Some analysts argue that the operation could complicate Washington’s ability to criticise Russia’s actions in Ukraine, since both involve intervention in sovereign nations.

Police are investigating an incident where a man was found dead in his car in the Mirema area, Kasarani, Nairobi. He reportedly locked the car and went to sleep. 13-year-old girl drowns in Nyando RiverA 13-year-old girl drowned in the Nyando River in Geyo village, Chemelil, Kisumu County, on Monday evening. It was taken to a local mortuary pending further procedures. The body was moved to a mortuary pending an autopsy, police said on Tuesday.

The bitter war of words between former NFL star Matt Kalil and his ex-wife Haley is reportedly heading to the courts after he took exception to her very public comments about his manhood. Kalil has since remarried, to model Keilani Asmus in the summer of 2024, and he claims she has received a barrage of disgusting messages on social media about her husband's manhood. Disrespectful,' wrote one user on X.Kalil is now a well-known social media influencer and went on to date a Brazilian fashion modelAnother commented: 'U were married to that person. I guess influencers don't know the difference between private and public; their private lives are for public consumption.' Since then, he's worked alongside his brother and fellow NFL offensive lineman, Ryan Kalil, and started a tequila company.

Haley Kalil, famously known as 'Haley Baylee,' is well known on social media for her content. However, instead of responding with a comment, Matt has responded with a lawsuit. Matt Kalil is suing Haley Baylee for over USD 75,000Matt Kalil has alleged that while he and his family are suffering from the aftermath of the comments, Haley Baylee has "financially benefited from this surge in traffic." During the conversation, Haley Baylee got candid about her marriage with her former husband, Matt Kalil. What are your thoughts on Matt Kalil suing Haley Baylee?

The T20 World Cup kicks off on February 7, exactly one month from today. Sold Out Seats: Tickets for the high-profile clashes at Eden Gardens and Wankhede have already been sold. It’s not just about the two teams, it also involves the spectators, fans, broadcasters, and traveling media.”---Advertisement---Where the Games Currently StandAs per the original schedule, Bangladesh’s path to the trophy runs right through the heart of Indian cricket:Match Venue Date Bangladesh vs West Indies Eden Gardens, Kolkata Feb 7 Bangladesh vs Italy Eden Gardens, Kolkata Feb 9 Bangladesh vs England Eden Gardens, Kolkata Feb 14 Bangladesh vs Nepal Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai Feb 17Diplomacy or Default? The Bangladeshi government’s ban on IPL telecasts was a massive statement of intent, but pulling out of a World Cup is a different beast entirely. Will the “coaxing” from the ICC and the lure of playing at the iconic Eden Gardens be enough to settle the nerves?

Demonstrators hold signs in support of ousted Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro outside the Daniel Patrick Moynihan United States Courthouse on January 5, 2026 in New York. [AFP]Controversy over the voting and tallying system used by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) in 2017 and 2022 has resurfaced from charges levelled against indicted Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro by the US in a New York court. A shocking accusation from a former Venezuelan intelligence chief has cast a dark shadow over the company that provided the technological support for Kenya’s last two general elections, raising urgent questions about the integrity of Kenya’s electoral process.

He dismissed the regime of President William Ruto and the more established leadership in the Mulembe Nation. Instead, it was Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, whom Natembeya had maligned and insulted throughout the campaign period, who quietly emerged victorious without much fuss or fanfare. Natembeya is the DAP-K Deputy Party Leader with former Saboti MP Eugene Wamalwa as his boss. Even as Natembeya eats humble pie following the severe thrashing in the last November 27 by-election, serious questions are emerging regarding his capability to lead a political charge. In the meantime, it is Mudavadi and Wetang’ula who still claim the bragging rights on the political leadership of the Mulembe Nation.

The recent recognition of Somaliland by the Israeli government has ignited a passionate conversation across Africa and beyond, marking a significant moment in the continent’s ongoing struggles with chaos and foreign intervention. The African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) have been clear in their opposition to Somaliland’s recognition, warning that altering established borders could ignite ethnic tensions and further destabilize the region. The stakes became even higher with Foreign Minister Gideon Sara’s visit to Hargeisa on Tuesday, just days after Israel formalized its recognition. For many Somalis, recognizing Somaliland is not merely a political debate; it feels like another loss atop layers of hardship and devastation. With this recent recognition, the world must think carefully about what it means for both Somaliland and Somalia.

Ten found guilty of cyber-bullying France First Lady Brigitte MacronA Paris court on Monday found 10 people guilty of the cyber-harassment of France’s first lady, Brigitte Macron, for spreading false claims that she is a transgender woman who was born male. The eight men and two women were found guilty of making malicious comments about Brigitte Macron’s gender and sexuality, even equating her age difference with her husband to “paedophilia”. SOME DEFEND THEIR COMMENTS AS SATIREReuters could not immediately contact Brigitte Macron’s lawyer or lawyers for those convicted. The ruling comes amid broader transatlantic tensions over online speech, with the Trump administration framing European efforts to curb disinformation as censorship. Freedom of speech no longer exists.”BRIGITTE MACRON SPEAKSSpeaking with TF1 on Sunday night, Brigitte Macron defended her fight against cyber bullies, hoping it would be an example to others.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has released preliminary details surrounding the death of Cyrus Jirongo, who died on December 13, 2025. The fatal incident occurred at Karai along the busy Nakuru–Nairobi Highway. The DCI says investigations were launched immediately, with homicide, intelligence and forensic teams deployed to establish the circumstances leading to his death. Officers processed the scene and secured key exhibits, while CCTV footage from Eagol Petrol Station was recovered and analysed. Statements have been recorded from Jirongo’s wife, bus crew, petrol station staff and several passengers as investigations continue.

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