The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party suffered a major setback on Saturday after Lurambi MP Titus Khamala defected to the ruling UDA. Khamala, who is serving his second term as MP, switched camps at his Shibuli home on Sunday night after a four-hour deliberation. He was received by members of the Western region presidential campaign team, that is pushing for President William Ruto’s re-election in 2027. Khamala said he had joined UDA to boost the chances of President Ruto in winning votes in the Western region. This is the beginning of my campaign for President Ruto in this region for the sake of development, “ he said.

March 09, 2026 13:42 UTC

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja speaks during an interview on March 8, 2026. /HANDOUTNairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has called for unity and collective action in responding to the devastating floods affecting parts of the country, warning leaders against politicising the unfolding tragedy. Nearly half of the deaths have occurred in other parts of the country as well, and those lives matter too,” Sakaja said. “It is a shame that some leaders in this city are finger-pointing and leveraging this tragedy for political gain. Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja speaks during an interview on March 8, 2026./HANDOUT Sakaja defended the county government’s earlier decision to relocate residents living along the Nairobi River, saying the move—though painful—helped avert greater tragedy during the floods.

March 09, 2026 13:41 UTC

Audio By VocalizeFormer Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat (left) during their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers Group J first leg match against Zimbabwe at Nelson Mandela Stadium in Kampala, Uganda on September 6 2024. [Standard]Former Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat has died after suffering a heart attack at Istanbul Airport, his club Nejmeh SC have announced. The club based in Lebanon, through a Facebook post on Monday, March 9, 2026, reported the news, saying the Turkish manager passed away on his way to Adha, a few hours after leaving Beirut for his country. "During the time he spent with the club, the deceased was known for his professional commitment and high ethics, and he left a good impression on the ranks of the team and among the members of the star club family. Football Kenya Federation (FKF) president Hussein Mohammed was among the first officials to mourn Firat, fondly remembering his contribution to Kenyan football.

March 09, 2026 13:20 UTC

Audio By VocalizeGalatasaray's Baris Alper Yilmaz of in action against Dominik Szoboszlai (R) of Liverpool during UEFA Champions League week 2 at RAMS Park in Istanbul, Turkiye, on September 30, 2025. Now Arne Slot's side head back to Istanbul, where they lost 1-0 to Turkish champions Galatasaray during the league phase. A deep run in the Champions League would be a major boost for Slot, who has come under fire from frustrated fans during Liverpool's slump. Vincent Kompany's team head to Italy with an 11-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga and having won seven of eight games in the Champions League so far. Atletico Madrid v Tottenham HotspurTottenham go back to the Metropolitano, where they lost to Liverpool in the 2019 Champions League final.

March 09, 2026 13:12 UTC

Increased Trauma Burden: South African hospitals are forced to allocate massive percentages of their surgical budgets to gunshot wounds. South African hospitals are forced to allocate massive percentages of their surgical budgets to gunshot wounds. A Public Health PivotPublic health experts argue that violent injury should be treated similarly to an infectious disease. The Regional Lesson for East AfricaFor nations in East Africa, the South African experience serves as a sobering cautionary tale. The South African government's reliance on traditional policing has hit a point of diminishing returns.

March 09, 2026 12:58 UTC





Fears of an energy supply crisis caused by the war in the Middle East have sent Asian markets plummeting. Stock markets have slumped and global oil prices have jumped above $100 (£75.02) a barrel as the escalating US-Israeli war with Iran has fuelled fears of prolonged disruption to shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. The US and Israel launched fresh waves of airstrikes across Iran over the weekend, hitting multiple targets including oil depots. Some analysts argue that if the shutdown in the strait lasts until the end of March, we could see record oil prices above $150 a barrel. The rise in oil prices could also increase the cost of important derivative products such as jet fuel and vital precursors for fertilisers.

March 09, 2026 12:52 UTC

Diam curabitur vehicula View Collection north_eastCreatives & Coins Podcast A podcast that dives deep into the vibrant and rapidly evolving digital creative economy in Kenya. View Collection north_eastDocumentaries A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula View Collection north_eastEntertainment A collection of our premium content. View Collection north_eastTech-over The extent of technological growth is beyond mere acknowledgment; it has seamlessly integrated into our daily existence. Diam curabitur vehicula View Collection north_eastTwende Twende is a travel show that highlights beautiful, unique, diverse locations, people, and cultures.

March 09, 2026 12:26 UTC

Ex-Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat diesEngin Firat, the Turkish coach who was in charge of Kenya’s national football team Harambee Stars between 2021 and 2024, is dead. On Monday, Lebanese top-flight side Nejmeh Sporting Club where Firat served as head coach confirmed that he died following a “sudden heart attack” while at Istanbul Airport in Turkey. Rest in peace, coach Engin Firat. Breach of contract claimsFirat, 55, served as Harambee Stars coach from September 19, 2021 to December 2024. Nick Mwendwa, then chairman of Football Kenya Federation (FKF), appointed Firat Harambee Stars coach on September 19, 2021, initially on a bizarre two-month contract.

March 09, 2026 12:26 UTC

Indian filmmaker Vikram Bhatt has spoken out on the current rumours surrounding actors Thalapathy Vijay and Trisha Krishnan, providing a genuine take on the subject that has been widely discussed in recent weeks. What did Vikram Bhatt say on Thalapathy Vijay's equation with Trisha Krishnan? Vikram Bhatt took to Instagram on March 9 and posted a lengthy letter in which he commented on the rumours regarding Vijay and Trisha. 'Vijay and Trisha are admirable', says Vikram BhattVikram said, "I find something admirable in Vijay and Trisha. But, more significantly, I would leave with my honour and dignity," Vikram Bhatt added.

March 09, 2026 11:55 UTC

Jeff Koinange and his family visited his father's grave. Photo: Jeff Koinange. Jeff Koinange's family owns vast land in Kiambaa. Photo: Jeff Koinange. Source: FacebookInside Jeff Koinange's Kiambaa family estatePhotos shared during the visit offered fans a look at the Koinange family’s vast upcountry land.

March 09, 2026 11:54 UTC

Editor's Review Former Harambee Stars coach and current Nejmeh Sporting Club head coach Engin Fırat has died after suffering a heart attack. Former Harambee Stars coach and current Nejmeh Sporting Club head coach Engin Fırat has died after suffering a heart attack. In a statement on Monday, March 9, Nejmeh Sporting Club announced that Fırat died while transiting through Istanbul after departing Beirut. In 2019, Fırat moved into international football management when he was appointed head coach of the Moldova national team. In 2026, he became head coach of Lebanese club Nejmeh Sporting Club where he served until his untimely passing.

March 09, 2026 11:46 UTC

INFRASTRUCTURE upgrades and welfare initiatives are being rolled out in tandem as construction progresses on Silicon Island in Permatang Damar Laut, Penang. This marks a new phase in the state government’s Penang South Islands (PSI) project. “The Silicon Island project is not merely a land reclamation initiative; it will position Penang as a global hub for high technology and innovation,” said Azrul, who is also Penang state assembly deputy speaker. Silicon Island Development Sdn Bhd (SIDSB) strategic communications and stakeholder management head Ann Tan said the temporary PPSN would continue to serve as a key communication bridge between the developer and local community. Also present was Southern Penang Fishermen Association deputy chairman and Teluk Kumbar fishermen unit chief Roslizan Ramli.

March 09, 2026 11:45 UTC

Diam curabitur vehicula View Collection north_eastCreatives & Coins Podcast A podcast that dives deep into the vibrant and rapidly evolving digital creative economy in Kenya. View Collection north_eastDocumentaries A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula View Collection north_eastEntertainment A collection of our premium content. View Collection north_eastTech-over The extent of technological growth is beyond mere acknowledgment; it has seamlessly integrated into our daily existence. Diam curabitur vehicula View Collection north_eastTwende Twende is a travel show that highlights beautiful, unique, diverse locations, people, and cultures.

March 09, 2026 11:36 UTC

Former Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat has passed away. Firat, who until his death was the first team coach for Nejmeh Football Club in Lebanon, passed away on Monday, March 9, following a heart attack, as confirmed by his club. Former Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat. He served as the head coach of Kenya's men's national team, Harambee Stars, for three years from 2021 to 2024. "Our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of former Harambee Stars Coach Engin Firat.

March 09, 2026 11:25 UTC

Health CS Aden Duale speaks during an Iftar dinner with members of the Kenya Association of Muslim Medical Professionals (KAMMP). /COURTESYHealth Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has said victims injured in a road accident involving a vehicle in his motorcade on Sunday are receiving treatment. Health CS Aden Duale speaks during an Iftar dinner with members of the Kenya Association of Muslim Medical Professionals (KAMMP). According to a member of Duale’s security team, the accident involved one of the security vehicles accompanying the Cabinet Secretary. The event brought together leaders, residents, and supporters to celebrate Oluga’s journey in public service and his recent appointment in government.

March 09, 2026 10:50 UTC