GEORGE TOWN: Police have arrested two more men to over a parang attack on a man at a shopping mall on Jalan Kelawai here. Penang police chief Datuk Azizee Ismail said the two men, in their 20s, were arrested on Sunday (March 1) and investigations are ongoing. "We have detained a total of six suspects so far," he said, adding that the case is being investigated under Section 326 of the Penal Code. Police earlier arrested and remanded four suspects aged from 29 to 40. On Wednesday (Feb 25), a man sustained serious injuries he was slashed by a suspect at a shopping mall here.

SYDNEY: Oil prices surged on Monday and shares slid as military conflict in the Middle East looked set to last weeks, sending investors flocking to the relative safety of the dollar, gold and bonds. A prolonged spike in oil prices would risk reigniting inflationary pressures globally, while also acting as a tax on business and consumers that could dampen demand. "The nearest historical analogue in our view is the Middle East oil embargo of the 1970s, which increased oil prices by 300% to around $12/bbl in 1974," said Alan Gelder, SVP of refining, chemicals and oil markets at Wood Mackenzie. While the Japanese yen is often a safe harbour, the country imports all of its oil making the flows more two-way. The news slugged banking stocks and combined with jitters over AI-related stocks to hit Wall Street more broadly.

[Courtesy]Kenya stands at a defining moment in its public health journey. Public health policy cannot wait 30 years while addiction becomes entrenched in a new generation. Sweden regulated tightly with strict age limits, product standards, enforcement systems, and public health oversight. Where legal definitions lag behind product innovation, opportunity expands not for public health, but for market share. And to the tobacco industry: Kenya is not a testing ground.

Their study showed that the trees were not dying solely from disease, drought, or old age, but from infestations by the mango-stem borer, a highly aggressive beetle. Of the 91 baobab trees surveyed in Oman, six had been killed by the beetle, while larvae infested a further 12 trees. “This is the first time an insect has been found to kill adult baobab trees. She added that their research enables early detection and the exploration of effective control measures before the beetle reaches Africa. Although native to Southeast Asia, the mango-stem borer could devastate African baobabs, which are considered a keystone species critical to ecosystems and local livelihoods.

Hinga recounted that shortly after his appointment, the President encouraged him to address his weight. At the time, Hinga weighed 121 kilograms and said social media users would often tease him during public interactions. He spoke on Sunday when he joined President Ruto in celebrating 100 years of Alliance High School, imparting knowledge, discipline, hard work, and excellence. At the neighbouring Alliance Girls School, Ruto said the government has also invested Sh155 million for a 640-student dormitory and Sh40 million for 24 classrooms. "Congratulations, Alliance High School, on your centenary celebrations; may Strong To Serve continue to be your rallying call," he said.

NAIROBI, Kenya, March 1 — National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has directed the Clerk of the House to facilitate the transportation of the bodies of all victims of the fatal helicopter crash in Nandi to Nairobi. The crash on Saturday afternoon in Nandi County killed six people, including Emurua Dikirr MP Johanna Ngeno, whose death was formally communicated to the legislature. “I have directed the Clerk of the National Assembly to facilitate the transportation of the bodies of all victims of the fatal helicopter crash in Nandi to Nairobi,” Wetang’ula said in a statement Sunday. “This evening, we have received the remains of six bodies retrieved from the crash site in Nandi,” Kirwa said. Investigations are being led by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Department, authorities said, as families await the completion of identification procedures.

The Standard Group Plc is a multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper print operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The Standard Group is recognized as a leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key influence in matters of national and international interest.

Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has called on authorities to move with speed and establish the circumstances that led to the helicopter crash that killed Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ng’eno. Kalonzo further urged the government to extend every possible support to the family of Ng’eno and five others who died in the crash. He said the news of the helicopter accident has left Kenya saddened, and words feel insufficient in such a moment. “In this moment of national grief, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family of Emurua Dikiri MP Hon Johana Ngeno and the five families who have lost someone they love. Johana Ng’eno Kipyegon, CBS, MP,” the Speaker said, conveying condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their lives.

[File, Standard]In 2027, both France and Kenya will organise general elections; a fulfillment of their constitutional and democratic commitment. On its part, Kenya’s political organisation is, to a great extent, a function of ethnic mobilisation. What follows is a display of how worlds apart France and Kenya are in attaching meaning to human life. Developments following Quentin’s death show how valued human life is in France. On the contrary, Ayomo’s death shows the persistence of dispensability of human life in service of politics in Kenya.

By Nyang’au ArakaThe government has issued a travel and safety advisory to Kenyans residing in, or planning to travel to, parts of the Middle East, citing a fluid and evolving security situation in the region. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, through the State Department for Diaspora Affairs, said it was “closely monitoring the evolving security situation in parts of the Middle East” and urged citizens to exercise heightened vigilance. President William Ruto with Roseline Kathure Njogu, Principal Secretary for Diaspora Affairs. The ministry also advised citizens to limit movement, particularly in areas where security operations are ongoing or anticipated. Kenyans were urged to postpone non-essential travel, especially at night or during periods of curfew and official security alerts issued by host governments.

Audio By VocalizePresident William Ruto during the Alliance High School's centenary celebrations in Kikuyu, Kiambu County on March 1, 2026. [PCS]Kenya will solarise all public schools within a year under a Sh45 billion programme launched by President William Ruto on Sunday. Speaking during the Alliance High School's centenary celebrations in Kikuyu, Kiambu County, Ruto said the initiative turns the century-old institution into a testing ground for the country's green energy ambitions. Aerial view of Alliance High School installed solar panel to power the school. Technical experts from Jupiter Energy Solutions said Alliance High School now runs a 151-kilowatt solar system, combining rooftop panels, battery storage and a proposed solar water heating unit to replace boilers.

The Standard Group Plc is a multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper print operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The Standard Group is recognized as a leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key influence in matters of national and international interest.

DP Kindiki and Homabay Governor Gladys Wanga during the resource mobilisation for small trader groups in Suba South Constituency, Homa Bay County. [PCS]Homa Bay Governor and ODM chairperson Gladys Wanga appears to be a woman on a mission as she ruffles feathers with perceived critics, launching an ambitious drive to strengthen ODM while simultaneously building President William Ruto's reelection bid. But it is a move fraught with deep suspicion, internal divisions, and resentment by a section of the ODM faithful who believe the experienced politician is on a self-seeking mission at the expense of the party's legacy.

Rising incidents of political violence and the growing use of hired goons to disrupt rallies are stoking fears that Kenya could slide into a dangerous cycle of instability. Interior PS Raymond Omollo has dismissed claims of state involvement in the disruptions, warning against what he described as attempts to misuse young people for political violence. Archbishop Dominic Kimengich of the Eldoret Catholic Diocese warns the growing role of political goons ahead of next year’s general elections is alarming. Lawyer Koki Muli warned that the violence will have a major impact in the next elections, coupled with mistrust of the electoral commission if not addressed in time. “Growing mistrust in the IEBC risks deterring vulnerable groups from voting during periods of violence,” she says.

Audio By VocalizeEmurua Dikirr MP Johana Ngeno addresses residents in Nandi County on February 28, 2026. [Courtesy]Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika joined leaders who mourned Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ngeno, who died in a helicopter crash on Saturday in Nandi County. She described the late MP as a trusted friend and neighbour, citing shared aspirations for social and economic progress between Nakuru and Narok counties. Emurua Dikirr constituents at the home of the late MP Johana Ngeno in Mokondo village on March 1, 2026. She offered heartfelt condolences to Ngeno’s family, the people of Emurua Dikirr constituency, friends, and the families of the other victims.