UNSETTLED Josh Sargent ruled himself out of Norwich’s FA Cup clash – but Philippe Clement declared the USA international is going nowhere fast. Toronto FC have been in contact with the Canaries and are ready to pay $18million (£13.5m) for the star striker. Big Mak has been a major hit since a £1.2million summer switch from League One Lincoln, notching 12 goals. Makama completed his treble – his second at senior level – with a cool side-foot shot seven minutes later. “I’m pleased the way he’s taking things and the ways he’s improving.

Eliud Owalo, the Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Delivery and Government Efficiency in the Office of the President, has declared that he will run for the presidency in the 2027 General Election.

President William Ruto with Prime Minister Li Qiang, after a meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China. [PCS]Plans by Kenya and China to ink a landmark trade agreement designed to provide a critical lifeline to local exporters have been cast into a state of geopolitical limbo. Documents seen by The Sunday Standard, and sources who spoke to this writer, reveal that the finalised text of the "Early Harvest" deal is gathering dust on the Ministry of Trade shelves in Nairobi.

Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka during the Kapkugo festival at Kapsokwony Boys High School. [Jackline Inyanji, Standard]Newly appointed Western Region coordinator for President William Ruto’s 2027 re-election campaign, Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka, has pledged to unite leaders across the region to drive grassroots mobilisation and secure Ruto’s re-election. “Our task is to work together, bring all leaders on board and mobilise our people from the grassroots to ensure President William Ruto’s victory in 2027,” Lusaka said. Ludsaka, who coordinated the region during the Jubilee administration in 2017, said his experience positions him well to galvanise support across western Kenya. The governor was accompanied by Sirisia MP John Waluke, Webuye East MP Martin Pepela, and area MCAs who lauded President Ruto for entrusting Lusaka to coordinate Western region presidential re-election strategy.

Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta’s influence is once again casting a long shadow over opposition politics. Fresh alignments and manoeuvres ahead of the 2027 General Election are exposing both his enduring clout and the fragility of unity in the United Opposition. He added that there are attempts to hijack Jubilee in the larger scheme to destabilise the United Opposition. However, these manoeuvres are unfolding at a moment when the United Opposition is struggling with internal cohesion. Instead, Gachagua has suggested that Matiang’i should form a new political party with roots in the Kisii region.

Popular American streamer Dareen Jason Watkins Jr, better known as Ishowspeed, has set a unique milestone during his visit to Kenya by hitting a staggering 48 million subscribers. American streamer IshowSpeed in Kenya Photo IshowSpeed"I love you all so much. He capped off Day 1 Kenyan tour with a helicopter ride overlooking the city, where he also caught a glimpse of the upcoming Talanta Stadium, which will be renamed the Raila Odinga Stadium. “Kenya is not just another country, Kenya is a pulse, a feeling. A collage of American YouTuber IshowSpeed during his Kenyan tour Photo IshowSpeed

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna political star appears to be rising steadily, leading to speculation he may be destined for a bigger role in the country’s political dispensation. Within the United Opposition, Sifuna is seen as a potential compromise candidate for running mate position as an alternative to Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, who has announced that he will be defending his gubernatorial seat. This is after Junet and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga accused former President Uhuru Kenyatta of trying to buy ODM using Sifuna and his allies. “It is possible for Sifuna to be the automatic running mate for the opposition because he will be bringing in a chunk of ODM, the real big chunk,” he says. His meeting with Ida came shortly after he had met party leader Oburu Oginga earlier.

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Thousands of people joined another night of protests in Minneapolis on Saturday, following the death of a woman who was shot by a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in the city. Earlier, city officials said 30 people had been arrested during the weekend's protests, and one police officer was injured after a "chunk of ice was thrown at them". The city of Minneapolis said on Saturday that the "vast majority of community members have demonstrated peacefully". On Friday night, Minneapolis Police declared an unlawful assembly as protesters gathered outside the Canopy Hotel in the city, where some ICE agents were believed to be staying. One law enforcement officer suffered minor injuries but did not need any medical attention, according to the BBC's US partner CBS News.

Siaya Governor James Orengo during an interview at his office. [File, Standard]Less than four years after riding a united political machine into office, Governor James Orengo now faces his toughest challenges yet. This threat does not come from the opposition, but from former allies who once backed and defended his rise to power.

[File]AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia were handed a boost in their pursuit for the 2025-2026 title after Kakamega Homeboyz were stunned 2-1 by Bandari’s two stoppage-time goals in Saturday’s SportPesa Premier League match at KPA Sports Club. In Mombasa, Homeboyz headed into the encounter behind their headline 1-0 win over leaders Leopards last weekend, a win they needed to back this weekend to reclaim top spot. After stalemate first half, Homeboyz took the lead through Oliver Machaka in the 58th minute, a narrow advantage they protected till the 90th minute. Additionally, history also favours Gor Mahia in this fixture. Overall, the two sides have met 40 times in league competition, with Gor Mahia claiming 25 victories, 11 draws, and only four defeats, while scoring 60 goals and conceding 22.

Source: Getty ImagesAccording to police records, Ruth Bandi reported that her daughter’s former husband had been sending a series of threatening messages. Why Ruth Bandi's ex-son-in-law issued threatsShe told TUKO.co.ke that the man allegedly vowed to harm her daughter, Beatrice Avuzikha from Vihiga, should she return to Kenya from abroad. The matter has been classified as “threatening to life” under OB No. Police sources further indicated that a handwritten statement detailing the alleged threats and previous encounters with the suspect has been added to the official case file. The complainant claims that her daughter had earlier fled the country after experiencing prolonged mistreatment, and that the threats have continued through mobile phone messages even after she sought refuge abroad.

From Left, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, President William Ruto and Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga during a church service at St Paul’s Church, Kariki Chinga in Othaya, Nyeri on January 11, 2026. [Amos Kiarie, Standard]Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga has declared his full support for President William Ruto, saying his decision to work with the Kenya Kwanza administration is driven by the need to deliver development for his people. “I voted for President William Ruto. The governor said welcoming the President to Nyeri and engaging with him on governance issues was part of his constitutional duty. “But for now, let’s support the government to work for us.” President William Ruto shares a word with Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga at St Paul’s Church, Kariki Chinga in Othaya, Nyeri County on Janaury 11, 2026.

Pangani Girls School, Nairobi Principal Dr Millicent Odhiambo and students celebrate KCSE 2025 results at the school. The school scored a mean grade of 9.718. January 10th, 2026. [Elvis Ogina Standard]Traditional giants have once again secured their place at the top of the 2025 KCSE results released Friday, even as a handful of little-known schools entered the national scene to disrupt the long-established order. An independent analysis of the top 100 schools by The Standard indicates that national schools dominated the top 20 slots countrywide.

Allan Wainaina of Nairobi School celebrates with relatives at their home in Kiamunyi, Nakuru County on January 9, 2026. He scored an A of 83 points in the 2025 KCSE examinations and got 400 marks in KCPE examinations four years ago. [Daniel Chege, Standard]Four years after sitting their Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) examinations, a cohort of former top pupils has once again risen to the occasion, posting outstanding results in the 2025 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations. Their journeys, marked by resilience, discipline and perseverance, reaffirm the belief that early academic promise, when nurtured, can translate into sustained excellence.