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Safari Rally: Why 2026 Edition Could Make or Break Kenya’s Hosting Rights of WRC Event
The Safari Rally 2026 concluded to much fanfare in Naivasha on Sunday but there are behind the scenes intrigues that could decide whether Kenya retains the WRC leg. As the dust settles on this year's Safari Rally, uncertainty looms over the event's future in the World Rally Championship (WRC) calendar, with its current contract set to expire after the 2026 edition. AdvertisementAdvertisementSince its celebrated return to the WRC circuit in 2021 after a 19-year absence, the Safari Rally has re-established itself as a fan favourite and a formidable challenge for drivers. AdvertisementAdvertisementDriver Concerns and the Rally's SuitabilityWRC 2026 Safari Rally leader Elfyn Evans, navigated by Scott Martin, in a Toyota were forced to retire on Saturday. Image: Safari RallyBeyond the financial aspects, a critical point of discussion will be the rally's suitability for modern WRC cars.
Source:Daily Nation
March 17, 2026 15:58 UTC
How Homa Bay official held three government jobs for six years
[File, Standard]A former Homa Bay county health official must refund Sh10.9 million in salaries after a court ruled he held three government jobs simultaneously for six years. The judge found it impossible for Odhiambo to have worked in Kisumu and Homa Bay simultaneously, yet drawn a salary from both KMTC and the county. Justice Musyoki reserved sharp criticism for Homa Bay county, saying the case was the fifth of its kind he had handled involving the county government. He noted a pattern of calculated collusion between Odhiambo and county supervisors, questioning how a six-year unexplained absence went undetected. It is hoped that systems and structures have been put in place to thwart these kinds of shameless operations," added Musyoki.
Source:Standard Digital
March 17, 2026 14:02 UTC
Tuju claims President Ruto using goons to push him out of Karen property
Audio By VocalizeFormer Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju outside his Dari Business Park premises after he was evicted by police over the alleged bank debton March 13, 2026. [Benard Orwongo, Standard]Former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju has accused President William Ruto of a scheme to seize land in Karen through individuals and goons. Tuju noted the bank approached him after evaluating plans through KPMG. I refused,” noted Tuju. And when it does, someone will pay for the mess that has been created,” noted Tuju.
Source:Standard Digital
March 17, 2026 13:54 UTC
Israel says Iran's security chief Ali Larijani killed in strike
Ali Larijani, senior advisor to Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, delivers a speech in Beirut, Lebanon, on Nov. 15, 2024. (Str/Xinhua)Israel's defense minister says its military has killed Iran's security chief, Ali Larijani, in a strike. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) says Ali Larijani was "one of the most veteran and senior figures within the Iranian regime leadership" after announcing the Iranian security chief had been killed in a strike. After Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed, the IDF says, Larijani "functioned as the leader of the Iranian regime" and led its combat against Israel and neighbouring countries. "The United States and Israel on one side and Muslim Iran and the forces of resistance on the other," he wrote.
Source:The Star
March 17, 2026 13:45 UTC
Late politician's estate at risk as creditors line up
He is among the four administrators of his late grandfather Kibowen Komen's estate. [File, Standard]The estate of the late politician Kibowen Komen is at risk of being auctioned as creditors line up in court, seeking a share of the property. Some creditors claim they paid for some of the property Kibowen left to his three widows, two of whom are deceased, siblings, children, and grandchildren. Kibowen’s estate also lost a 66-acre property to creditors 15 years ago, although the same has never been implemented. In 2010, the High Court authorised the excision and sale of 66 acres from the estate to settle debts owed to creditors.
Source:Standard Digital
March 17, 2026 13:31 UTC
Tuju alleges fresh plot to deny him justice
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Source:Standard Digital
March 17, 2026 13:30 UTC
Off-duty Garissa cop lynched in Nairobi as mob justice cases surge
An off-duty police officer attached to the Quick Response Unit (QRU) in Garissa County was confirmed among victims of a mob justice incident in Nairobi’s Eastlands area. Cases of mob lynching have been on the rise amid efforts to address the menace. Police later established that he had fallen victim to a mob justice incident reported earlier in the area. Officials said at least 845 mob justice incidents were recorded across the country between January 2025 and February 2026. Embu registered 51 cases (33 deaths, 18 injuries), Kisumu 45 (36 deaths, nine injuries), Kirinyaga 39 (28 deaths, 11 injuries), and Kakamega 32 (19 deaths, 13 injuries).
Source:The Star
March 17, 2026 13:24 UTC
NTV Kenya: Nyamu proposes Bill to regulate AI, with Sh5m fine for offenders
Nyamu proposes Bill to regulate AI, with Sh5m fine for offendersThe Kenya Artificial Intelligence Bill, 2026 has proposed the establishment of the Artificial Intelligence Commissioner, to be appointed by the President. The office will be tasked with regulating AI innovations and usage, conducting risk assessment of AI systems deployed in Kenya perform conformity audits and post-market surveillance of AI systems, assessing high-risk AI systems to ensure compliance. Sponsored by Nominated Senator Karen Nyamu, the draft law mirrors the European Union Artificial Intelligence Act, the world’s first comprehensive AI law, which came into force in August 2024. The Bill envisions that the AI Commissioner will classify AI systems used in the country according to the risk level they pose to health, safety, fundamental rights, the environment or societal welfare. Yet no country in Africa has developed a dedicated law regulating AI systems; 16 out of 55 have established national AI strategies.
Source:Daily Nation
March 17, 2026 13:19 UTC
EC lifts all punitive measures against Kosovo and resumes financial support after a year of political deadlock
The European Union has lifted all punitive measures imposed on Kosovo in June 2023, the European Commission announced. During the debate on the Kosovo Report in the European Parliament, Jiri Plecity, representative of the EC, confirmed the lifting of financial measures. The rapporteur for Kosovo in the European Parliament, Riho Terras, said that the political paralysis in which Kosovo was located also had consequences for the reform process. The EU imposed punitive measures against Kosovo in 2023. This will enable Kosovo Serbs to continue to reside, study and work in Kosovo legally, in accordance with Kosovo law," stated Anne Kempainen from the European External Action Service.
Source:News 24
March 17, 2026 13:16 UTC
‘Only I and Amitabh Bachchan call’: Nana Patekar says have to go through 100 people to meet a star; Prakash Jha reveals actors have 28-people entourages
In a recent interaction, Prakash Jha and Nana Patekar spoke about the same. One of the reasons that emerged during the interaction was that any project releasing in theatres needs strong star power behind it. Nana Patekar, who is seen in Jha’s latest project Sankalp, jumped in and spoke on the issue. He said, “This is because earlier you could talk to a star directly, but now it is not possible. An actor’s entourage alone consists of at least 20 people,” she said.
Source:The Star
March 17, 2026 12:56 UTC
Coke Studio Bharat announces its Season 4 artist line-up
Adgully Bureau | 11 hours ago Views: 414After three seasons of reshaping India’s streaming landscape, Coke Studio Bharat returns with Season 4. Coke Studio Bharat provides a space where that rediscovery happens through collaboration. With Coke Studio Bharat, the heart of the song stays intact, even as the sound grows around it. The song comes from the imagination of a poet from Kashmir who has a story to tell and being a part of Coke Studio Bharat gives me the chance to bring that world of storytelling on a national platform. Shantanu Gangane, IMX (Integrated Marketing Experience) Lead, Coca-Cola India and Southwest Asia, said, “Coke Studio Bharat brings together India’s folk traditions and contemporary voices, creating a platform where the old and the new evolve together.
Source:The Star
March 17, 2026 12:52 UTC
NTV Kenya: Rainfall to persist across country, intensity rising from Thursday
Rainfall to persist across country, intensity rising from ThursdayRainfall will persist across the country this week, with intensity increasing from Thursday as the long rains gradually build toward their April peak. Areas likely to receive regular rainfall include counties in western Kenya and the Rift Valley such as Nandi, Kakamega, Bungoma, Trans-Nzoia, Uasin-Gishu, Kericho and Kisumu. In the Highlands East of the Rift Valley, including Nyeri, Murang’a, Kiambu, Meru and Nairobi counties, rainfall is also expected, initially in isolated places before intensifying. Night temperatures in some highland areas could drop below 10°C, particularly around the Central Rift Valley and near Mt Kilimanjaro. These variations in rainfall and temperature will influence what crops farmers should plant and where.
Source:Daily Nation
March 17, 2026 12:26 UTC
Nairobi City Thunder clamp down Terrorists to sign off for BAL in style
NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 17 – Nairobi City Thunder thrashed University of Nairobi (UoN) side Terror 95-74 to pick their fifth win in the Kenya Basketball federation (KBF) League, their final local competitive match before heading to Pretoria for the Basketball Africa League (BAL) Kalahari Conference play-offs. Thunder coach Brad Ibs rested most of his regulars as he chose to hand minutes to the other players, most of who will not be part of the BAL travelling squad. Nairobi CIty Thunder in action against UoN. Thunder will now have one more match locally, the ‘Thunder Night’ on Thursday, where they split the team into two for a high stakes friendly match. At the same time, Thunder have snapped in American Small Forward Shaheed Davis for their BAL campaign.
Source:The Star
March 17, 2026 12:24 UTC
Who is Aman Gottumukkala? Indian-origin founder who built a million-dollar AI tool with just 3 people is now joining this billionaire’s AI company, name is…, company is…
Aman Gottumukkala, an Indian-origin developer known for building a successful AI coding assistant with a very small team, has now decided to join Elon Musk’s AI venture, xAI. Earlier in his career, Gottumukkala worked at Paradigm, where he was involved in technology projects linked to the crypto ecosystem. This highlighted how powerful AI tools can allow small teams to build products that reach a large global audience. Joining Elon Musk’s xAIGottumukkala recently confirmed that he is joining xAI, Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence company, to work on advanced coding AI systems. In a public announcement, he said he would focus on building the “best coding AI” and described how quickly AI model capabilities are improving.
Source:News 24
March 17, 2026 12:10 UTC
Actor Mickey Rourke, 73, evicted over RM236,000 in unpaid rent
A judge recently entered an eviction ruling against actor Mickey Rourke who, despite owing nearly $60,000 (RM236,000) in unpaid rent at his Beverly Grove home, rejected more than $100,000 (RM393,000) raised in a GoFundMe campaign coordinated by his manager to keep him housed. The default ruling means that Rourke failed to take action to defend against the eviction complaint within the time allowed by law. On Dec 29, his landlord filed the eviction complaint, alleging that Rourke owed him $59,100 in back rent on the $7,000-a-month rental. "Mickey Rourke is an icon — but his trajectory, as painful as it is, is also a deeply human one," read the description for the since-shuttered GoFundMe. I don't want him doing a GoFundMe," Hines told THR in January.
Source:The Star
March 17, 2026 12:10 UTC