Junet dismisses ODM division claims, says party is united
Suna East MP Junet Mohammed has dismissed claims of divisions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), insisting that the party remains united. Junet said there is only one ODM party, describing it as indivisible and guided by properly constituted and functional party organs. “There is only one ODM Party, indivisible, and it is led by our Party Leader, Oburu Odinga,” Junet said. “Once the relevant party organs have settled on a position, our party base expects that we all fall in line. On Thursday, ODM Party Leader Oburu Odinga said that the party intends to negotiate for a structured power-sharing arrangement in the next government.
Source:The Star
January 20, 2026 12:01 UTC
St Helens Theatre Royal to stage Jack and the Beanstalk
St Helens Theatre Royal is set to stage a pantomime production of Jack and the Beanstalk. Chantelle Joseph, theatre manager and director, said: "Jack and the Beanstalk is one of the tallest tales in panto and it’s always a real favourite at St Helens, so I can’t wait to bring it back to the Theatre Royal stage this February. Mr Heath returns to the St Helens stage after starring in the same role in 2023. Jack and the Beanstalk is directed by Chantelle Joseph with choreography by Nazene Langfield and musical direction by Callum Clarke. For more information and to book tickets, visit the St Helens Theatre Royal website or contact the box office directly.
Source:The Star
January 20, 2026 11:10 UTC
Rs 270000000000: Bad news for Dassault Aviation as Rafale maker loses huge deal due to…; is this good or bad for India?
Why Dassault lost deal with Colombia? Saab AB has billed its Saab JAS 39 Gripen as a "smart" fighter aircraft designed for mid-sized air forces. Gripen fighter jet is relatively light and flexible, with relatively cheaper operational costs than the Rafale or the Eurofighter Typhoon. India has purchased 36 Rafales for the Indian Air Force and 26 for the Indian Navy, and negotiations are underway for a gigantic Rs 3.25 lakh crore deal, under which Dassault Aviation will supply 114 new Rafale fighter jets to India. If the deal materialises, it would make IAF the second-largest operator of Rafale fighters after the French Air Force.
Source:News 24
January 20, 2026 11:04 UTC
Leave ODM if unhappy with broad-based deal, Gem MP tells rebels
Wrangles within ODM over its cooperation agreement with President William Ruto’s administration continue to deepen, with leaders allied to the deal now calling for dissenters to quit the party. Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo has told ODM members opposed to the broad-based government arrangement to resign instead of, as he put it, “rocking the party from within.”“Baba left us in a broad-based government. Organs make decisions on behalf of the party, and we are all required to adhere to their resolutions,” he said. “Anyone opposed to the decisions of party organs is a rebel hell-bent on breaking the party,” he added. The Gem MP said the ODM Central Management Committee had resolved to support the broad-based government and that the matter should be considered settled.
Source:The Star
January 20, 2026 10:40 UTC
Ruto dispatches Kenya’s ambassadors to key International posts
Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei hosted the ambassadors and consuls-general-designate for a preparatory luncheon on Saturday, January 17, 2026. We are confident in each designee’s capacity to meet the demands imposed by their high duty,” PS Sing’Oei said. He emphasised that diplomacy is anchored in persuasion rather than coercion, and that consensus-building and mutually beneficial partnerships are key. The acting DG underscored the government’s focus on economic diplomacy, urging Kenya’s missions abroad to function as vibrant hubs for investment promotion, trade expansion, and job creation. He also emphasised the importance of digital diplomacy, encouraging the envoys to enhance their communication and social media skills to project Kenya’s image positively and counter misinformation.
Source:The Star
January 20, 2026 10:38 UTC
Football, music and fandom converge as Coca-Cola brings the FIFA World Cup Original Trophy and first-ever Coke Studio Bharat Live to India
Building on this landscape, Coca-Cola facilitated the return of the FIFA World Cup™ Original Trophy to India after 12 years and amplified the moment with the first-ever Coke Studio Bharat Live. The FIFA World Cup Original Trophy tour arrived in Delhi on 11 January 2026 at NSIC Exhibition Ground, followed by Guwahati on 13 January 2026 at ACA Stadium, Barsapara. For football fans, this was a rare opportunity to see the Original trophy up close, not on screens, but in real life. Across both cities, fan interactions, spontaneous singalongs and meet-and-greet moments contributed to the live format, reinforcing Coke Studio Bharat’s role as a cultural connector. The initiative also reaffirmed Coca-Cola’s long-standing association with football and the FIFA World Cup.
Source:The Star
January 20, 2026 09:18 UTC
Bad news for Bangladesh ahead of T20 World Cup 2026, ICC decides to…
Bangladesh is scheduled to play three group matches in Kolkata and one in Mumbai. The BCB has insisted on either changing the match venues or switching groups so their games can be held in Sri Lanka. In a recent meeting with ICC officials in Dhaka, the BCB suggested swapping Bangladesh with Ireland in Group B, which includes Sri Lanka, Australia, Oman, and Zimbabwe. This change would let Bangladesh play all its group matches entirely in Sri Lanka. Relations between India and Bangladesh have worsened following the killing of Hindus in Bangladesh.
Source:News 24
January 20, 2026 06:10 UTC
Kenya Re to lock out politicians in new board shake-up rules
Reinsurance Plaza in Nairobi. The reinsurer, whose 60 per cent owned by the government, has proposed major amendments to its Articles of Association. [File, Standard]Kenya Reinsurance Corporation (Kenya Re) has proposed the restructuring of its governance framework in a move to lock out political appointees from its board, even as the board gets full powers to fire and hire the managing director (MD). The reinsurer, whose 60 per cent owned by the government, has proposed major amendments to its Articles of Association, which will also see the number of board members reduce to nine as well as its shares reclassified into two categories – one of shares owned by State and the other category being shares owned by other investors; in a move that could see Treasury solidify its hold on the firm.
Source:Standard Digital
January 20, 2026 06:00 UTC
People’s Front for Freedom says Besigye’s health is ‘critical’
The People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) has expressed concern over the health of its leader, Dr Kizza Besigye, saying his condition has become “critical and deteriorating” while in custody. The group further maintained that he is being held unlawfully, saying, “We reiterate that Dr Besigye is being held in total disregard of the law. “We ask all compatriots and lovers of freedom to keep Dr. Besigye in your prayers and to remain vigilant,” it said. Senior Counsel Martha Karua raised concerns over Besigye’s health, saying the man was experiencing bouts of dizziness, and his health had been compromised by the lengthy incarceration. “It is concerning that the health of Dr Besigye has been greatly compromised by his lengthy and unnecessary incarceration,” Karua said.
Source:The Star
January 20, 2026 05:56 UTC
Top diplomat to be sent packing over poor performance
This is premium contentSubscribe to Continue ReadingHelp us continue bringing you unbiased news, in-depth investigations, and diverse perspectives. Your subscription keeps our mission alive and empowers us to provide high-quality, trustworthy journalism. Join us today to make a difference!
Source:The Star
January 20, 2026 05:02 UTC
New homes, new strategy: How regional parties are recasting the 2027 race
This is premium contentSubscribe to Continue ReadingHelp us continue bringing you unbiased news, in-depth investigations, and diverse perspectives. Your subscription keeps our mission alive and empowers us to provide high-quality, trustworthy journalism. Join us today to make a difference!
Source:The Star
January 20, 2026 04:59 UTC
Kenya Pipeline IPO launches as State eyes Sh106b
How effective is your board in these changing times? Board effectiveness is multiplied by an enabling culture where individuals air their views freely, where differing opinions are respected, and where everyone works in the interest of the business.
Source:Standard Digital
January 20, 2026 01:30 UTC
Ruto, Gachagua in fresh battle for the soul of the mountain
President William Ruto and impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua are once again involved in a political duel over the control of the vote-rich Mt Kenya region. The President was back in the mountain at the weekend, meeting Nyeri county UDA grassroots leaders’ meeting at Sagana State Lodge. Nyeri, and particularly Mathira, is the political bedroom of Gachagua, who has declared himself the Mt Kenya kingpin. During the tour last week, President Ruto dangled the carrot, rolling out projects worth more than Sh21 billion, framing development delivery as his primary pitch to voters. Nyeri county has 481,632 registered voters of the estimated 5.8 million in Mt Kenya region.
Source:The Star
January 20, 2026 00:47 UTC
Abandoned by her mother, bright and needy girl risks missing Grade 10 admission
Genevy Anyango during the interview at Rabuor Primary School, Nyando sub-county, on January 19, 2026. [Rodgers Otiso, Standard]Genevy Anyango, a 15-year-old girl, sits pensively on a desk next to the office of the head teacher at Rabuor Primary School as tears rolls down her face. “I did my KJSEA at Rabuor Primary School and scored 55 marks. I am pleading for any support.”Rabuor Comprehensive School head teacher Dick Awuonda described Genevy as a disciplined and hardworking learner whose future is now uncertain. “Since primary school, it is the teachers and the school administration that have taken care of all her needs,” he said.
Source:Standard Digital
January 20, 2026 00:38 UTC
Turkana woman starts 72-hour tree-hugging challenge over diabetes treatment costs
Turkana resident Priscillah launches 72-hour tree gugging challenge in Lodwar / ScreengrabA Turkana woman has launched a 72-hour tree-hugging challenge in Lodwar to draw attention to what she termed as high cost of treating diabetes in Kenya. Through her protest, Priscillah is appealing to President William Ruto and the county governor to improve access to diabetes care. I don’t have that kind of money, which is why I have started the tree-hugging challenge. The challenge began when Tree Planting Ambassador Truphena Muthoni hugged a tree for 72 hours, igniting more than an endurance feat. She likened the tree-hugging challenge to marathon training, explaining that even professional athletes spend one to three months preparing for long-distance races before participating.
Source:The Star
January 20, 2026 00:33 UTC