US justice department investigating Minnesota Democrats over alleged obstruction of ICE
The US justice department is investigating two prominent Minnesota liberals over alleged attempts to impede federal immigration operations, an escalation of the Trump's administration's clash with Democrats. Protests have ramped up in the city after Renee Good, 37, was shot and killed by an ICE agent last week. "The only person not being investigated for the shooting of Renee Good is the federal agent who shot her." Democratic lawmakers travelled to the city for a hearing there and spent Friday condemning federal immigration operations in the state, accusing ICE of reckless and lawless actions. Ilhan Omar, a congresswoman from Minnesota who has long feuded with Trump, said that ICE was trying to "provoke chaos and fear".
Source:The Star
January 17, 2026 10:25 UTC
Who is on Trump's 'Board of Peace' for Gaza?
The White House has released the names of the members who will form the Trump administration's new "Board of Peace" for Gaza. Each member of the "Board of Peace" is expected to be in charge of a portfolio that will be "critical to Gaza's stabilisation", the White House added. Sir Tony BlairFormer UK Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair had long been talked about as a potential member of Trump's "Board of Peace, with the US president confirming back in September that he had expressed an interest in joining the body. He previously described Trump's plans for Gaza as the "best chance of ending two years of war, misery and suffering". In November, he met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss key sticking points in the peace deal.
Source:The Star
January 17, 2026 09:55 UTC
Why HIV patients want Omtatah to withdraw US health funding case
Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah at the Bunge Towers, Nairobi on July 29, 2024. [Elvis Ogina,Standard]People living with HIV are calling for the withdrawal of the case that has halted the implementation of the landmark United States financial health support to Kenya. Through their umbrella, the National Empowerment Network of People Living with HIV/Aids in Kenya (Nenphak), they have urged Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah to reconsider his position and allow the release of the funds.
Source:Standard Digital
January 17, 2026 09:50 UTC
Trump tariff threat casts long shadow over Kenya-Iran trade
President Donald Trump speaks to the media while signing executive orders in the Oval Office. [AFP]A threat by US President Donald Trump to impose a 25 per cent tariff on any nation trading with Iran has thrown Kenya’s strategic push into the Middle East into disarray, forcing Nairobi to choose between a resurgent tea market and vital access to American consumers. The warning, posted by Trump on his Truth Social platform on Monday, targets countries conducting business with the Islamic Republic, calling the order “final and conclusive.”
Source:Standard Digital
January 17, 2026 09:26 UTC
Coast will no longer be sidelined - Abdulswamad
Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir has reiterated that the Coast region will no longer be pushed to the margins of national decision-making. The meeting was also attended by Cabinet Secretary Hassan Ali Joho and members of the Coast Parliamentary Group. Speaking after the engagement, Abdulswamad noted that the Coast has endured decades of marginalisation in national conversations. The governor said Coast leaders have now adopted a united and deliberate approach to overturn this pattern. Abdulswamad added that the Coast will no longer accept being spoken for or spoken down to, insisting that the region is organised, resolute and ready to play a central role in Kenya’s future.
Source:The Star
January 17, 2026 08:54 UTC
Residents urge elders to curse MP mired in corruption
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Source:The Star
January 17, 2026 08:01 UTC
We need fair and clear system of paying victims of State injustices
It has been 12 years since Metal Refinery (EPZ) Ltd was closed after toxic lead poisoning changed the lives of this Changamwe community forever. Metal Refinery and the government tragically overturned this historic victory in the Court of Appeal. Owino Uhuru is one of Kenya’s largest-ever environmental compensation awards. The case of Metal Refinery Ltd disaster is relevant for Tuesday’s hearing on the Presidential initiative to compensate victims of violent protest policing. State failure to resolve both mass injustices will predictably provide rich fodder for non establishment candidates in the General Election.
Source:Daily Nation
January 17, 2026 07:12 UTC
Mackenzie co-accused pleads guilty to 191 murders
A suspect appears before Justice Diana Kavedza of the High Court in Mombasa, January 16, 2026. The court was told that the offences were committed over a prolonged period between January 2021 and September 2023. Preacher Paul Nthenge Mackenzie before the High Court in Mombasa, January 16, 2026. The prosecution in the Shakahola case before the High Court in Mombasa, January 16, 2026. After confirming that the facts were accurate, Justice Kavedza convicted Amanya on his own plea of guilty.
Source:The Star
January 17, 2026 07:01 UTC
Lords of terror: Armed policemen caught on CCTV brutalising Nandi residents
Policemen caught on CCTV brutalising Nandi residents. [Courtesy]Adark cloud of fury hangs over Nandi Hills town following a harrowing night raid in which police officers are accused not only of brutalising residents but also of stealing from them. The incident exposes a chilling new low in police misconduct, transforming law enforcers into alleged robbers and goons in uniform.
Source:Standard Digital
January 17, 2026 06:08 UTC
Investigating officer grilled over Sh1.1 billion Finland-Canada programme
Investigating officer grilled over Sh1.1 billion Finland-Canada programme. [Courtesy]The investigating officer in the Sh1.1 billion Finland and Canada Education Programme was interrogated yesterday over alleged “shoddy” investigations. Chief Inspector Martin Munene was questioned on how he arrived at the Sh1.1 billion figure in the case against Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago and county officials Meshack Rono and Joshua Lelei.
Source:Standard Digital
January 17, 2026 06:00 UTC
Why activists are pushing for dissolution of SHA
A section of Social Health Authority(SHA) building on March 5, 2025 located at Upper Hill in Nairobi. [Edward Kiplimo, Standard]A dramatic courtroom showdown unfolded at the Milimani High Court yesterday that threatens to collapse the Kenya Kwanza flagship medical cover that anchors the universal health coverage plan. Petitioners challenged the Sh104.8 billion Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) digital system, pushed for its disbandment as they accused the government of secrecy, illegal procurement and constitutional violations.
Source:Standard Digital
January 17, 2026 06:00 UTC
Why Education Ministry wants 1,000 senior schools upgraded to national status
Students at Nakuru city reporting back to their varoius school after schools. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]The Ministry of Education is considering a major overhaul of senior secondary schools that could see more than 1,000 institutions upgraded to national school status amid low student enrolment across the country. The Saturday Standard has established that the plan seeks to ensure that every administrative ward has at least one senior secondary school of national status.
Source:Standard Digital
January 17, 2026 05:50 UTC
How Richard Leakey's Sh17m estate will be shared
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.
Source:Standard Digital
January 17, 2026 05:50 UTC
Ruto meets Dawoodi Bohra community, pledges strengthened partnership
President William Ruto during an official visit to the Aljamea-tus-Saifiyah Nairobi campus and a meeting with the Dawoodi Bohra community in Karen, Nairobi County. [PCS]President William Ruto has commended the Dawoodi Bohra community for its contribution to Kenya’s transformation. He spoke on Friday during an official visit to the Aljamea-tus-Saifiyah Nairobi campus and a meeting with the Dawoodi Bohra community in Karen, Nairobi County. President William Ruto during an official visit to the Aljamea-tus-Saifiyah Nairobi campus and a meeting with the Dawoodi Bohra community in Karen, Nairobi County. President William Ruto during an official visit to the Aljamea-tus-Saifiyah Nairobi campus and a meeting with the Dawoodi Bohra community in Karen, Nairobi County.
Source:Standard Digital
January 17, 2026 05:31 UTC
Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos vs Rahu Ketu Box Office Collection Day 1: Vir Das or Pulkit Samrat, whose film was well received by audiences? Check earnings here
It was a box office clash on January 16, when two much-anticipated movies — Happy Patel Khatarnak Jasoos and Rahu Ketu — were released on the same date. On the other hand, produced by Aamir Khan, Happy Patel Khatarnak Jasoos, though it opened with good reviews, saw below-average box office collections. Happy Patel Khatarnak Jasoos vs Rahu Ketu Box Office Collection Day 1As per industry tracker Sacnilk, Happy Patel Khatarnak Jasoos earned only Rs 1.25 crore on day 1, whereas Pulkit Samrat-starrer Rahu Ketu minted Rs 1 crore on its opening day. Happy Patel Khatarnak Jasoos vs Rahu Ketu OccupancyComing to Vir’s comedy film, the occupancy of Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos was overall 9.57 per cent in Hindi, with the major segment coming from night shows. About Happy Patel: Khatarnak JasoosBacked by Aamir Khan, Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos is about a spy who is awkward, impulsive, and hilariously ill-equipped for the dangerous missions he is assigned.
Source:News 24
January 17, 2026 02:32 UTC