Protesters defy crackdown as Iran warns it will retaliate if US attacks
He blamed a "significant proportion of fatalities" on "trained and directed individuals", not security forces, but did not give specific details. Several videos, confirmed as recent by BBC Verify, show clashes between protesters and security forces in Mashhad, Iran's second largest city. Masked protesters are seen taking cover behind bins and bonfires, while a row of security forces is seen in the distance. Norway-based Iran Human Rights reported at least 192 protesters have been killed. More than 550 people were killed and 20,000 detained by security forces over several months, according to human rights groups.
Source:The Star
January 11, 2026 20:29 UTC
George Ruto Celebrates Elder Sister Charlene on 33rd Birthday: “My Guy”
George Ruto marked Charlene Ruto's birthday with a special message. Photo: Charlene Ruto. How old is Charlene Ruto? Here are some of the messages shared online:honjermainemomanyi:"Happy birthday Charlene, humble, kind, honest ad as loyal as they come. Charlene Ruto celebrated George Ruto on his birthday.
Source:The Star
January 11, 2026 20:02 UTC
Ryan Tubridy's movie recommendations you will love
I got the year off to a cracking start with three extraordinary films that you may have seen or are intending to see. Ryan Tubridy Pic: Andres PovedaI love that for the next two hour, I am incommunicado, that my phone is unavailable and therefore, so am I. It's probably a good sign that I'm relaxed enough to take a nap mid-movie! Pic: Focus FeaturesCompleting the trilogy is Hamnet, based on the book by Maggie O'Farrell and starring Jessie Buckley as Agnes Shakespeare and Paul Mescal as her husband, William. Much of the movie is sumptuously shot, thus very much making it a cinema-going event.
Source:The Star
January 11, 2026 19:35 UTC
Governor Barasa declares support for Kenya Kwanza government
He said already the party and its supporters are enjoying massive development initiatives, being realized under the current political arrangement. Speaking during a public engagement in Mumias East sub County, Barasa urged residents of Kakamega County to remain steadfast and avoid being swayed by the emerging political formations. Barasa noted that the ODM–UDA partnership is anchored on service delivery rather than political posturing. The governor reassured Kakamega residents that his administration remains committed to delivering on its development agenda including infrastructure improvement, economic empowerment and enhanced service delivery. He maintained that political stability was critical for economic growth, urging Kenyans to support leaders and coalitions that prioritize unity, inclusivity and development-driven governance.
Source:The Star
January 11, 2026 19:35 UTC
Kenya bets on IShowSpeed tour to boost tourism
Darren Watkins Jr, popularly known as IShowSpeed, during his visit to Kenya on January 11, 2025. [Screengrab]A visit by popular American streamer Darren Watkins Jr, popularly known as IShowSpeed, provided the Kenyan government with the perfect platform to market the country’s tourism sector. While governments in the other nine countries covered in the tour so far assisted with such things as logistics and diplomatic protocols, the Kenya Tourism Board appears to have gone all out to gain the maximum impact from the tour. A personal welcome note from President William Ruto indicated how seriously the government took the visit. Kenyans commended the Kenya Tourism Board for turning the tour into a powerful pitch for the Magical Kenya brand.
Source:Standard Digital
January 11, 2026 19:08 UTC
Security stepped up after bomb, arson attacks on 11 petrol stations in Thailand's Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat
Yala: Four petrol stations attacked- Hudson Petroleum Ban Bannang Dama Limited Partnership, Ban Bannang Dama (Village No. 1), Kabang Subdistrict, Kabang District, Yala- Bannang Sata Petroleum Limited Partnership, Ban Bannang Sata (Village No. 2), Bannang Sata Subdistrict, Bannang Sata District, Yala- Asri Blue Oil Co., Ltd., Ban Pu Ke Khla (Village No. 6), Budi Subdistrict, Mueang Yala District, Yala- PTD Group 1441 Co., Ltd., Ban Sa Kho (Village No. 4), Tha Sap Subdistrict, Mueang Yala District, Yala- Photo: The Nation/ANNPattani: Two petrol stations attacked- Karee Petroleum Co., Ltd., Ban Ba Ngo (Village No.
Source:The Star
January 11, 2026 18:52 UTC
Former Premier League star goes on strike for FA Cup clash as manager warns ‘this will have consequences’
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.
Source:The Star
January 11, 2026 18:47 UTC
Eliud Owalo declares 2027 presidential bid, unveils Nyanza development agenda
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.
Source:The Star
January 11, 2026 18:24 UTC
Why Kenya's zero-tariff deal with China is up in the air
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.
Source:Standard Digital
January 11, 2026 17:42 UTC
Lusaka pledges to unite Western leaders, mobilise support for Ruto's re-election
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.
Source:Standard Digital
January 11, 2026 17:34 UTC
Uhuru’s shadow looms large in opposition unity push
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.
Source:The Star
January 11, 2026 17:30 UTC
American Streamer IShowSpeed Gains 360,000 Subscribers During the First Day of Kenyan Tour
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
Source:The Star
January 11, 2026 17:21 UTC
Is Sifuna being considered for running mate role?
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.
Source:The Star
January 11, 2026 17:20 UTC
Panga, stolen beans seal rapists' fate as court upholds death verdict
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Source:Standard Digital
January 11, 2026 17:18 UTC
Thousands march and dozens arrested in Minneapolis protests against ICE
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.
Source:The Star
January 11, 2026 17:17 UTC