Former OpenAI board member says Elon Musk offered her sperm donations

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May 7, 2026

BBC – A former OpenAI board member has explained how her unconventional personal relationship with Elon Musk evolved into having four of his children.

Shivon Zilis testified in a federal courtroom in Oakland, California for hours on Wednesday as part of Musk’s lawsuit trying to reverse OpenAI’s change to a for-profit company.

The focus of Zilis’s appearance was her direct involvement in early talks with Musk around the company becoming a for-profit, but also how she worked for and became involved with Musk as she advised OpenAI.

“I still really wanted to be a mum and Elon made the offer around that time and I accepted,” she said, explaining Musk in 2020 had offered to donate sperm.

“He was encouraging everyone around him at that time to have kids and he’d noticed I did not. He offered to make a donation,” Zilis said.

AFP via Getty Images Shivon Zilis wearing a pale dress and jacket, with Elon Musk wearing a suit and red scarf. Both are smiling and Musk is waving. — Zilis and Musk attended the wedding of White House Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino at Mar-a-Lago in February

Zilis has worked as a venture capitalist in Silicon Valley for over 15 years and held executive positions at Musk’s car company, Tesla, and his neurotechnology firm Neuralink.

She joined OpenAI as an advisor in 2016, not long after it was founded, a position through which she said on Wednesday is how she first met Musk.

Given Zilis’s role across Musk’s companies and OpenAI, eventually becoming a director at OpenAI from 2020 to 2023, she is an important witness in the trial.

OpenAI lawyers have suggested that she funnelled information about OpenAI to Musk after he in 2018 left the AI company, which he co-founded and made early donations to.

Zilis said she had a “one-off” romance with Musk about a decade ago but was not romantically involved with Musk in 2020, when Musk initially made the offer to father her children.

She explained she had been struggling with certain health issues which had changed her initial plans to follow a more traditional personal path of getting married and having children with a romantic partner.

Zilis’s initial plan for Musk’s role in the lives of the first two children she had by him was not necessarily as an active father, and the two had agreed to keep his paternity “strictly confidential.”

Today, Musk is an active participant in the lives of his now four children with Zilis, she said, explaining that they spend a few hours a week together as a family.

Zilis said the confidentiality agreement with Musk is why she did not disclose to OpenAI’s chief executive Sam Altman that twins she gave birth to in 2021 were fathered by Musk.

She told Altman that Musk was the father the following year, when she learned a Business Insider report on Musk’s paternity of the children was imminent.

Nevertheless, Altman and OpenAI’s president Greg Brockman wanted to continue with Zilis on the board of the AI company. Zilis said on Wednesday that the three remained friends until at least 2023.

When asked earlier this week about Zilis’ involvement with OpenAI for years after Musk had left the company, Brockman said: “We trusted her to keep the Elon conflict under control.”

Zilis left the board in March 2023 as Musk was launching xAI, an AI company developing a chatbot that is a direct competitor to OpenAI’s ChatGPT.

With years of history, including emails and text messages that have been made part of the case between Zilis, Altman, Brockman, and Musk, lawyers for OpenAI seized on several examples of discussions around changing the corporate structure of the AI company.

Moving away from being a pure non-profit was seen as necessary as early as 2017 in order for OpenAI to grow and raise from investors many billions of dollars, according to written exchanges shown in court in which Musk was involved.

Brockman and another OpenAI co-founder Ilya Sutskever were pushing for the company to transition to a B Corp, which is a type of for-profit entity that holds itself to a certain mission.

Emails from Zilis showed that Musk wanted more control of OpenAI, through additional board seats and even suggested that the AI company become part of Tesla, possibly as a B Corp subsidiary of the electric car company.

Zilis said in a written exchange that such a move for OpenAI “solves the funding issue immediately.”

Ultimately, Altman, Brockman, Sutskever could not agree on terms with Musk, in large part because they were adamant that Musk “not have control” of OpenAI’s work, according to an email from Zilis shown in court.

CS Duale dismisses blood export claims, clarifies donations reserved for domestic use

By

John Mutiso

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May 7, 2026

Health Caninet Secretary Aden Duale has denied reports alleging that the Ministry of Health exports blood donated by Kenyans to other countries.

In a statement issued on Thursday, May 6, Duale stated that the report by the World Integrated Trade Solutions (WITS), which revealed the exportation of human and animal blood products from Kenya, was grossly misinterpreted.

He stated that the ‘Human and animal blood’ category is a universal trade classification which includes, among other substances: vaccines, toxins, antisera and other blood-derived products, microbial cultures and similar products.

“This classification is a broad customs category covering a wide range of pharmaceuticals. laboratory. diagnostic, research, and biological products. Importantly, this classification does not include donated blood collected for transfusion services.

“The Ministry of Health does not export any donated blood or components of blood for purposes of manufacturing blood-derived products in a foreign country, the statement read in part.

A file image of a medical practitioner handling donated blood.

However, Duale disclosed that Kenya imported some blood products used within the country, but from internationally accredited manufacturers.

These include antisera, which are used in blood grouping and laboratory diagnostic or plasma-derived products, and products such as clotting factors, albumin, and immunoglobulins.

The CS urged Kenyans to interpret the WITS report with caution to avoid the circulation of misleading information. He warned that the Ministry would take action against those spreading fake news.

“The Ministry of Health will work with relevant investigative agencies to seek and apprehend persons peddling and publishing misleading health information to the Kenyan public, under the existing laws,” Duale stated.

He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening Kenya’s health systems, including the national blood system.

Duale stated that this would ensure continued access to safe, quality-assured, and globally compliant health services for all Kenyans.

The report had cast a shadow on organisations and individuals who have been conducting blood donation drives in the country.

A section of Kenyans who had misunderstood the report questioned why the blood was being exported and whether it was being used for the right purposes.

Kenya Railways Flags Fake Job Advert Circulating Online

By

John Mutiso

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May 7, 2026

Kenya Railways has warned members of the public against a fake job advertisement circulating online purporting to announce recruitment opportunities at the corporation.

In a notice on Thursday, May 7, the corporation distanced itself from the advert, which falsely claims that Kenya Railways is hiring for multiple positions.

The fake advert, which has been widely shared on social media platforms, lists dozens of positions allegedly available at the corporation, including Sales and Marketing Manager, Passenger Services Manager, Security Officer, Graduate Trainees, Driver, Receptionist, Cleaner, and Data Entry Clerk among others.

The fraudulent notice further instructs applicants to submit applications through a Gmail address and claims that the recruitment deadline is May 14.

However, Kenya Railways has dismissed the advert as fake and cautioned Kenyans against falling victim to fraudsters seeking to exploit desperate job seekers.

“The advert circulating online alleging that Kenya Railways is recruiting staff is fake. Kenya Railways has not advertised any jobs through the circulated notice,” the corporation said.

File image of a Kenya Railways commuter train

The corporation further urged the public to rely only on official communication channels for employment opportunities and corporate announcements.

“Members of the public are advised to disregard the fake advert and avoid sharing personal information or sending applications to unauthorized email addresses,” Kenya Railways stated.

The agency also reminded job seekers that all official vacancies are normally published through recognized government communication channels and the corporation’s verified platforms.

Geoffrey Mosiria Rescues 14-Year-Old Girl From Forced Marriage

By

John Mutiso

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May 7, 2026

Nairobi County Chief Officer for Citizen Engagement and Customer Service, Geoffrey Mosiria, has rescued a 14-year-old girl who has been forced into marriage.

In a statement on Thursday, May 7, Mosiria said the minor was allegedly sold by her uncle and married off at the age of 12 to an elderly man.

He noted that the girl has no relatives in Kenya apart from the uncle who is accused of selling her.

“Tonight, we rescued a 14-year-old girl who had been forced into marriage at the age of 12 with an old man, almost the age of his grandfather.

“The child is Ethiopian, and she doesn’t have relatives in Kenya apart from the uncle who sold her out. Her mum is in Ethiopia,” read the statement in part.

Mosiria said the suspect is currently being held at Kasarani Police Station as investigations continue.

Meanwhile, the 14-year-old has been taken to a rescue centre where she is receiving care and protection.

The Nairobi County Chief Officer also issued a stern warning against forced marriages involving minors.

Mosiria further said anyone involved in marrying or cohabiting with underage children must desist immediately or face legal action.

“Any individual involved in marrying or cohabiting with an underage child must immediately desist and ensure the child is returned to a safe environment. Failure to do so will result in firm legal action in accordance with the law,” Mosiria added.

Nairobi Water Relocates its Offices in Lower Embakasi

By

John Mutiso

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May 7, 2026

Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company has announced the relocation of its regional office serving customers in Lower Embakasi.

In a notice on Thursday, May 7, the agency said the office will move from Shujaa Mall to Greenspan Mall, where operations will continue from the second and third floors.

The move is set to take effect on Friday, May 8.

“We wish to inform our valued customers in Lower Embakasi Region that our regional office shall relocate from Shujaa Mall to Greenspan Mall – 2nd & 3rd Floor on Friday, May 8,” the notice read.

Nairobi Water noted that services will continue during the transition period, although customers have been asked to bear with the company as it settles into the new premises.

“During this transition period, we kindly ask for your patience as we continue to enhance our service delivery at the new location,” the notice added.

In the meantime, customers can continue accessing Nairobi Water services through its self-care platforms and by contacting the support team for assistance.

The relocation will affect customers in Lower Embakasi, which covers several zones and sub-zones across the area.

The Imara Daima Zone includes Donholm Sub Zone and Pipeline Sub Zone while the Nyayo Zone covers Fedha Sub Zone and Juakali Sub Zone.

The Umoja Zone includes Umoja 1 and 2 Sub Zone as well as Umoja Innercore – Tena Sub Zone.

UDA gives 24 hours to settle Ol Kalou nominations disputes

By

John Mutiso

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May 7, 2026

The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has announced that all disputes arising from the upcoming Ol Kalou parliamentary nominations must be filed within 24 hours after the declaration of results.

In a notice issued on Wednesday, May 6, the party said its Electoral and Nomination Dispute Resolution Committee (ENDRC) will be on standby to receive, hear and determine complaints linked to the Member of National Assembly nomination exercise scheduled for May 8.

According to UDA, the nominations will be conducted across all polling centres in Ol Kalou Constituency following confirmation by the party’s National Elections Board.

“Notice is hereby given that the UDA Electoral and Nomination Dispute Resolution Committee shall be available to receive, hear and determine all disputes relating to the Ol Kalou Constituency Member of National Assembly nomination process,” the party stated.

The ruling party directed aspirants and party members to submit complaints either physically or electronically through the committee’s official email channels.

“All electoral disputes should be lodged before the ENDRC within twenty-four hours upon declaration of results or nomination decision giving rise to the respective dispute,” the notice further stated.

UDA said the strict timeline is intended to ensure grievances are resolved quickly and to prevent prolonged wrangles that could disrupt preparations for the upcoming by-election in Nyandarua County.

The Ol Kalou parliamentary contest has attracted considerable political interest, with several aspirants seeking the UDA ticket ahead of the by-election.

Political party primaries in Kenya have often been marred by disputes involving allegations of irregularities, vote tallying concerns and candidate eligibility disputes.

Under Kenyan electoral laws, political parties are required to establish internal dispute resolution mechanisms before aggrieved aspirants can escalate complaints to bodies such as the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) or the courts.

UDA noted that the ENDRC will review evidence presented by all parties and issue determinations within timelines outlined in the party’s nomination regulations.

The party has repeatedly emphasised transparency, fairness and adherence to internal electoral procedures in a bid to strengthen confidence among aspirants and supporters.

There are over 800,000 ghost students in public schools – President Ruto

By

John Mutiso

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May 7, 2026

President William Ruto on Thursday, May 7 revealed that there were up to 887,000 ghost students in primary and secondary schools across the country.

Speaking at the National Education Conference in Naivasha, Ruto explained that an audit of students revealed 87,000 ghost students in secondary schools and 800,000 ghost pupils in primary schools.

The President disclosed that the government lost up to Ksh1.2 billion in capitation for the ghost learners.

“We got to know that there were 87,000 ghost students in our secondary schools, students we were paying for capitation, yet they did not exist.

‘We had 800,000 pupils in primary school. The government is paying close to Ksh1.2 billion every year for learners that did not exist,” Ruto stated.

A file photo of Education CS Julius Ogamba

The Head of State added that the audit revealed that 200 registered schools were non-existent. Consequently, the government has launched a thorough investigation of school heads and county directors of education.

Consequently, he directed the Ministry of Education to digitise learners’ and schools’ records, with the help of Konza Metropolis. He noted that digitisation would give the government accurate numbers.

“I have instructed the Ministry that in the next two months, we will work with Konza Technopolis to make sure that we digitise the education details of every learner, school, teachers, bursaries and everything else,” Ruto disclosed.

The President further told off school heads who moved to court to challenge the decision to move of school fees payment to the eCitizen platform.

He argued that the move would eliminate fraud, streamline payments and help keep accurate records of school finances.

Meanwhile, Ruto reaffirmed his commitment to bettering the education sector by employing more teachers and improving the educational infrastructure across the country.

He added that the government has also improved the educational funding model and teacher development.

7 Prayers Impeached Deputy President Gachagua Wants Granted by Court

By

John Mutiso

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May 7, 2026

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has asked the court to issue seven key declarations and orders in a case challenging his impeachment process.

In court filings presented by the former DP’s legal team on Thursday, May 7, he argued that both the National Assembly of Kenya and the Senate of Kenya violated constitutional requirements during the proceedings.

Gachagua’s lawyers also argue that the procedure used by Parliament failed to meet the standards set out in the Constitution, particularly on issues of public participation and timelines.

Among the prayers sought before the court is a declaration that the modalities used for public participation did not meet the constitutional threshold required in such a process.

The legal team further claims that the Senate failed in its obligation to ensure meaningful public participation before making its determination on the impeachment motion.

Gachagua is also seeking a declaration that the appointment of a select committee by the Senate is mandatory during an impeachment process.

The former Deputy President’s legal team also argues that the timelines used in processing the impeachment were unconstitutional, saying they did not provide adequate time for proper consideration of the matter.

Gachagua has also asked the court to quash the resolution passed by the National Assembly on October 8, 2024, which approved the impeachment motion against him.

In addition, he wants the court to nullify the Senate resolution of October 17, 2024, which upheld the impeachment.

This comes a week after Gachagua withdrew his request to be reinstated to office, shifting focus in his court petition toward compensation and legal declarations surrounding his impeachment.

The revised petition now seeks payment of salaries, benefits, and other entitlements he would have earned had he remained in office, alongside a declaration that the impeachment process violated constitutional and legal provisions.

Appearing before the Milimani Law Courts on Monday, April 27, Gachagua’s lawyer, Senior Counsel Paul Muite, confirmed the development, outlining the changes to the case and the direction the legal team is pursuing.

“The petitioner has abandoned the prayer for reinstatement as Deputy President. The core of those prayers can be summarised as the quashing of the impeachment and payment of the remuneration and benefits he would have otherwise earned as provided by law,” he said.

Muite argued that the constitutional provisions governing the removal of a Deputy President were not properly applied, particularly in relation to the period Gachagua served in office.

“For the 2.5 years that Gachagua served as the second Deputy President, it is our submission that Article 151 of the Constitution fully applies. Impeachment cannot and should not be applied retrospectively,” he added.

Gov’t accelerates upgrade of Kamuwongo–Kandwia Road to boost regional connectivity

By

John Mutiso

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May 7, 2026

Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo has issued an update on the upgrading of the Kamuwongo–Kandwia Road to bitumen standards.

In a statement on Thursday, May 7, PS Omollo said earthworks and grading are underway along the 13-kilometre road.

PS Omollo noted that most sections of the stretch have reached the subgrade level and are ready for base and asphalt layering.

“Earthworks and initial grading are underway along the 13-kilometre stretch, with most sections now at subgrade level and prepared for base and asphalt layering,” read the statement in part.

The Interior PS highlighted that once complete, the road will provide a continuous paved link from the Thika–Garissa Highway in Mwingi to the Ena–Chiakariga–Meru corridor, effectively connecting Kitui to Embu, Tharaka Nithi, and Meru counties.

File image of ongoing works along the Kamuwongo–Kandwia Road.

PS Omollo also said the highway will open up Mwingi North to broader northern markets and trade flows.

At the same time, PS Omollo said construction works are also advancing on the Kyuso–Tseikuru road, which will extend the connectivity in the region.

“While Tseikuru has produced some of the country’s most decorated leaders, it has long carried the irony of being a backwater where ordinary citizens still contend with poor roads, a reality now being decisively addressed,” he stated.

Further, PS Omollo mentioned that his department is supporting the delivery of the two projects by reinforcing road safety along the corridor through coordinated traffic management, public awareness, and enforcement.

The upgrading of the Kamuwongo–Kandwia road was launched by President William Ruto in November 2025 during his Ukambani development tour.

The road project is being implemented under a contract valued at over Ksh900 million.

Irungu Nyakera Reveals Who Funds Gachagua’s DCP Party

By

John Mutiso

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May 7, 2026

Former KICC board chairperson Irungu Nyakera has revealed the funders behind the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) movement led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

In a statement on Thursday, May 7, Nyakera dismissed claims that he was solely financing the party’s operations in the Lavington office.

The former PS stated that the party, launched in May last year, is funded by contributions from members and supporters.

“DCP is not funded by one individual. Like every serious political movement, it survives through the efforts of many people internally and friends who believe in the cause,” he said.

“Everyone contributes in their own way, and no single person can claim ownership of the party or its activities.”

At the same time, Nyakera denied social media claims that he had fallen out with the former Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua.

Nyakera described the reports as attempts to create confusion and weaken the opposition.

He maintained that he still considers Gachagua his political mentor and supports the former deputy president’s ‘Wantam’ campaign message.

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