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Sunday, April 26, 2026
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Perez holds talks over F1 return

Sergio Perez says he has spoken to “a few” teams about a return to the grid next season.

The 35-year-old Mexican left Red Bull shortly after the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in December, six months after signing a new two-year contract.

He failed to win a race in 2024 and had only four podium finishes, his worst season since joining Red Bull in 2021.

“I’ve been approached by a few teams since Abu Dhabi. The season has started, so a few things will open up in the coming months,” Perez told the Formula 1 website., external

“Once I know all my options, I will make a decision.

“What is very clear to me is that I’m only coming back if the project makes sense and it’s something I can enjoy.”

Perez finished second in the drivers’ championship in 2023 behind team-mate Max Verstappen, but he described last season as “terrible” after failing to win a race for the first time since 2019.

Perez, who has also driven for Sauber and McLaren, said his struggles were partly because of issues with Red Bull’s RB20 car., external

His replacement, Liam Lawson, was dropped after two races this season and replaced by Yuki Tsunoda after failing to get to grips with its successor, the RB21.

Perez said: “Especially last year, I didn’t get to show what I’m able to do as a driver.

“Now, all of a sudden, people realise how difficult the car is to drive.”

Leverkusen stunned by third-tier Bielefeld in German Cup

Third-tier Arminia Bielefeld stunned defending champions Bayer Leverkusen to reach the final of the German Cup.

Bielefeld fought back from a goal down to triumph 2-1 and become the first team outside the top two divisions to knock four Bundesliga sides out of the German Cup in one season.

The club, who are fourth in Germany’s third division, had already beaten Union Berlin, Freiburg and Werder Bremen before their victory over the reigning Bundesliga champions.

Leverkusen opened the scoring in the 17th minute through Jonathan Tah, but their lead lasted for just three minutes as Marius Worl beat keeper Lukas Hradecky with a low strike.

A close-range volley from Maximilian Grosser before the break completed Bielefeld’s comeback and condemned Leverkusen to their first German Cup defeat under manager Xabi Alonso.

“We didn’t need luck at all because we were on the front foot the whole time,” Bielefeld boss Michel Kniat said.

Kniat said he “normally wouldn’t have a drink with the players, but tonight I’ll make an exception”, adding that “nobody will go to sleep in this city tonight”.

Bielefeld returned to the Bundesliga in 2020 after an 11-year absence, but they were relegated two seasons later and, in 2023, they dropped down to the third tier after losing a relegation play-off.

They are the fourth team from the third division to reach the German Cup final, following Union Berlin in 2001, Energie Cottbus in 1997 and Hertha Berlin’s reserve team in 1993.

Bielefeld will take on another Bundesliga side in the final, with Stuttgart or RB Leipzig facing each other in Wednesday’s semi-final.

Real Madrid reach Copa del Rey final after eight-goal extra-time thriller

Real Madrid kept their Treble hopes alive in extraordinary fashion after Antonio Rudiger headed home an extra-time winner against Real Sociedad to book their place in the Copa del Rey final.

Substitute Rudiger climbed highest to meet Arda Guler’s 115th-minute corner to flick a header beyond visiting keeper Alex Remiro, sparking wild celebrations from the home fans.

In a terrific end-to-end second half, five goals were scored in 21 minutes as both sides looked to confirm their spot in the Seville showpiece.

With a 1-0 deficit to overcome from the first leg, Sociedad struck in the 16th minute through Ander Barrenetxea.

But teenage Brazilian striker Endrick put the Madrid outfit back in front on aggregate with a fine chip for the 30th-minute leveller.

A David Alaba own goal in the 72nd minute again put the visitors ahead on the night and sparked an incredible scoring spree in an amazing climax.

Mikel Oyarzabal made it 3-1, and 3-2 on aggregate, to Sociedad eight minutes later with a low drive that also struck Alaba, but England midfielder Jude Bellingham restored parity moments later with a lovely volleyed finish.

Aurelien Tchouameni thought he had headed Carlo’s Ancelotti’s side into the final in the 86th minute after a horrible attempt to save from goalkeeper Remiro.

The drama was not finished there as Sociedad captain Oyarzabal rose highest to power in a header in added time to put his side back ahead, forcing extra time at the Bernabeu.

But Rudiger broke their hearts in the extra period to make it 5-4 on aggregate.

Madrid’s pursuit of a first Treble still remains possible as they sit three points behind La Liga leaders Barcelona, face Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-finals and are looking to win the Copa del Rey for a 21st time.

Barcelona visit Atletico Madrid on Wednesday to determine who will play Real Madrid in the final, with their last-four tie also finely poised after an enthralling 4-4 first-leg draw.

President Ruto Calls for Rwanda’s Involvement in DRC Peace Process

Written by Faith Mwende

President William Ruto has urged the Nairobi-Luanda peace facilitation team, including former President Uhuru Kenyatta, to work alongside East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) peace envoys in engaging Rwanda to support efforts to restore peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Speaking during a virtual summit of facilitators in the merged Luanda-Nairobi peace process, Ruto stressed the need to bring Rwanda into discussions despite its previous reluctance due to tensions with the DRC.

“I know we will be having a conversation as to how this is going to move forward, especially in the context that the facilitator of the Rwanda process will not be part of this, and that is part of the conversation we need to have,” he stated.

The President also urged the facilitators to continue engaging stakeholders to help de-escalate the conflict, which has been fueled by the M23 rebels.

“More than 3,000 lives have been lost, with thousands more maimed. These figures are not just statistics; they are human tragedies that demand urgent redress,” Ruto emphasized.

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta is among the EAC and SADC-appointed mediators of the DRC conflict.

Other facilitators include former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria, Sahle-Work Zewde of Ethiopia, and Catherine Samba-Panza of the Central African Republic.

The Nairobi peace process, led by Uhuru Kenyatta, had previously stalled due to political distractions, military withdrawals, and a lack of commitment from key stakeholders.

Additionally, the withdrawal of Kenyan troops from the EAC Regional Force created a security vacuum, emboldening insurgent groups.

Protests Erupt in Korogocho Over Planned Evictions

Written by Faith Mwende

Chaos erupted in Nairobi’s Korogocho slums as residents protested the government’s plan to evict them to make way for housing projects.

The agitated crowd stormed the Chief’s Camp, disrupting operations before setting fire to a building within the compound.

Protesters also pelted the RC building located between the Chief’s office and Korogocho Police Post with stones, expressing their anger.

Firefighters were unable to respond, escalating tensions in the area. “We will not move! The government is treating us unfairly,” shouted one protester.

According to local administration units, the burned building housed National Government Administration Officers (NGAO).

However, no officers were harmed during the demonstrations. While the Chief’s office and police post remained intact, clashes between residents and security forces lasted for most of the day.

Videos showed residents chanting “Ruto Must Go”, accusing the government of neglecting their welfare.

The protests paralyzed traffic in and out of the slum, with some residents sustaining injuries as security forces intervened.

The government’s housing project in Kariobangi and Mathare has sparked controversy, especially after mass evictions along riverbanks.

President William Ruto recently announced plans to build 40,000 housing units to accommodate displaced residents. “We are soon announcing the construction of 40,000 units to help resettle those affected,” Ruto assured.

‘We Deserve Development’ – Governor Kahiga Warmly Welcomes Ruto to Nyeri, Urges Him to Return

Governor Mutahi Kahiga has expressed his appreciation to President William Ruto after visiting Nyeri County.

Speaking on Tuesday, April 1, Kahiga said that Nyeri residents deserve a fair share of government projects, having overwhelmingly voted for the government in the 2022 General Elections.

He dismissed any opposition to Ruto’s visit to the region, stating that his presence was crucial in driving development initiatives.

“The President should not be told not to come to Nyeri; we want him to come again and again to bring us development. We are the ones who voted for this government and we deserve development,” he said.

This comes about two months after Kahiga expressed discontent over Deputy President Kithure Kindiki’s visit to Nyeri County without informing his office.

Speaking on Wednesday, February 5, Kahiga raised concerns about the lack of communication and coordination from the DP’s office, calling it disrespectful. 

He stated that he was completely unaware of the purpose of Kindiki’s visit, and wondered whether his presence was expected at any events.

1“The other day I saw the deputy president had visited Nyeri. I don’t understand why some people just want wrangles for nothing. The Governor’s office represents the interests of the people. 

“When a visitor of such status is visiting, we are given a notice that the deputy president is coming. However, in this case, we were not notified. We just had that he was in the county and we didn’t know if we were supposed to be there or not. Is that right?” He asked.

Kahiga stressed the importance of mutual respect between the national and county governments, citing that both should work in harmony for the benefit of the people. 

“Offices should respect each other. When they invite me for meetings in Nairobi, I go. Both the National and County governments are supposed to work together,” he added. 

ODM and UDA Set for Grassroots Elections in April

Written by Faith Mwende

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) will resume its grassroots elections on Monday, April 7, across all 47 counties, the party’s Director of Communications, Phillip Etale, announced in a statement on Tuesday, April 1.

According to Etale, the elections will begin at the ward level, with only delegates elected at the Polling Unit level eligible to participate.

“The ODM party grassroots elections will resume on Monday, April 7, 2025, in all 47 counties in Kenya,” he stated. “This is a continuation of the November 17, 2024, elections, which saw members elect officials at the Polling Unit level.”

Elected ward-level delegates will then proceed to constituency-level elections on Wednesday, April 9.

The process will be conducted either by census or a show of hands, under the supervision of county elections committees.

National Elections Coordinating Committee (NECC) Chairperson Emily Awita assured that preparations were complete. “We are very ready for the exercise. It is all systems go, and we expect everything to run smoothly,” she said.

Meanwhile, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) will hold its own grassroots elections starting Friday, April 11, through Saturday, April 12, in 22 counties, according to National Election Board (NEB) Chairman Anthony Mwaura.

On Friday, April 11, elections will take place in Kitui, Machakos, Makueni, Kajiado, Turkana, Kisii, Nyamira, Bungoma, Migori, Siaya, and Kisumu counties.

On Saturday, April 12, voting will be conducted in Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Marsabit, Isiolo, Taita Taveta, Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, Lamu, and Tana River counties.

Both parties have expressed confidence in a transparent and orderly election process.

Broad-Based Government Will Foster Unity And Inclusive Growth, President Ruto

Kenyans stand to gain more from the broadbased government as opposed to a divided country along ethnic lines, President William Ruto has said.

During his second day tour of development projects in Mt Kenya region, the President said unity of purpose will unlock the country’s true potential.

“No community, county, or region will be sidelined by the Broad-Based Government,” he said when he addressed residents of Nanyuki town on Tuesday.

He added: “We are going to walk together to make our country more inclusive, prosperous, and better for all of us.”

He reiterated his stand that no community or region has to exit government for another to feel accomodated.

The President began the day’s activities by flagging off the Last Mile Connectivity Project in Ng’arachi, Laikipia West Constituency.

He was accompanied by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Governors Joshua Irungu (Laikipia), Cecily Mbarire (Embu), and Mutahi Kahiga (Nyeri).

Others were Cabinet Secretaries Alice Wahome (Lands and Housing), William Kabogo (ICT), Opiyo Wandayi (Energy), Migos Ogamba (Education), Mutahi Kagwe (Agriculture), and Rebecca Miano (Tourism).

The President said the government is investing KSh1.12 billion to connect over 9,000 households to electricity in Laikipia County.

He also commissioned the rehabilitated Ng’arachi Comprehensive School, one of the nine schools the government has rehabilitated in the county following destruction of education infrastructure by bandits and cattle rustlers.

The President said this will facilitate learners’ return to school ensuring no pupil or student is left behind.

He also delivered a school bus to Dr Wachira Secondary School, Kiamariga, and handed over carwash machines to boda boda operators in the county to boost their businesses.

President Ruto said the government has made significant progress in addressing insecurity and cattle rustling in Laikipia County, and explained that this has led to peace and a return of significant socio-economic activities.

“We will deal with the few remaining criminals. They must stop,” he said.

The President assured Laikipia County residents that the government will step up efforts to curb human-wildlife conflict.

In Nanyuki town, Laikipia East Constituency, President Ruto laid the foundation stone for the construction of 10 classrooms at Nanyuki District Education Board Primary and Junior Secondary School.

He also inspected the KSh350 million Nanyuki Modern Market and addressed residents on the other programmes being undertaken in the country’s journey of transformation.

He also visited the 200-unit Nanyuki Affordable Housing Project that is now 97 per cent complete. Launched in January 2024, the project has so far created more than 1,000 jobs for young people and women.

President Ruto directed the Ministry of Lands and Housing to give priority to hustlers such as mama mboga and boda boda riders in the allocation of housing units.

The President announced that tendering for an additional 1,000 units in the town is about to be completed, signalling more job opportunities for the youth.

He directed the Ministry of Roads to urgently tarmac the Liki-Ndukuma and Trojan-Ruai roads, which the residents have complained of for a long time.

In Kieni Constituency, Nyeri County, the President launched the Last Mile Electricity Connectivity project, commissioned 16 classroom blocks at Narumoru Primary School, and inspected progress at the Narumoru Market.

Nyeri Governor Kahiga praised President Ruto for bringing development projects to Nyeri County and the larger Mt Kenya region.

“Let no one tell you not to visit Nyeri; come as many times as you can. We looked for this government, and we are in to stay,” he said in Kieni.

Others present were Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, Laikipia East MP Mwangi Kiunjuri, Kenya Revenue Authority Chairman Ndiritu Muriithi, MPs, and MCAs among other leaders.

UN Aircraft Makes Emergency Landing in Mogadishu

Written by Faith Mwende

A United Nations aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing at Aden Adde Airport in Mogadishu on Tuesday afternoon due to a mechanical malfunction in its front landing gear, Fevori LLC, the Turkish company managing the airport, confirmed.

According to the Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA), the pilot executed a belly landing, causing the nose of the aircraft to make contact with the runway.

Fortunately, all passengers were safely evacuated, with no fatalities or serious injuries.

“Thankfully, there were no casualties. All individuals were safely evacuated and provided with medical checks and support on site,” Fevori LLC said in a statement.

The aircraft, a De Havilland Dash 8 (DH8D) operated by UNSOS, was en route from Mogadishu to Baidoa when the incident occurred.
Emergency teams responded within minutes, ensuring passenger safety.

SCAA confirmed the aircraft had experienced technical issues shortly after takeoff.

“The aircraft safely executed a belly landing at Aden Adde International Airport at 13:28 local time. There were no casualties, and damage to the aircraft was minimal,” the authority stated.

As a result, the taxiway was temporarily closed for emergency response and aircraft recovery but has since reopened.

A full investigation is now underway in coordination with aviation authorities and the UN.

3 Students Among 4 Killed In Morning Road Crash In Nyakach

A grisly road accident has claimed the lives of four passengers including three students from Ober Boys Primary School. 

The accident, which happened at Kibuon area in Nyakach, Kisumu County, has also left several other passengers seriously injured.

The crash happened early Wednesday, April 2 morning just past Nyabondo Junction, when a public service vehicle (PSV) and a sugarcane truck collided head on.

Further, Nyanza Traffic Police Commander Peter Maina has confirmed the incident, saying several injured victims were rushed to Nyabondo Hospital for treatment.

Preliminary reports indicate that the Bestline Sacco PSV was ferrying passengers along the the Sondu-Katito route on the Kisumu-Kisii Highway when the accident occurred.

Witnesses described a scene as gruesome with rescuers working tirelessly to retrieve victims from the wreckage.

Also, local residents and first responders rushed to the scene to assist the injured before emergency services arrived.

From photos shared online, the windscreen was completely shattered and the front part of the vehicle damaged. 

The bumper of the vehicle was also damaged, while the roof of the vehicle bent.

On the other hand, the lorry ferrying sugarcane remained intact. Police officers arrived shortly at the scene.

In a separate incident on February 1, four people, including three students from Dr. Aggrey Boys’ High School in Wundanyi constituency died in an accident in Taita Taveta County.

 According to the police, the accident occurred when a minibus lost control after suffering a brake failure along the Wundanyi-Mwatate Road.

The students were returning home after a second fire incident at their school forced the administration to close the institution and send them home.

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