The African Union Commission (AUC) said it is sending a high-level mediation team to South Sudan amid escalating tensions between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar, raising fears of a collapse of the country’s fragile peace deal.

AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf announced the deployment of the AU’s Panel of the Wise to Juba following direct talks with President Kiir.

The move comes as renewed violence in Nasir and broader political instability after the house arrest of Machar threaten to unravel the 2018 Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).

In a statement from Addis Ababa on Monday, Mr Youssouf expressed “solidarity with the Government and people of South Sudan,” reaffirming the African Union’s “unwavering commitment to dialogue, reconciliation, and lasting peace.”

The Panel of the Wise—a conflict prevention body made up of senior African elders and statespeople—will engage with key stakeholders to “de-escalate tensions and promote dialogue,” the statement said.

Mr Youssouf warned that the current crisis risks undermining years of regional peace efforts, urging all parties to comply with the R-ARCSS.

“The AU calls on all parties to uphold all the provisions of R-ARCSS and ensure its full implementation,” the communiqué emphasised.

The AU’s intervention follows a surge in violence, including a recent attack in Nasir by the White Army—allegedly linked to Mr Machar—which overran an army base.

Regional and international bodies, including the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the East African Community (EAC), and the United Nations, have also called for urgent de-escalation.

The AU said it “remains actively engaged with regional and international partners to support South Sudan’s transition to durable peace and democracy.”

This marks one of the first major conflict interventions under Mr Youssouf’s leadership, highlighting South Sudan’s crisis as a key priority for the AU.

The move may also signal the AU’s bid to reassert its role in African peace diplomacy, after recent third-party mediation efforts in other conflicts on the continent.

Former Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Justin Muturi, has officially handed over the docket to Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.

In a statement, Muturi expressed his gratitude to the staff at the Ministry of Public Service for their support and contributions during his tenure.

He lauded their collective efforts in strengthening the public service sector.

“I sincerely appreciate everyone in the Ministry who supported and contributed to our efforts in strengthening public service. It was an honor to serve,” Muturi stated.

President William Ruto dismissed Muturi on March 26, following a fallout over the abduction of his son by the National Intelligence Service (NIS) in June 2023.

In a dispatch released by Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service Felix Koskei on Wednesday, the President nominated Mbeere North MP Geoffrey Ruku to take over the Public Service, Human Capital Development, and Special Programmes docket.

Ruku’s appointment is subject to parliamentary approval.

Muturi’s sacking marked the peak of a fallout with President William Ruto after sustained tensions over rising abductions which the former Attorney General has blamed on government.

On March 12, Muturi dismissed calls for his resignation, insisting there was no valid reason for him to step down despite his refusal to attend Cabinet meetings.

Speaking on Citizen TV, Muturi addressed speculation about a fallout with President Ruto and denied claims of insubordination, expressing confidence in his position within the Cabinet.

Muturi defended his criticism of abductions, stating that he was fulfilling his duty as a public servant and that resigning would be “immoral.”

He argued that leaders should commend him for advocating justice and accountability rather than demanding his resignation.

“The issue I raised on January 12 was an objection to abductions and extrajudicial killings happening in the country. I stated that, as a government, we must address these issues because if ignored, they could lead to chaos and anarchy,” Muturi explained.

He emphasized that speaking out against such violations should not be grounds for resignation, noting that the Kenya Kwanza coalition had pledged to end enforced disappearances during its campaign.

The feud between Ruto and Muturi escalated further after the now-sacked CS denied claims of incompetence during his tenure as Attorney General, following Ruto’s accusation of delays in creating a Muslim Endowment Fund.

Muturi clarified that the Waqf Act does not provide for the creation of a Muslim Endowment.

His response came after President Ruto, during an Iftar dinner at State House on Tuesday, described the former AG as “fairly incompetent” in handling legal matters, particularly regarding the establishment of Waqf—a commission responsible for managing Islamic endowments.

Muturi maintained that the existing law does not support the creation of such a fund.

President Ruto blamed Muturi for delays in implementing the Waqf Commission and assured the Muslim community that, under the new Attorney General Dorcas Oduor, the matter would be resolved within months.

On Monday, speaking for the first time over Muturi’s dismissal President Ruto has defended the move claiming that Muturi while serving as the Attorney General had struggled to deliver.

Speaking during a media roundtable at Sagana State Lodge on Monday, Ruto pointed out thatbwhen he made Muturi the AG, he (Muturi) explained himself saying he might not be able to deliver based on the fact that he had not been in practice for long after serving as a magistrate, an MP and a speaker.

“He said he might get overwhelmed. It was my fault because I persuaded him but true after some time I saw he was overwhelmed, that’s why I decided to change for him and gave him the job as a Cabinet secretary,” Ruto said.

“In between he went on strike coming for Cabinet meetings, you are a minister, but you are on strike, what was I supposed to do?” Ruto posed.

The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has launched the 2025 jersey design competition, inviting Kenyan designers to participate in creating the next national team jersey.  

In a statement on Tuesday, April 1, FKF noted that the jersey designs should reflect Kenya’s cultural heritage while maintaining the national colors; black, white, red, or green.  

Additionally, participants are encouraged to incorporate elements that symbolize the country’s football journey and national pride.

According to FKF, the competition will run from April 1 to April 15, 2025, and only one entry per participant is allowed. 

The federation warned that submissions must be original, and any attempts to submit previously used or confidential designs will result in disqualification. 

Further, entrants are required to provide a brief description explaining the significance of their design.

FKF said the competition is open to Kenyan citizens aged between 18 and 35 years, and an independent committee to review the submissions and select the top three designs will be set up.

The overall winner will receive a Ksh150,000 cash prize while the runner-up and second runner-up will receive Ksh100,000 and Ksh 50,000 respectively. 

“The winning entrants will be required to sign a declaration form whereby they shall agree to undertake to transfer all copyrights and intellectual property rights in the designs to FKF. 

“The entrants shall also be required to waive any claims to any royalties or revenue earned from the sale or use of the selected designs on national team jerseys or other FKF Merchandise,” FKF said.

In a move to ensure professionalism, FKF requires that all submissions must avoid explicit, derogatory, or profane content, do not promote weapons, drugs, or other harmful activities, and do not misrepresent or defame any national symbol.

The submissions must also exclude trademarks or copyrighted materials from external sources without permission and avoid personal identifiers like names or email addresses. 

Interested participants can contact FKF at communications@footballkenya.org for more information.