Kenyan social media has erupted with outrage following the circulation of a video allegedly linking former Harambee Stars goalkeeper Patrick Matasi to a possible betting ring.
In the video, Matasi appears to be listening and nodding in agreement as an unidentified individual, believed to be a recruiter, gives instructions on the next moves.
The former Kenya Police FC shot-stopper, who also played for Ethiopia’s Saint Georges FC, Tusker FC and AFC Leopards , was recently released by Police FC under unclear circumstances.
His last appearance for Harambee Stars saw him concede four goals in a 4-1 defeat to Cameroon, with the final goal—deemed suspiciously soft—raising eyebrows among football fans. The loss further diminished Kenya’s chances of qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations. Shortly after, head coach Engin Firat resigned, bringing an end to his troubled tenure with the national team.
The leaked video has sparked condemnation across social media, with fans expressing their frustration. Among them was Afande Cele, who took to Facebook, lamenting: “It’s heartbreaking for those who take the legitimate route to see our game and industry grow. It has always been speculation, not knowing what to believe. But today, we have proof… this pierces so deep. First half, hold a draw… second half, let go… eeeihh.”
Despite the uproar, key details remain unclear, including when the video was recorded and the identity of the alleged recruiter. Efforts to reach Patrick Matasi for comment were unsuccessful.
THE Drug Control and Enforcement Authority (DCEA), in collaboration with other security agencies have destroyed 285.5 acres of khat farms in Same District, Tanzania.
During the operation conducted from 19 to 25 March 2025, seven suspects were arrested, including the long-wanted suspected leader of the illegal khat trade in Tanzania, Ms Interindwa Kirumbi, commonly known as ‘Mama Dangote.’
Speaking after the operation, DCEA Commissioner General Aretas Lyimo stated that Mama Dangote is a major producer and distributor of khat in the country.
“For over 30 years, she has been running networks involved in the illegal trade, controlling various markets despite knowing it is against the law,” Mr Lyimo stated.
“In that operation, we destroyed a total of 535 acres of khat farms. Together with district authorities, we raised awareness about the harmful effects of drugs, including khat, aiming to help locals transition to alternative farming and livestock keeping as a means of income generation,” Commissioner General Lyimo added.
He added that two years ago, the authority also conducted a similar operation in the district and educated residents about the dangers of khat farming, urging them to shift to alternative crops and livestock farming.
He further explained that as part of these efforts, the Same District Council and the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock introduced pig farming projects and distributed seedlings for coffee, cardamom and other crops.
As a result, many residents abandoned khat farming in favour of alternative crops.
However, some individuals defied the guidance and continued with khat cultivation and trade.
Commissioner Lyimo emphasised that the authority will continue conducting operations to ensure that all those involved in khat trade are arrested and face legal action.
“The government’s objective is to eradicate khat trade and consumption, especially considering that Same District is the country’s main khat production hub, posing a significant threat to national well-being. This is why we are conducting ongoing operations across the country to curb the cultivation, transportation, and use of both farm-produced and industrially manufactured drugs,” he stressed.
The DCEA also called on citizens to report khat producers, distributors and users.
He argued that cooperation from the public will help eradicate this illegal trade and protect society.
The financing of Kenya’s $3.5 billion Usahihi Expressway has taken a major step forward, with JP Morgan and Standard NBank joining forces to back the project.
Everstrong Capital, a US-based infrastructure investment firm, confirmed the funding arrangement during a stakeholder engagement on the National Tolling Policy held at a Nairobi Hotel.
The 440-kilometre four-lane dual carriageway, which will link Nairobi and Mombasa, is expected to enhance regional connectivity, boost economic growth, and cut travel time between Kenya’s capital and its busiest port.
The project, unveiled during President William Ruto’s US state visit in May 2024, is set to be Africa’s largest toll road once completed.
US Backs First Major Road Project in Kenya
This initiative marks a shift in Kenya’s infrastructure financing, traditionally dominated by China, which has been the country’s largest bilateral lender. With the US now stepping in through Everstrong Capital, competition for economic influence in the region is intensifying.
Despite the presence of the Chinese-built Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), Kenya’s road network remains insufficient. While the SGR plays a key role in freight transport, many manufacturers still prefer trucking due to flexibility, cost, and logistical constraints tied to rail transport.
The new deal also follows the collapse of a previous agreement with Bechtel Engineering in 2022, after cost concerns pushed the projected toll road expenses to Ksh1.6 trillion.
Everstrong’s partnership with the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) signals a fresh start, with Kenyan investors, pension funds, and private sector players now set to participate in the project’s financing.
Global Investors Eye Kenya’s Infrastructure Market
With American Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) leading the investment, the Usahihi Expressway represents a strategic entry point for US investors into Kenya’s infrastructure sector.
Everstrong Capital, founded in 2015, has a track record of funding large-scale projects across Africa, including investments in energy, transport, and communication networks.
The expressway’s development aligns with Kenya’s long-term economic goals, promising to create jobs, improve supply chain efficiency, and provide a modern alternative to the congested Mombasa Road.
Dagoretti MP Beatrice Elachi’s son Elvis Murakana will be laid to rest on Saturday, March 29, at the family home in Nalepo Village, Kajiado County.
According to the family, the ceremony will start at 10am.
The cortege will leave Lee Funeral Home at 7 am on the same day.
A memorial service in his honour will be held at Holy Trinity Church, Kileleshwa, on Friday, March 28, starting at 10am.
At the time of his death, Elvis was a Business Studies student at Africa Nazarene University and was waiting for his graduation in June 2025.
Elvis was a cherished brother and cousin of Silvia, Kelvin, Mwangi, Jemimah, Alex, Tony, Moses, Lauryn and Faith, and a loving uncle of Zenna, Tamika, Zack and Kaimani.
He was also a dear nephew and a friend to many.
Elvis had spent a week in the Intensive Care Unit at AAR Hospital following a road accident.
He is said to have left home for errands in Kasarani on Tuesday, March 18, when the accident occurred.
Tragically, while driving back, his car suffered a tyre burst along Thika Road, causing it to veer off and collide with the guardrails.
When police arrived, Elvis was found unconscious and was immediately rushed to AAR Hospital for urgent medical care.
His condition was assessed as critical, requiring emergency surgeries, after which he was placed in the Intensive Care Unit for observation.
He eventually succumbed to cardiac arrest.
President William Ruto led leaders in mourning the death of Elvis, asking God to grant Elachi and her family the strength to bear the loss.
“Be comforted by the word of the Lord in Psalm 147: 3,” the President said.
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
Elachi’s party ODM also condoled with her over the loss.
“May God grant Beatrice Elachi and family the fortitude and strength to overcome the pain of losing her son Elvis Murakana Namenya. It is such a huge loss to Mheshimiwa. As a party we stand with her during this difficult moment of mourning and grief,” it said.
Kileleshwa Ward MCA Robert Alai said losing a child was an unimaginable pain, wishing the family unwavering support and prayers as they navigate the grief.
“As the MCA for Kileleshwa Ward, I join the people of Dagoretti North and beyond in mourning this profound loss. Losing a child is an unimaginable pain, and my thoughts are with you during this incredibly difficult time,” Alai said.
“May you find strength and solace in the love and support that surrounds you. Elvis, your fourth child, will forever remain in our hearts and memories. On behalf of the Kileleshwa Ward community, I offer our unwavering support and prayers for you and your family as you navigate this grief.”
Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) students have received a major boost after the government reinstated the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) sponsorship program.
KMTC CEO Kelly Oluoch made the announcement in an update on Thursday, March 27, stating that the Treasury has allocated Ksh500 million in the 2024/25 supplementary budget to support financially needy students.
He described the move as a relief to thousands of KMTC students who had been left without financial aid following the government’s decision to channel Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) funds exclusively to institutions under the Ministry of Education.
“This means we will go ahead and ask the Treasury to release the funds. Once the money reaches our bank, which may take a few weeks, we will ask HELB to open the portal for students to apply,” he said.
Oluoch noted that KMTC students had previously benefited from HELB support until the end of the 2023/2024 Financial Year when the funding was halted.
He added that the absence of financial assistance had made it difficult for many students to continue their training.
“The absence of funding had placed a heavy burden on many of our students, making it difficult for them to continue with their training,” he added.
Oluoch said that in a bid to restore the funding, KMTC engaged key government bodies, including the Parliamentary Committee on Health and the Ministry of Health.
“This prompted us to engage extensively with key government bodies, including the Parliamentary Committee on Health and the Ministry of Health, to advocate for the reinstatement of the funding.
“We are pleased to announce that our efforts have borne fruit. The Government has allocated Kshs 500 million for student loans in collaboration with HELB,” he said.
According to Oluoch, since the program’s inception in the 2022/23 Financial Year, 22,342 KMTC students have benefited.
The government of China has given Kenya a Ksh1.8 billion grant to improve healthcare.
National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi on Thursday March 27 signed the grant agreement with Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Guo Haiyan.
“The CS Hon. FCPA John Mbadi this morning signed a KSh 1.8 billion (RMB 100 million) grant agreement with H.E. Ms. Guo Haiyan, the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China at the Treasury Building,” the Ministry of National Treasury said in a statement.
According to the Ministry, the grant will boost Kenya’s healthcare sector and help in the upgrading of health facilities across the country.
Some of the health care facilities that will benefit from the grant include: Londiani Referral Hospital, Baringo County Referral Hospital, and Kilifi Hospital.
Misikhu Hospital, Bildad Kagia Hospital, and Kaimosi Farmers Training College will also benefit from the Ksh 1.8 billion grant.
“The grant, a significant boost to Kenya’s healthcare sector, will fund the upgrading of key hospitals across the country,” the Ministry stated.
CS Mbadi thanked the Chinese Government for its continued support to Kenya, noting that the partnership underscores strong bilateral ties between Kenya and China.
This comes weeks after Kenya secured a Ksh 6.5 billion ($50 Million) grant from United Nations (UN)-backed Green Climate Fund (GCF) to enhance climate resilience and promote sustainable development in Kenya.
Kenyans have expressed anger following the horrific murder of 17-year-old Gaala Aden Abdi who was beaten, stabbed and burned after refusing a forced marriage to a 55-year-old man.
Gaala, originally from Dagale Refugee Camp, was taken 150 kilometers against her will to a secluded village in Wajir, where she was coerced into marrying a man identified as Mohamed Kassim.
From the moment she arrived, Gaala resisted the union, a decision that led to relentless abuse from the 55-year-old man
“24 hours of being beaten, this is not a man. I was betrayed to marry this herder, why is my face swollen? I don’t have a man here. Every sunset when I get to that house, I get beaten,” she said in a voice recording to her parents.
On Saturday, March 22, Gaala made a desperate final call to her parents, warning of escalating violence.
“Late night when people were coming from night prayers, she called saying, ‘they have started knifing me, and my phone is being taken away’. At around 2AM, I received the devastating news that my daughter had been butchered, placed on a mattress with a bag and set on fire,” her mother, Amina Abdi Nur recounted.
Medical documents paint a grim picture of Gaala’s final moments.
Medics reported 100-degree burns covering her body and a severe spinal column injury, evidence of the savage brutality she endured.
The teenager’s death, confirmed less than a month after her forced marriage began, has left her family and community reeling.
Police have arrested the main suspect, identified as Mohamed Kassim, believed to be the husband imposed on Gaala.
Police have arrested popular Kenyan TikToker Maria “Rish” Kamunge, who is accused of scamming Kenyans out of millions of shillings through her overseas job agency, Trustpin.
On Wednesday, victims stormed her Nairobi CBD office, presenting evidence of job promises that were never fulfilled and payments made to her agency.
Rish’s lawyer claimed that rogue associates had misrepresented her agency and assured that she would refund all clients who did not secure jobs.
She was frog-marched by police from her office to the Central Police Station, where authorities have launched an investigation into Trustpin’s operations. Nairobi Central Sub-County Commander Stephen Okal has urged all victims to come forward and record statements with the police.
One of the victims, Nasimiyu, shared her harrowing experience with NTV, explaining how she was allegedly left stranded at the airport after following all the required procedures.
“I did everything they asked, but it still failed. When I came back to demand a refund, they refused, saying I could try another country instead. I declined because it had failed too many times. When I insisted on my refund, they even threatened to call the police to kick me out to Central Police Station,” she lamented.
Another victim, Harrison Bhagwasi, boarded a flight to Mauritius on March 13, 2025, hoping to secure a dream job at a five-star hotel.
However, his aspirations were crushed shortly after arrival, as the promised job did not exist. Kamunge’s lawyer has since claimed that the situation was a case of misrepresentation and assured that victims would be refunded.
Serbia has condemned President William Ruto’s recognition of Kosovo as an independent state.
The Balkan nation has termed Ruto’s move as a violation of international law and a breach of the United Nations Security Council resolution.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia strongly condemns the decision of the Republic of Kenya to recognize the unilaterally declared independence of so-called ‘Kosovo’.
“Such an act constitutes a blatant violation of international law and a direct breach of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244, which unequivocally guarantees the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Serbia. This decision comes in the very year that marks the 80th anniversary of the adoption of the UN Charter, which the Kenyan authorities have disregarded with this move,” a statement by the Serbian Ministry of Foreign Affairs read.
To Serbia, Kenya’s move only undermines regional stability and efforts to have meaningful dialogue.
“This decision also undermines efforts to foster constructive dialogue, regional stability, and respect for the international legal order. We particularly emphasize that any reference to the 2010 advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice as justification is unfounded. At the same time, this move sets a regrettable precedent in the traditionally friendly relations between Serbia and Kenya—relations that have been built over decades on the principles of mutual respect and cooperation, including within the Non-Aligned Movement,” it added.
Serbia says it will take all necessary diplomatic and political measures in response to Ruto’s move, which they termed an unacceptable and unfriendly act.
“We also highlight that over the past eight years, twenty-eight countries have withdrawn or suspended their recognition of the unilaterally declared independence of so-called Kosovo, while only two new states have granted recognition. The clear majority of the international community, along with law and justice, remains on Serbia’s side.
“Serbia will continue its efforts with even greater determination. The Republic of Serbia remains firmly committed to defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity through all available diplomatic and legal means,” the statement concluded.
This move comes after Kenya recognised Kosovo as an independent state, the first country to do so after nearly five years of stalled efforts to gain further international recognition.
Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008 but is not a United Nations member due to opposition from Serbia and its allies, including U.N.-veto holders Russia and China.
Over 110 countries, including the United States and most European nations, have recognised Kosovo’s independence.
The announcement was made by former Kosovo president Behgjet Pacolli, who shared photos on his Facebook page with Kenyan President William Ruto as he signed the recognition letter.
“I have gone door to door, office to office, with only one goal – to make the voice and the right of the people of Kosovo for freedom, independence and sovereignty being heard,” Pacolli said, adding that he had been lobbying for this since 2009.
The last country to recognise Kosovo as a state was Israel in September 2020.
(Reuters) – Asian auto stocks led markets lower on Thursday after U.S. President Donald Trump unveiled a 25% tariff on imported vehicles, expanding a global trade war and prompting criticism and threats of retaliation from affected U.S. allies.
The new levies on cars and light trucks will take effect on April 3, the day after Trump plans to announce reciprocal tariffs aimed at the countries responsible for the bulk of the U.S. trade deficit. They come on top of duties already introduced on steel and aluminum, and on goods from Mexico, Canada and China.
The U.S. imported $474 billion worth of automotive products in 2024, including passenger cars worth $220 billion. Mexico, Japan, South Korea, Canada and Germany, all close U.S. allies, were the biggest suppliers.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the move as “bad for businesses, worse for consumers,” while Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney labeled the tariffs a “direct attack” on Canadian workers and said retaliatory measures were being considered.
“We will defend our workers, we will defend our companies, we will defend our country, and we will defend it together,” Carney told reporters in Ottawa.
Automakers such as Toyota Motor and Mazda Motor led declines in stocks in Japan, which relies on autos for more than a quarter of its exports to the U.S. Shares of automakers in South Korea, Hyundai Motor (005380.KS), opens new tab and Kia Corp (000270.KS), opens new tab, fell sharply, while India automakers and parts suppliers also slid.
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said Tokyo will put “all options on the table” in dealing with the new tariffs and South Korea said it would put in place an emergency response for its hard-hit auto industry by April.
Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said Trump risked damaging the U.S. economy with additional tariffs.
“Protectionism doesn’t help any country in the world,” Lula said on Thursday at a press conference in Tokyo, vowing to lodge a complaint with the World Trade Organization over a trade levy on Brazilian steel.
Trump sees tariffs as a tool to raise revenue to offset his promised tax cuts and to revive a long-declining U.S. industrial base.
Many trade experts, however, expect prices to initially rise and demand to fall, hurting a global auto industry that is already reeling from uncertainty caused by Trump’s rapid-fire tariff threats and occasional reversals.
“We’re going to charge countries for doing business in our country and taking our jobs, taking our wealth, taking a lot of the things that they’ve been taking over the years,” Trump said at the Oval Office on Wednesday. “They’ve taken so much out of our country, friend and foe and frankly, friend has been oftentimes much worse than foe.”
Early on Thursday, Trump said he might hit the EU and Canada with larger tariffs if they teamed up to retaliate.
Item 1 of 7 Cars, made in Morocco and intended for export, wait to be shipped at Tanger Med Port, on the Strait of Gibraltar, east of Tangier, Morocco June 6, 2024. REUTERS/Abdelhak Balhaki/File Photo
[1/7]Cars, made in Morocco and intended for export, wait to be shipped at Tanger Med Port, on the Strait of Gibraltar, east of Tangier, Morocco June 6, 2024. REUTERS/Abdelhak Balhaki/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights, opens new tab
“If the European Union works with Canada in order to do economic harm to the USA, large scale Tariffs, far larger than currently planned, will be placed on them both in order to protect the best friend that each of those two countries has ever had,” he said in a post on Truth Social.
PRAISE FROM UAW
The United Auto Workers, long-standing critics of free trade agreements it says have destroyed American jobs, lauded the Trump administration’s move.
“These tariffs are a major step in the right direction for autoworkers and blue-collar communities across the country, and it is now on the automakers, from the Big Three to Volkswagen and beyond, to bring back good union jobs to the U.S.,” UAW President Shawn Fain said in a statement.
Volkswagen , Europe’s top car maker, is in the frame since 43% of its U.S. sales are sourced from Mexico, S&P Global Mobility estimates.
Shares of U.S. automakers, which are highly integrated with plants and suppliers in Canada and Mexico, fell in after-hours trading, while U.S. equity index futures slid, indicating stocks were headed for a lower open on Thursday.
The Center for Automotive Research said the new levies were expected to cost car buyers thousands of dollars more, hitting new vehicle sales and resulting in job losses, since the U.S. automotive industry relies heavily on imported parts.
“The tariffs imposed today will make it more expensive to produce and sell cars in the United States, ultimately leading to higher prices, fewer options for consumers, and fewer manufacturing jobs in the U.S.” Jennifer Safavian, president and CEO of Autos Drive America, a trade group representing foreign automakers, said in a statement.
Trump’s directive included temporary exemptions for auto parts while government officials sort through the complexities of turning his proclamation into practice.
Since taking office on January 20, Trump has announced and delayed tariffs on Canada and Mexico for what he alleges is their role in allowing the opioid fentanyl into the U.S.; set import taxes on goods from China for the same reason; launched hefty duties on imports of steel and aluminum; and has repeatedly touted his plans to announce global reciprocal tariffs on April 2.
Kyle Rodda, an analyst at Capital.com, said the big concern was that next week’s announcement on reciprocal tariffs may not mark the end of the Trump administration’s shake-up of global trade.
“This potentially drags out trade uncertainty even longer and raises the question of how radical a change to the global trade order is Trump trying to bring about,” Rodda said.
Trump said on Wednesday auto tariffs could be net neutral for Tesla (TSLA.O), opens new tab, the electric car company that is led by Elon Musk, who is also spearheading a government cost-cutting effort.
Musk later posted on X that Tesla would not be unscathed. “The tariff impact on Tesla is still significant,” he wrote.
