WADA Delays Sanctions as Kenya’s Anti-Doping Agency Shows Progress

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October 4, 2025

By Bradley Shahenza

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has held off imposing sanctions on the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) after acknowledging what it described as “significant and demonstrable progress” in addressing critical compliance gaps.

In a statement released on Friday, October 3, WADA confirmed that ADAK had submitted a corrective action plan ahead of the October 2 deadline, following a formal non-compliance notice issued on September 11. The notice stemmed from unresolved issues flagged during a May 2024 audit.

WADA said the plan outlined measures to resolve the shortcomings within four months, prompting the agency to refer the case back to its Compliance Review Committee (CRC) for further evaluation. “This has led WADA Management to refer the matter back to the CRC for further consideration. Therefore, until such time as the CRC reassesses the case and potentially makes a further recommendation to the ExCo, and the ExCo reaches a subsequent decision, the aforementioned consequences for ADAK will not apply,” WADA’s update read.

The development means Kenya will, for now, avoid the severe consequences of a non-compliance designation. If declared non-compliant, ADAK and Kenyan sport could have faced penalties including the loss of WADA funding, exclusion from vital global programs, and ineligibility for Kenyan representatives to sit on WADA boards and committees.

Kenya, a dominant force in global athletics, has long faced scrutiny over doping-related challenges. The latest reprieve provides ADAK with critical breathing space to strengthen its structures and reassure the international sporting community of its commitment to clean sport.

Observers note that while WADA’s decision buys time, ADAK must fully implement its action plan to avoid future sanctions that could threaten Kenya’s athletes and reputation on the global stage.

Kenya Secures Ksh193 Billion Loan, Retires Ksh129 Billion Eurobond Early

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Mary Mumbua

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October 4, 2025

treasury-1- — picture courtesy Serrari Group

Nairobi — Kenya has secured a USD 1.5 billion (Ksh193.8 billion) loan from international markets, using part of the proceeds to retire USD 1 billion (Ksh129.2 billion) of the 2028 Eurobond ahead of schedule. The transaction, announced on Friday, October 3, marks a significant step in the country’s debt management strategy.

Treasury Principal Secretary Dr. Chris Kiptoo hailed the deal as a demonstration of the government’s resolve to manage public debt prudently. “This is the third such transaction since 2024, and it shows the Government’s firm commitment to managing debt more wisely, paying off loans on time, and protecting Kenyans from sudden repayment shocks,” he said.

The financing was raised through a two-part issuance: a 7-year loan at 7.875% interest and a 12-year loan at 8.8%, resulting in a blended rate of 8.7%. This is about one percentage point lower than what Kenya would have paid earlier in the year, a development Kiptoo said would “smoothen and lengthen loan repayments, giving Kenya more breathing space in managing its finances.”

Investor appetite proved strong, with the issuance attracting over USD 7.5 billion (Ksh969 billion) in bids—five times the amount sought. According to Kiptoo, the overwhelming demand was driven by robust support from international fund managers, particularly in the United States and the United Kingdom. “It signals renewed global confidence in Kenya’s economy,” he noted.

The move is expected to ease pressure on Kenya’s external obligations by restructuring maturities falling due in 2027, while also allowing the government to balance development financing needs with sustainable borrowing.

Analysts say the transaction underscores Kenya’s determination to stabilize its debt portfolio, a critical step as the country navigates fiscal pressures and works to safeguard long-term economic growth.

Stock Theft Suspects Arrested in Garissa County, Six Donkeys Recovered

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Editor

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October 4, 2025

By Michelle Ndaga

Security officers in Bura East Sub-County, Garissa County, have arrested six suspects and recovered six stolen donkeys in a swift operation carried out in the early hours of October 4, 2025.

According to authorities, the suspects were intercepted in Al Emej Village while attempting to load the animals onto a lorry. They were immediately taken into custody and are set to be processed before facing charges in court.

The recovered donkeys were positively identified and handed back to their rightful owners, bringing relief to the affected community.

In a statement, the National Police Service praised the vigilance of its officers and highlighted the crucial role played by local residents and administrators in facilitating the recovery.

“This operation is a testament to the effectiveness of community policing and collaboration between security agencies and the public in addressing livestock theft,” the statement read.

The suspects remain in custody as investigations continue.

Hamilton Under Investigation as Verstappen Leads Tight Singapore Qualifying Battle

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Mary Mumbua

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October 4, 2025

aaa06310-a10d-11f0-b741-177e3e2c2fc7 — Getty Images

By Bradley Shahenza

Lewis Hamilton faces a potential grid penalty after appearing to accelerate through the final chicane of Turns 16 and 17despite the session being stopped following a crash by Racing Bulls driver Liam Lawson. Stewards are reviewing the incident, and a ruling could significantly impact Mercedes’ race strategy.

On track, the session delivered one of the closest qualifying battles of the season. Max Verstappen edged McLaren’s championship leader Oscar Piastri by just 0.017 seconds, with less than a tenth of a second separating the top five drivers. Mercedes’ George Russell and teenage teammate Kimi Antonelli secured third and fourth fastest, while McLaren’s Lando Norris rounded out the top five. Only 0.072 seconds separated Piastri from Norris, who trails his teammate by 25 points with seven races left in the championship.

Further down the order, Carlos Sainz impressed in the Williams, finishing sixth ahead of Racing Bulls rookie Isack Hadjar, with Hamilton classified eighth. Sauber’s Nico Hulkenberg took ninth, while Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc completed the top 10.

Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso, strong in Friday’s practice sessions, endured a quieter outing focused on long-run pace. His late attempt on soft tyres was disrupted when Williams’ Alex Albon went off at Turn 13 at the end of the Anderson Bridge, denying the Spaniard a chance to improve.

The incident involving Hamilton now looms large over the grid order. Should stewards rule against him, Mercedes’ hopes of converting promising pace into points could be dented. With the championship fight finely poised and margins razor-thin, the outcome of the inquiry could prove pivotal ahead of Sunday’s race.

Source BBC News

Manchester United Secures 14-Year-Old JJ Gabriel After European Club Talks

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Editor

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October 4, 2025

By Michelle Ndaga

Manchester United have successfully secured the future of rising academy star JJ Gabriel following interest from a major European club.

The 14-year-old forward, who joined United’s youth academy at the age of eight, has been making headlines for his standout performances, including scoring seven goals in six Under-18 fixtures and helping the Under-17 side lift the Premier League Cup.

In a decisive meeting held at Carrington, Gabriel and his family met with club officials to discuss his development pathway and long-term role at Old Trafford. The talks came amid reports of advanced negotiations with an unnamed European club keen to lure the teenager away.

United’s new head coach, Ruben Amorim, has been vocal in his admiration for the youngster’s talent. He even likened Gabriel’s style and potential to that of a young Cristiano Ronaldo, suggesting the forward could soon be training with the first team.

“JJ has the flair, the confidence, and the hunger you rarely see at such a young age,” Amorim said. “He is a player we believe can grow into one of the best with the right support and environment.”

Gabriel’s retention is seen as a major win for Manchester United’s academy, which continues to face stiff competition from Europe’s elite clubs for top youth prospects. The teenager is expected to feature prominently in upcoming youth competitions while gradually being introduced to senior team sessions.

Munich Airport Resumes Flights After Second Drone Scare in 24 Hours

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Mary Mumbua

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October 4, 2025

By Bradley Shahenza

Munich, Germany — Flights have resumed at Munich Airport after unconfirmed drone sightings forced operations to halt for the second time in as many days, disrupting thousands of travellers.

In a statement issued Friday evening, the airport confirmed that departures and arrivals were suspended at 21:30 local time (20:30 GMT) following reports of drones in nearby airspace. The suspension, which lasted over an hour, affected around 6,500 passengers.

The incident came just a day after a similar disruption on Thursday evening, when at least 17 flights were grounded due to multiple suspected drone sightings. Authorities said they are investigating both episodes, but no drones have been officially confirmed.

Munich Airport, Germany’s second-busiest hub, stressed that passenger safety remains the top priority and that standard aviation security protocols require immediate suspension of flights whenever drones are reported near operational zones.

The back-to-back incidents add to a growing number of drone-related disruptions in Europe’s aviation sector in recent weeks. Airports in London, Dublin, and Madrid have all reported temporary shutdowns linked to drone sightings, highlighting growing concerns over airspace security and the difficulty of regulating drone use near critical infrastructure.

German federal police said they were stepping up monitoring efforts around Munich Airport and warned that flying drones near airports is strictly prohibited, carrying heavy penalties.

While flights have now resumed, the twin suspensions have raised questions about the effectiveness of current counter-drone measures and the preparedness of airports to deal with repeat disruptions.

Source BBC News

Persistent Floods in Nairobi Raise Questions Over County Government’s Cleanup Pledge

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Mary Mumbua

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October 4, 2025

By Bradley Shahenza

Nairobi — Heavy rains once again plunged sections of Nairobi into chaos this week, flooding expressways, national roads, and key residential areas. Motorists were stranded, traffic snarled, and many questioned why the county government’s long-promised clean-up supposedly to start in August, is still not evident in many flood-prone zones.

Residents and daily commuters reported flooding along the expressway and major roads, where blocked drains and overflowing stormwater have repeatedly forced partial road closures. Images circulating on social media showed water levels high enough to damage cars and breach barriers along these key routes.

The Nairobi County Government, along with agencies such as the Kenya Roads Authority (KeNRA) and Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), had pledged in August to launch a comprehensive clean-up of the city’s drainage systems and to carry out maintenance of roads ahead of the rainy season. But several areas remain seriously vulnerable. Lang’ata Road and Valley Road have become recurrent problem spots. Riparian encroachment, improper waste disposal, and neglect of drainage maintenance are cited by experts as amplifying the flooding.

Calls are rising for accountability: how much of the clean-up budget has been passed? Which contractors have been engaged? What timelines are in place for rehabilitating expressway drainage lines and major national roads?

Meanwhile, Nairobi residents are paying the price not only in damaged property and disrupted transport, but in rising frustration with what many see as repeated failure to act. Unless the county government moves swiftly to fulfill the promise made in August, many fear Nairobi’s flooding menace will remain stubbornly perennial.

Public Service CS Geoffrey Ruku, earlier in the year, called for multi-agency action to unclog rivers, sewage lines, and drains, and urged mapping of drainage networks to ensure storm water flows unimpeded. Yet critics argue that these proposals have stalled, with promises made but deliveries lacking.

Bahati’s Comeback Song ‘Seti’ Sparks Backlash as Gospel Release Faces Hurdles

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Editor

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October 4, 2025

By Michelle Ndaga

Kenyan singer Bahati has found himself at the center of controversy following the release of his new single Seti, a secular track that briefly disappeared from YouTube before being restored.

The video, uploaded on Bahati’s official channel, had garnered 1,100,980 views at the time of the incident. It registered 26,797 likes against a staggering 103,811 dislikes about 79 percent negative feedback and attracted 15,648 comments, many of them critical.

The singer, who had been quiet for nearly a year, made his comeback with Seti, which featured suggestive scenes, including a woman twerking close to his face. The video shocked many fans, given Bahati’s gospel roots, and triggered a wave of backlash.

The uproar was so intense that his wife, Diana Marua, publicly distanced herself from the song, saying it risked damaging her corporate brand.

In what appeared to be a response to the criticism, Bahati took to social media to announce he was preparing to release a gospel song his first in years. However, he revealed that the release has faced setbacks.

According to Bahati, a Tanzanian artist with whom he collaborated on the gospel track is now blocking its release, leaving the project in limbo.

The short snippet of the gospel track that Bahati shared reignited nostalgia among fans, reminding them of his earlier years as a celebrated gospel star. Yet the challenges in releasing it, combined with the backlash over Seti, underscore the struggles he faces in balancing his artistic reinvention with the expectations of his audience.

Industry observers note that while the controversy has dented his reputation among some fans, it has also fueled curiosity a factor likely to drive continued viewership and debate around Bahati’s evolving career.

DPP Ingonga Calls for Stronger Inter-agency Collaboration in Coast Region

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Editor

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October 4, 2025

By Michelle Ndaga

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Renson Ingonga, has reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening interagency collaboration as a cornerstone of effective justice delivery during a working tour of the Coast region.

The week-long tour covered Taita Taveta, Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, Malindi, Tana River, and Lamu counties, bringing together judicial officers, county leaders, and security agencies in a series of engagements aimed at bolstering partnerships in the fight against crime.

Accompanied by senior leadership from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), Mr. Ingonga underscored the need for greater cooperation among justice sector stakeholders to safeguard the rule of law and deliver timely justice. In Kilifi, Malindi, Garsen, Hola, and Shanzu, he met with judicial officers, encouraging them to build on existing collaboration and strengthen dialogue through Court Users Committees.

“The pursuit of justice is not the responsibility of a single office. It requires synergy between the Judiciary, investigators, and prosecutors. Platforms such as Court Users Committees remain vital for strengthening collaboration, addressing bottlenecks, and ensuring justice is not only done but seen to be done,” the DPP said.

In meetings with security teams led by county and sub-county commissioners in Kilifi, Lamu, and Tana River, Mr. Ingonga emphasized aligning security operations with prosecutorial priorities to ensure cases presented in court are evidence-driven and credible. He also highlighted the need for joint efforts in tackling organized crime, violent extremism, and emerging threats across the region.

Beyond judicial and security engagements, the DPP held talks with Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro and County Assembly Speaker Catherine Kenga, as well as Lamu Governor Issa Timamy. Discussions centered on collaboration between the ODPP and county governments in improving community safety and addressing local crime challenges.

The Coast region tour is part of the ODPP’s broader agenda to monitor prosecutorial services countrywide and identify barriers such as resource gaps, coordination challenges, and case backlogs. Mr. Ingonga assured stakeholders that his office remains committed to reforms that enhance efficiency and public confidence in the justice system.

By directly engaging with multiple actors in the justice chain, the DPP reinforced his vision of interagency collaboration as the key to effective prosecution and crime prevention. His message was well received by regional stakeholders, who agreed that a unified approach is essential for achieving lasting justice and security.

‘World-Class’ Semenyo Fires Bournemouth to Stunning Premier League Heights

By

Mary Mumbua

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October 4, 2025

F9iIXmiWUAAeWun — photo courtesy GhanaSoccernet

By Bradley Shahenza

Bournemouth’s rise to second place in the Premier League has been nothing short of remarkable — and much of it is owed to one man: Antoine Semenyo.

On Friday night, the 25-year-old Ghanaian winger delivered a dazzling performance, scoring twice and providing an assist as Bournemouth fought back to beat Fulham 3-1. The victory moved Andoni Iraola’s side to within just one point of league leaders Liverpool, defying pre-season expectations after the club saw £200 million worth of talent depart in the summer.

Semenyo’s first goal, a solo equaliser, was breathtaking. Collecting the ball on the left flank, he weaved past defenders with ease, drove to the byline, and slipped the ball through goalkeeper Bernd Leno’s legs from a tight angle. He later set up Justin Kluivert to put Bournemouth ahead, before finishing the job in stoppage time with a composed counter-attack strike.

That brace lifted his tally to six league goals, a total bettered only by Manchester City’s Erling Haaland this season. Since May, no Premier League player has had a greater direct involvement in goals — Semenyo boasting 12 contributions(eight goals and four assists).

It is an extraordinary trajectory for a player who began his career at South Gloucestershire and Stroud College before joining Bristol City. Now, he is spearheading Bournemouth’s improbable title challenge.

“It was a hard, stormy night to play football but it didn’t matter to Semenyo,” said former England midfielder Jamie Redknapp on Sky Sports. “He just glides across that surface. An incredible, unique talent. Doesn’t matter if it’s right foot, left foot, makes no difference for him.”

For Bournemouth fans, keeping hold of Semenyo now looks like the club’s most valuable summer decision one that has lifted them to “unthinkable” heights.