70 years of Sovereignty

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March 20, 2026

By Stacy Boit

In Addis Ababa, Ethiopia today the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, extends his warmest congratulations to the Government and people of the Republic of Tunisia on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of their independence.

This day serves as an opportunity to honour the courage and sacrifices of the Tunisian people in their historic struggle for freedom and sovereignty, and to celebrate the nation’s remarkable achievements since independence.

Tunisia continues to play a vital role in advancing African solidarity, peacekeeping, and regional integration in full alignment with the ideals of Pan-Africanism and the vision of Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want.

The AU commends Tunisia’s steadfast commitment to the principles of unity, democracy and sustainable development, as well as its active contributions to regional stability and continental initiatives.

The celebration of Tunisia’s Independence Day is not only a proud national milestone but also a reaffirmation of Africa’s collective aspiration for peace, prosperity, and shared progress.

May Tunisia continue to stand as a beacon of resilience, unity, and hope inspiring the continent as we work together toward a peaceful, prosperous, and integrated Africa.

Chinese Vice President Han Zheng to Visit Kenya

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John Mutiso

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March 20, 2026

China’s Vice President Han Zheng will tour Kenya, South Africa, and Seychelles from Sunday, March 22 to 30 in a diplomatic push aimed at deepening ties between Beijing and the three countries.

China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicated the trip follows invitations from Kenya’s Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, South Africa’s Deputy President Paul Mashatile, and Seychelles Vice President Sebastien Pillay.

Han’s Kenya visit comes as the government revives a multibillion-shilling railway extension that had stalled for more than six years after initial funding from Beijing slowed.

The Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), which connected Mombasa to Nairobi upon its completion in 2017, had previously halted at Naivasha, missing its planned link to the Ugandan border.

President William Ruto (right) during the groundbreaking for the Naivasha-Kisumu SGR Extension at Suswa in Narok County on March 19, 2026. /PCS

The extension has now been relaunched, with President William Ruto overseeing the groundbreaking, signalling renewed momentum in the country’s infrastructure drive.

The Naivasha-Kisumu-Malaba Phase 2B section will span over 370 kilometres, cutting across nine counties and improving connectivity in the Rift Valley, Nyanza, and Western regions.

Once completed, the line is expected to significantly enhance trade and regional integration by improving links between Kenya and neighbouring countries.

Ahead of the relaunch, President Ruto met Song Hailiang, Chairman of China Communications Construction Company, at State House, Nairobi.

The visit also coincides with Kenya’s recent financial restructuring tied to Chinese-funded railway loans.

In October last year, Kenya shifted part of its SGR debt from U.S. dollars to the Chinese yuan to lower interest costs and ease repayment pressure.

Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi revealed the conversion involved loans worth about Ksh646 billion and has already generated notable savings in debt servicing.

Figures from the Office of the Controller of the Budget show Kenya paid Ksh37.5 billion in January 2026 for a semi-annual instalment to the Export-Import Bank of China, down from Ksh59 billion during the same period last year—translating to savings of Ksh21.5 billion.marked.

Ronaldo Ruled Out of Portugal Friendlies as Martínez Tests Squad Depth

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March 20, 2026

By Peter John

Portugal will be without their talisman Cristiano Ronaldo for the upcoming international friendlies against Mexico and the United States after the veteran forward was sidelined with a hamstring injury.

Head coach Roberto Martínez confirmed the omission while naming a 26-man squad for the March fixtures, which form part of Portugal’s early preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Pourtugess side will face Mexico on March 28 in Mexico City before traveling to Atlanta to take on the United States on March 31.

Ronaldo is understood to have sustained the injury in late February while featuring for Al Nassr.

Following consultations between club and national team medical staff, it was agreed that the 39-year-old should focus on recovery rather than risk aggravating the issue in non-competitive matches.

His absence leaves a leadership void, with Bruno Fernandes expected to captain the side.

The Manchester United midfielder will spearhead a squad that blends experience with emerging talent as Martínez continues to assess his options ahead of the expanded World Cup in North America.

Portugal’s midfield remains one of its strongest assets, with the likes of Vitinha and João Neves offering creativity and control.

In attack, attention will turn to dynamic forwards such as Rafael Leão and João Félix, both of whom are expected to play key roles in testing Portugal’s attacking depth without their all-time leading scorer.

The friendlies present an opportunity for Martínez to experiment tactically and evaluate fringe players in high-profile matches away from home.

With Ronaldo nearing the twilight of his illustrious international career, the fixtures could also provide a glimpse into Portugal’s future attacking identity.

Despite his absence, Ronaldo remains central to Portugal’s long-term plans, with the coaching staff keen to ensure he is fully fit for competitive fixtures later in the year.

Demi Lovato sets record straight on viral ‘Heart Attack’ performance at American Heart Association event

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March 20, 2026

Demi Lovato set the record straight on her viral “Heart Attack” performance at an American Heart Association event — and insists it wasn’t her idea to sing the hit song.

“I want to say they asked me to sing that. Because I flagged that beforehand and was like ‘Um, isn’t this like not the vibe?’” the musician recalled on the “Elvis Duran Show” Thursday, referring to the organization.

Lovato said the AHA told her that fans would “want to hear” the 2013 track, so she reluctantly agreed.

Demi Lovato set the record straight on her viral “Heart Attack” performance at a 2024 American Heart Association event during her appearance on the “Elvis Duran Show” Thursday

“And then of course people online are like, ‘Why did she sing that?” she continued. “I’m like y’all it wasn’t me, I flagged it!”

The pop star infamously performed the song at AHA’s annual Go Red for Women Red Dress Collection Concert in 2024, which aims to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease.

Fans immediately thought the song choice was odd considering Lovato suffered from three strokes and a heart attack herself during a near-fatal overdose in 2018.

“Well that’s a bit dark, don’t you think?” one X user asked fellow fans soon after the performance. “She didn’t think this one through,” a second critic added.

However, an insider told Page Six at the time that performing “Heart Attack” was a strategic move encouraged by the AHA, just as Lovato claimed in her recent interview.

“Following Demi’s heart attack and near-death experience, for a few years, Demi thought she would not be able to sing ‘Heart Attack,’” the source explained adding that she was able to “reclaim” the song with the performance.

Once her performance hit social media, trolls immediately called out Lovato saying that the song was an odd choice for the occasion.

But at the time, a source exclusively told Page Six that the song choice was a strategic move by the AHA and that Lovato was able to able to “reclaim” the song with the performance.

The Grammy-nominated artist also prefaced the song with a meaningful speech to the audience.

“While my next song is about the intense feelings that come with falling in love, as well as heartbreak, opening yourself up, taking risks and not being afraid to do it again, this song has many parallels for me, my journey and a reminder for all of us in the room just how strong the mind-heart-body connection truly is,” she said on stage.

By Mary Munywoki

Harambee House Ksh 60 Million Fraud Case Raises Hard Questions Over Security Lapses Amid Official Denials

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March 20, 2026

By Andrew Kariuki

The arraignment of seven suspects linked to an alleged multi-million shilling fake tender scheme at Harambee House has triggered fresh questions over security at one of Kenya’s most protected government buildings, even as authorities maintain that no serving public officials were involved.

According to a statement issued by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the suspects, already charged before the Milimani Law Courts, are accused of orchestrating a fraudulent scheme in which they posed as government officials and lured foreign investors into a fictitious tender for the supply of Toyota Hiace High Roof ambulances.

The suspects allegedly accessed boardrooms within Harambee House on multiple occasions, where they conducted meetings with victims while presenting forged documents purported to originate from key government ministries, including the National Treasury and the Ministry of Health.

Authorities have insisted that the individuals involved were not and have never been government employees, with the exception of one accused person, Purity Njeri Njiami, who is said to be a former public servant with no current official role.

However, the circumstances surrounding the alleged operation have raised concerns, particularly regarding how individuals, without formal government authorization, were able to gain repeated access to a highly secured facility that hosts the Office of the President and other critical government offices let alone know the intricate path-ways to the conference room on the 5th floor without ever being employed in any capacity within the building.

Harambee House is a restricted government installation, guarded by state security personnel and governed by strict access control procedures, making claims of repeated unauthorized entry into boardrooms difficult to reconcile without further explanation.

The case now places a spotlight on possible security lapses, with questions emerging over whether due process was followed at entry points and how the suspects were able to move within restricted areas without detection or intervention.

It also raises the possibility of internal negligence or procedural weaknesses in the management of access to sensitive government spaces.

While investigators have distanced serving officials from the alleged scheme, the events described suggest a level of coordination and access that goes beyond casual infiltration, prompting speculation over whether there may be undisclosed accomplises or simply gaps in the official account that remain unaddressed.

The issue is further complicated by claims that the suspects facilitated meetings, processed visitors through security and occupied official spaces long enough to execute the alleged Ksh 60 million fraud.

As the matter proceeds in court, attention is now shifting from the alleged fraud itself to the broader institutional questions it raises on accountability, internal controls and the integrity of security systems within key government installations.

Whether the case ultimately points to isolated exploitation of procedural gaps or deeper systemic failures remains a question likely to shape public scrutiny as proceedings continue.

Government Extends Free National ID Services Until 2027

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March 20, 2026

By Peter John

The Kenyan government has extended the waiver on fees for national identity card services, allowing citizens to access both new registrations and replacements free of charge until the end of 2027.

Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura announced the move on Friday, confirming that services at Huduma Kenya centres across the country will remain free as part of ongoing reforms aimed at improving access to essential documentation.

The directive means Kenyans will not pay the previously required KSh 1,000 fee for replacing lost IDs or between KSh 100 and KSh 300 for first-time applicants.

The waiver traces its roots to reforms introduced in 2025, when the government first suspended the charges to remove barriers that had prevented many citizens—especially youth and low-income earners—from obtaining identification documents.

Access to national IDs is critical in Kenya, as it is a requirement for voting, securing employment, opening bank accounts, and accessing government services.

Recent clarifications by Huduma Kenya indicate that the policy remains firmly in place, with officials reiterating that “ID replacement is still free” amid public concerns that fees might have been quietly reinstated.

The extension is also seen as a strategic move to support voter registration efforts ahead of future elections.

By eliminating costs, the government aims to ensure that more eligible citizens can acquire identification and participate in the democratic process.

The government maintains that the extension reflects its commitment to inclusivity and service delivery.

Officials say the initiative will continue to be monitored, with the possibility of further reforms to streamline identity registration processes and enhance accessibility nationwide.

As the 2027 deadline approaches, attention is likely to turn to whether the policy will be made permanent, a move that could significantly reshape access to identification services in Kenya.

Oburu Oginga – How Can We Leave Power to Go and Look for Shareholders

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John Mutiso

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March 20, 2026

ODM Leader Oburu Odinga on Friday, March 20, reiterated his commitment to negotiate with President William Ruto’s UDA ahead of the August 2027 elections.

Speaking during an Eid luncheon in Kisumu, Oburu stated that he felt more comfortable with forming a political pact with UDA following the success of the Broad-based government.

He explained that the arrangement has yielded a lot of progress and development projects in the ODM regions.

“We are sitting down here with power. How can I leave power to go and look with shareholders? People who are dividing this country through shareholding?

“We are negotiating with him. We are not going to go out of this arrangement called broad-based and start looking for the unknown. First, you start with the known, then go on to the unknown later, after you have gone to see your Lord,” Oburu declared.

The Siaya Senator sided with the President over his rebuttal of the verbal assault by the leaders of the United Opposition.

“I know that you have been abused for a long time, but I did not know that you were keeping those ‘guns’ somewhere. Now that you have released them, people are crying,” he stated.

Oburu’s statement was reiterated by Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga and Suna East Member of Parliament Junet Mohammed.

Wanga told Ruto that ODM would rally behind him and support his re-election under the ‘Tutam’ movement.

Junet sensationally claimed that some of the leaders who were involved in the extra-judicial killing of Kenyans and dumping them in rivers were now seeking to lead the country.

He revealed that the Muslim Community was victimised by the said leader when he was a top official in the Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta’s government and asked Muslims not to support the leader.

Ruto is in Kisumu County and is on a four-day tour of counties in the Nyanza region. He is expected to launch major projects in the region, including the extension of the SGR to Kisumu, then Malaba.

The Head of State revealed that he had invited his Ugandan counterpart, Yoweri Museveni, to the official launch ceremony.

JSC Begins Interviews for 10 Environment and Land Court Judge Positions

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Editor

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March 20, 2026

By Andrew Kariuki

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) will on March 24, 2026, commence interviews for the position of Judge of the Environment and Land Court (ELC), with 50 shortlisted candidates set to compete for 10 available vacancies.

The interviews, which will run over several days, are part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the administration of justice, particularly in handling land and environmental disputes, which continue to form a significant portion of cases before Kenyan courts.

Among those shortlisted is former Milimani Magistrates’ Court Hon. Magistrate Ben Mark Ekhubi, alongside other candidates including Belinda Akoth Akello, Juliet Chepkoech Busienei, Eric Ondego Garo, Pauline Wanjiku Kamunya and Hon. Paul Kenneth Kinyua.

Also scheduled for the interviews are Joseph Kiprotich Kirui, Josphat Ngeria Kuryioni, Ruth Chepkemel Lemlem, Hon. Lillian Tsuma Lewa, Hon. Dr. Alice Wambui Macharia and Lillian Amere Machio, among others drawn from diverse legal and judicial backgrounds.

The Commission has indicated that the recruitment process is guided by constitutional principles of transparency, accountability and public participation, with members of the public encouraged to review candidate profiles and submit any relevant information.

To enhance openness in the process, the JSC has published an information booklet outlining the recruitment framework, selection criteria and detailed profiles of all shortlisted candidates.

The interviews are expected to assess the candidates’ legal expertise, professional integrity and overall suitability to serve as judges of the specialised court.

Successful candidates will be recommended for appointment to the Environment and Land Court, which plays a key role in resolving disputes related to land ownership, environmental conservation and use of natural resources.

The recruitment comes amid continued efforts by the judiciary to address case backlogs and improve efficiency in the delivery of justice across the country.

Former Chelsea and Manchester United coach dies aged 67

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John Mutiso

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March 20, 2026

Silvino Louro, the long-time goalkeeping coach who worked closely with Jose Mourinho, has died at the age of 67 after a long illness. The news came out on Thursday evening and quickly spread across the football world. Louro was not just a coach on the sidelines. He was someone players trusted every day in training. Over the years, he helped shape some of the best goalkeepers in modern football, including David de Gea and Petr Cech.

He spent more than two decades working side by side with Mourinho at top clubs like Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, and Manchester United. During that time, he was part of many title-winning teams.

His work often stayed behind the scenes, but players and clubs always knew how important he was. That is why, as soon as the news broke, tributes started coming in from players, clubs, and fans who remembered him not just as a coach, but as a kind and respected person.

Petr Cech was one of the first to react. He shared a picture from their Chelsea days and wrote, “R.I.P.” The message was short, but it showed the respect he had for Louro. John Terry, who was Chelsea captain during that time, also posted, “RIP My friend. What a great man,” along with a blue heart.

David de Gea, who worked with Louro at Manchester United, shared a simple message with a heart and a dove emoji. Timothy Fosu-Mensah, De Gea’s former teammate, posted two broken heart emojis. These reactions showed how deeply Louro was valued by the players he worked with every day.

Louro’s coaching career was full of success. While working with him, Vitor Baia at Porto in 2004, Petr Cech at Chelsea in 2005 and 2007, and Julio Cesar at Inter Milan in 2010 were all named UEFA Best Goalkeeper. That shows the direct impact he had on their careers.

Clubs he worked for also shared emotional messages. Inter Milan said, “FC Internazionale Milano would like to express its condolences on the passing of Silvino de Almeida Louro… The club’s thoughts are with his family at this sad time.” Real Madrid also shared their message, saying they were deeply saddened and highlighting the trophies he won during his time there.

Manchester United said, “We are saddened to learn our former goalkeeping coach Silvino Louro has passed away. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends.”

Even Porto, where Louro once played and later coached, paid tribute. After their 2-0 win over Stuttgart, they said goalkeeper Diogo Costa’s performance “honoured Silvino’s memory.”

Louro may not have been in the spotlight, but his work shaped many great careers. His legacy lives on through the players he helped every day.

Fifa rules women’s teams must have female coaches

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John Mutiso

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March 20, 2026

Every team in Fifa’s women’s football tournaments must include at least one female head coach or assistant coach following the introduction of new regulations.

The requirements will come into effect during the under-17s and under-20s Women’s World Cup and Women’s Champions Cup competitions this year.

The decision was made at the Fifa Council on Thursday, and discussed the long-term strategy of female representation in coaching.

Under the new ruling, at least two staff members on the bench of every team at matches must be female, with one in an assistant coach or head coach role.

The rule applies to all youth and senior tournaments, including clubs and national teams.

At the 2023 Women’s World Cup, 12 of the 32 head coaches were female, including England manager Sarina Wiegman.

“There are simply not enough women in coaching today. We must do more to accelerate change by creating clearer pathways, expanding opportunities, and increasing the visibility for women on our sidelines,” said Fifa’s chief football officer Jill Ellis.

“The new Fifa regulations, combined with targeted development programmes, mark an important investment in the current and future generation of female coaches.”

Fifa hopes these new regulations will see a rapid increase in female representation, including at the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Among some of the most high-profile female coaches is London-born Emma Hayes, who is joined by assistant Denise Reddy at the United States.

In 2024, Hayes told BBC Sport that a lack of female coaches in English football is “a massive issue” and urged the game’s administrators to “come up with more creative ways” to address it.

Other female English coaches at international level include Gemma Grainger at Norway, Casey Stoney at Canada and Carla Ward at the Republic of Ireland.

Canadian Rhian Wilkinson led Wales to their first major tournament at Euro 2025 last summer, while Dutchwoman Wiegman has guided England to back-to-back European titles and has been named the Fifa best women’s coach of the year on four occasions.

Wiegman was the only female coach in the quarter-final stage of the 2023 Women’s World Cup.

Speaking at that time, she said: “Of course what we hope is to get more female coaches at the top level and that the balance gets better than it is right now.

“Males are welcome too but if the balance is better than hopefully that will inspire more women to get involved in coaching.”

President William Ruto (right) during the groundbreaking for the Naivasha-Kisumu SGR Extension at Suswa in Narok County on March 19, 2026. /PCS

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