“I’m too busy working for Kenyans” DP Kindiki Tells Off Distractors

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February 24, 2026

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki says he is too busy working for the people and will not be distracted by cheap and idle talk.

The DP said he is on a mission to ensure faster and timely delivery of development projects to the people across the country in readiness for the time to showcase the government’s accomplishments since assuming office.

“I am busy working every day for the people of Kenya. I am focused on my work because at the right time I will account for my time in the office. I want my work to speak for me when the time comes. This year we will be fully focused on delivering development projects,” DP declared.

The Deputy President spoke on Tuesday when he inspected the ongoing tarmacking of Gachoka-Gachuriri Road in Mbeere South, Embu County.

“We will showcase what we have done for wananchi when it is time for campaigns. We will have tangible projects to defend our tenure in office including roads, water projects, increased electricity connection and modern markets. This will be our scorecard,” DP noted.

Prof. Kindiki said the opponents will have a rough time with wananchi because they will have nothing to show for what they did while they were in office. He said some of them had occupied powerful offices but did nothing for the people.

“We are busy working for the people. We cannot be compared with our opponents who have nothing to do but engage in idle talk. Our opponents have occupied powerful positions before and they have nothing to show for their time in office. They will have a difficult time with wananchi,” he said.

Additionally, the DP reiterated the government’s goal to complete all the roads that had stalled since 2020 affirming the economy’s stability owing to the government’s lasting interventions.

He revealed the tarmacking of the road from Gachoka to Gachuriri will be extended to Kangeta Junction and Kihumbuini Centre directing its completion on time.

“The President will visit the area to open the road once it is complete,” DP said.

Other ongoing road projects will also be speeded up and finished within stipulated periods.

“This year, you are going to see a lot of development and transformation across the country. All roads that stalled since 2020 have been revived. We have paid all the contractors who had abandoned sites and are now back on site.

Going forward, we will pay them on time because we have enough money to complete all the 6,000kms of ongoing roads and to commence other projects,” he assured.

Other major projects being done by the government in Embu County include the construction of 12 modern markets and Kiambere and Kamburu water projects.

The DP also inspected the construction of PI-Murinduko-Ndindiruko-Marurumo-Gategi-Gatuiri-White Rose Road in Mwea Constituency, Kirinyaga County.

He assured residents that the road will be hastened for it to be completed on time.

Also, the government is accelerating the construction of the 650kms of Mau Mau roads spread across Mt. Kenya region.

“We now have adequate funds to complete the roads…my work as DP is to make sure all the projects are funded, inspect their progress and ensure they are completed on time,” he said.

Further, the Second in Command called on Mt. Kenya politicians to stop inciting residents against each other because of political differences.

“The people of Mt. Kenya are hardworking and peaceful. We have always conducted our politics in decorum because we will remain as a one community after elections. We cannot allow some people to divide us because of political choices,” he said.

Kenya Power Announces Power Disruptions in 10 Counties on Wednesday

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John Mutiso

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February 24, 2026

Kenya Power has announced planned electricity supply interruptions in 10 counties across the country on Wednesday, February 25.

In a statement on Tuesday, February 4, the company said the power interruptions are necessary to facilitate maintenance works.

In Nairobi County, parts of Westlands including Brookside Drive, Matundu Lane, Brookside Gardens, Mua Park and Grevilia Groove will be affected from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.

The same applies to areas along Riara Road and parts of Ngong Road, including Oloitoktok Road, sections of Gitanga Road, Argwings Kodhek Road, Ole Dume Road and Ngong Road, as well as nearby institutions and businesses.

In Kajiado County, residents of Kitengela and surrounding estates such as Milimani Homes, Old Namanga Road, Vineyard School, Olive School and other nearby areas will be without electricity from 8.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.

In Nandi County, areas of Ndalat and Kabiiyet including Chepterwai, Kaiboi, Kamasai and Sangalo Factory will experience outages between 9.00 a.m. and 5.00 p.m.

Kisumu County will see interruptions in Kianja, Nyabondo and Kibos areas, affecting institutions such as Great Lakes University, Kibos Sugar, Angira School and surrounding markets from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.

In Kakamega County, Lutaso Market, Nambacha Market and Nancy Academy are among areas scheduled for outage within the same time frame.

In Bungoma County, Chebukaka and Teremi areas including Chebukaka Girls and Kapkateny Market will experience electricity interruption from 9.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m.

Uasin Gishu County will be affected in areas such as Mlango Oletepes, Plateau Station, Eldoret Bypass and surrounding estates between 9.00 a.m. and 5.00 p.m.

In Meru County, the outage will affect Kagaene and areas around Meru University from 8.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m., while in Kirinyaga County, parts of Kagio Town including Spenza Millers and surrounding villages will be without power between 9.00 a.m. and 5.00 p.m.

Nyeri County will also be affected, with Maragima, Kids Alive, Kangocho and Mwanda areas scheduled for outages between 8.00 a.m. and 5.00 p.m., depending on location.

11 Years Behind Bars As Court Jails Two For KPLC Transformer Vandalism

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John Mutiso

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February 24, 2026

Two convicts who had been found guilty of vandalising Kenya Power transformers have been slapped with an 11-year jail term.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, February 28, by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the agency lauded the conviction of the notorious vandals.

“Yesterday, February 23, 2026, the Butali Law Court found the two guilty of the charges, acknowledging that the case had been proven beyond a reasonable doubt, thus sentencing each to eleven (11) years imprisonment.

“The sentencing is a vital milestone in efforts to combat vandalism of critical national installations across the country,” the DCI wrote.

However, the Investigative agency intimated that the convicts, Amos Swahili and Ernest Kemboi, will most likely spend more time in jail.

DCI disclosed that Sawahili and Kemboi had another case in a different court for committing the same offence.

“While spending behind bars, the two agents of darkness will battle similar charges that are currently ongoing at Iten Law Courts and Eldoret Law Courts,” the statement read in part.

According to the charge sheet shared by the DCI, the police preferred to charge the two with vandalism of energy infrastructure in contravention of Cap 169 of the Energy Act.

The Act prescribes a Ksh5 million fine for any person who vandalises energy installations and infrastructure.

Felons convicted under this Act are also liable to a term of imprisonment of 10 years. The presiding judge can decide to issue both offenders with both.

In addition, any person who vandalises or attempts to vandalise energy installations can face a civil case instituted against them to make good of the loss suffered.

Govt Announces Updates to eCitizen for Kenyans Abroad

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John Mutiso

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February 24, 2026

The Consulate General of the Republic of Kenya in Dubai has issued a notice informing Kenyans living abroad about the integration of key diaspora services onto eCitizen.

In a statement on Tuesday, February 24, the consulate announced that the State Department for Diaspora Affairs has on boarded essential services onto the government’s digital platform and their linkage to the Diaspora Integrated Information Management System (DIIMS).

“This is to inform that the State Department for Diaspora Affairs has onboarded core services on the eCitizen Platform and integrated the same with the Diaspora Integrated Information Management System (DIIMS) portal,” the statement read.

According to the notice, the services now available include registration of Kenyans in the diaspora, registration of diaspora associations, requests by distressed persons, reporting of missing persons, reporting death, and crisis mapping, among others.

Kenyans in the diaspora have been encouraged to take advantage of the updated system and register accordingly.

“Kenyans are therefore invited to access the DIIMS via the link below https://platform.diaspora.go.ke,” the statement concluded.

File image of Diaspora Affairs Principal Secretary Roseline Njogu

This comes weeks after the State Department for Foreign Affairs has issued a notice to Kenyans residing in Saudi Arabia, announcing the launch of a 24/7 emergency consular service to assist those in distress.

In an update on Wednesday, January 14, the Consulate General of the Republic of Kenya in Jeddah said the service is accessible via a toll-free line.

“The Kenya Consulate in Jeddah has launched a toll free number for emergency consular services available 24/7,” the consulate announced.

The toll-free number, 8001000352, is now operational, and the consulate has reassured Kenyans that support is available at any hour of the day.

“We’re ready to help you navigate with care and respect. Call us anytime your safety and wellbeing matters. Help is only one call away,” the consulate added.

Gov’t Warns Schools Against Hiring Non-Teaching Staff to Coach Students

By

John Mutiso

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February 24, 2026

The government has warned schools against hiring non-trained teachers as drama directors or sports coaches.

Speaking on Tuesday, February 24, Nandi KUPPET Director Harisson Muriuki stated that the Ministry of Education demands that all coaches must be approved by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).

“The rule not only applies to drama but also to sports. There are some schools which hire teachers from outside, and we would like for all schools to hire teachers registered under TSC so that we can have discipline in the events,” Muriuki stated.

He added that hiring non-trained teachers to coach students during drama festivals and sports competitions could potentially expose students to unprecedented danger.

His sentiments were echoed by Education Lead Tecla Lagat, who argued that only TSC-approved teachers had the skills to handle pupils and students.

PHOTO | COURTESY A file image of a school presenting a play during the National Drama Festivals

“These non-teachers are not well-equipped on how to handle students, particularly on discipline matters,” she explained.

The Ministry of Education argued that the move was to ensure that the standards of quality of education are met.

It further issued a stern warning to any individual who will be caught offering the aforementioned services to schools without accreditation by the teacher’s commission.

The concerns about involving non-teachers coaching students came up during the National Drama Festivals last year, during the controversy surrounding the play ‘Echoes of War’.

The government questioned why Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) Deputy Party Leader, Cleophas Malalah, was allowed to direct a high-school play, yet he was not a teacher by profession.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba declared that it contravened the TSC regulations and the Kenya National Drama and Film Festival regulations.

Ogamba also cautioned schools and teachers from using the festivals against the weaponisation of children to fight political battles outside the learning environment.

Weatherman Issues Update on Long Rainy Season After Heavy Rains Hit Parts of the Country

By

John Mutiso

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February 24, 2026

The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a fresh update on the onset of the March-April-May (MAM) 2026 long rains.

In an update on Tuesday, February 24, Kenya Met noted that several parts of the country have already met the rainfall onset criteria, while others are expected to experience delayed onset.

The department noted that the March to May period remains the major rainfall season over most parts of Kenya and much of equatorial East Africa.

“The March to May period is the major rainfall season (Long Rains) over most parts of Kenya and much of equatorial East Africa. The highest seasonal rainfall amounts (greater than 300mm) are normally received over the Lake Victoria Basin, the Highlands West of the Rift Valley, the Central and South Rift Valley, the Highlands East of the Rift Valley (including Nairobi County) and the Coastal Strip (Fig. 1),” the statement read.

Under the updated MAM 2026 rainfall onset dates, the department explained that the rainfall currently being experienced is likely to continue into early March and is expected to meet the onset criteria in several regions.

It further clarified the scientific benchmark used to determine onset.

“The onset criteria is defined as the receipt of at least 20 mm of rainfall within three consecutive days, with no dry spell exceeding seven (7) days thereafter,” the statement added.

According to the update, the MAM 2026 long rains onset has already been realized from mid-February over western, central and highland regions, including Nairobi.

Counties in the Highlands West of the Rift Valley, Lake Victoria Basin, Central and South Rift Valley, as well as the Highlands East of the Rift Valley, met the onset criteria in mid-February.

The Southeastern Lowlands, including Kajiado, Kitui, Makueni, Machakos, Tana River and Taita Taveta, met the onset criteria in the fourth week of February.

File image of KMD Director Edward Muriuki

However, the department warned that rainfall performance may fluctuate in the coming weeks.

“Indications suggest that the Madden–Julian Oscillation (MJO) is likely to transition to less favourable phases from mid-March, which may result in a reduction in rainfall amounts and an increased likelihood of dry spells, as the convective environment becomes suppressed over some regions,” the statement continued.

For the North Coast counties of Lamu, Malindi, coastal parts of Tana River and Kilifi, onset is expected between late March and early April, despite intermittent rainfall experienced earlier.

Similarly, the Northwestern region, including Turkana and Samburu, and the Northeastern counties of Wajir, Isiolo, Garissa, Mandera and Marsabit, are projected to experience onset between the first and second week of April.

The department attributed the early seasonal rainfall to favourable atmospheric systems.

“The forecasted early season rainfall is associated with the presence of favourable mesoscale and large-scale atmospheric systems, including the enhanced convective activity linked to the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO). These systems are expected to temporarily enhance moisture convergence and rainfall amounts over several parts of the country during the late February to early March period,” the statement noted.

Farmers and other stakeholders have been advised to rely on continuous updates and expert guidance when making decisions during the season.

“This outlook should be used together with the 24-hour, 5-day, 7-day, monthly and special forecasts, as well as regular updates and advisories issued by this Department, in addition to the Weekly and Monthly County forecasts developed and disseminated by the County Meteorological Offices. Farmers are advised to consult Agricultural Extension Officers for further guidance and decision-making,” the statement concluded.

Police Arrest 14 Goons for Disrupting Sifuna’s Linda Mwananchi Rally in Kakamega

By

John Mutiso

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February 24, 2026

Police in Kakamega have arrested 14 goons suspected of causing chaos during the Linda Mwananchi rally in Kakamega County.

Speaking on Tuesday, February 24, Western Region Police Commander Issa Mohamud confirmed that the suspects were nabbed when police officers pulled over a private vehicle.

Mohamud disclosed that the suspects were found in possession of crude weapons, including machetes and knives.

He told the press that the goons, who were not from the region, had allegedly been hired by leaders who organised the rally, and some who were not present during the event.

The suspects are being held in police custody, awaiting their arraignment in court.

Mohamud also confirmed one fatality of one of the goons who attacked a man attending the rally organised by Nairobi Senator, Edwin Sifuna.

“A resident of Mbale Town was allegedly stabbed by an individual, and the matter was reported to the police. However, the suspect was attacked by the members of the public and succumbed to the injuries,” he stated.

The Police Boss further reneged claims that police officers were responsible for the teargas canister that went off during the rally. He maintained that the cops had given the event a wide berth.

Meanwhile, Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat warned politicians against inciting the youths to cause violence during political rallies.

“We are not going to condone the use of the youths politically, even as we proceed to the campaign period or in the upcoming election. That is criminal,” Lagat stated.

The arrest came days after Sifuna and his contingent demanded that the police take action after several goons were arrested by his supporters.

According to the Senator, the goons were subjected to mob justice by the crowd and could have died were it not for the intervention of Embakasi East MP, Babu Owino.

The Government and private entities have formalized a strategic alliance for the 2026 WRC Safari Rally

By

Editor

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February 24, 2026

On February 24, 2026, the Kenyan government officially handed over the management of the WRC Safari Rally 2026 to the private sector through a new strategic partnership.

Under this new framework, the private sector will take the lead in coordinating and executing the event, which was previously managed by the government-led WRC Safari Rally Project Secretariat.

The state has already settled the promoter’s fee to the WRC rights holder to ensure a smooth transition, but will now focus on providing supportive services like security and infrastructure.

CEO Charles Gacheru and other seconded officers have been reassigned back to the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports as the private sector assumes the “central role” in organizing.

Sports CS Salim Mvurya described the move as a “major policy milestone” aimed at the full commercialization of sports assets and reducing the government’s annual financial burden.

KCB Bank Kenya has committed KSh 227 million to the 2026 event, with KSh 100 million allocated directly to rally organizers and the remainder for marketing and driver support.

CFAO Mobility Kenya has announced a KSh 33 million sponsorship deal earlier in the month.Major manufacturers including Toyota, Hyundai, and M-Sport Ford are confirmed for the 2026 rally, which is scheduled for March 12–15 in Naivasha.

By Anthony Solly

Guadalajara violence postpones football matches, FIFA monitoring World Cup host city

By

John Mutiso

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February 24, 2026

Four soccer games in Mexico were postponed after violence flared near Guadalajara in the wake of a military operation that left cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera dead, with FIFA monitoring the situation in the host city for the 2026 World Cup.

Oseguera, known as “El Mencho” and mastermind of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), died in custody after being injured in a special forces operation on Mexico’s Pacific coast in Jalisco state, according to the defense ministry.

“At FIFA Mexico, we are closely monitoring the situation in Jalisco and remain in constant communication with the authorities,” a FIFA spokesperson told Reuters.

“We will continue to follow the actions and directions from the different government agencies, aimed at maintaining public safety and restoring normalcy, and we reiterate our close collaboration with federal, state, and local authorities.”

Estadio Akron in Zapopan, Guadalajara, is one of three Mexican venues set to host World Cup matches this summer. The stadium will also host playoff matches between Congo, Jamaica and New Caledonia from March 26-31.

MATCHES POSTPONED INDEFINITELY

The Mexican league said on its social media pages that two top-tier games scheduled for Sunday – Queretaro v FC Juarez in the men’s league and Chivas v America in the women’s league – had been postponed indefinitely.

Two second division matches scheduled for Sunday were also called off, local media reported.

Sunday’s women’s match between Necaxa and Queretaro in Aguascalientes was suspended when players fled the pitch after hearing loud noises outside Estadio Victoria, which media reports described as gunshots.

The match later resumed, with Necaxa winning 2-1.

The Mexico national team is due to face Iceland on Wednesday in a friendly fixture at the Corregidora Stadium in Queretaro.

Meanwhile, organisers of the Mexican Open men’s tennis tournament in Acapulco said the event would begin on Monday as scheduled under established security protocols.

TENNIS TOURNAMENT PROCEEDED AS PLANNED

The Merida Open women’s tournament in the eastern part of the country also proceeded as planned.

“The WTA is aware of security incidents reported in parts of western Mexico,” the WTA said in a statement, adding that authorities had increased police presence around the tournament venue.

“The safety of players, staff, and spectators remains our top priority.”

After reports of El Mencho’s death, suspected cartel members blockaded highways with burning cars and torched businesses in more than half a dozen states. No civilian deaths were reported.

In Jalisco’s popular beach resort of Puerto Vallarta, frightened tourists on social media described plumes of dark smoke rising into the sky from around the bay.

Air Canada, United Airlines, Aeromexico and American Airlines suspended flights in the area.

South Sudan’s Salva Kiir fires finance minister after just 3 months in office

By

Editor

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February 24, 2026

South Sudan President Salva Kiir fired Finance Minister Bak Barnaba Chol in a reshuffle that was unveiled on state television on Monday evening.

Chol was appointed to the post in November after the president fired Athian Diing Athian just two months after appointing him.

Kiir appointed Salvatore Garang, an economist trained at the University of Khartoum in Sudan, as the new finance minister.

Garang previously served as finance minister from 2018 to 2020, a period marked by economic reforms and fiscal strains.

During his first stint in the role, local media reported that Garang faced corruption allegations, including that he allocated $100,000 to cover the cost of his son’s funeral. He has not commented on the allegations.

The decree also removed several other senior officials, including the commissioner general of the National Revenue Authority, as part of the broader administrative changes.

Analysts say Kiir regularly makes changes to ranks in the military and government to maintain control as he contends with armed conflict and speculation about his eventual succession.

No reason was given for the ninth change in the finance minister since 2020.

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