DCI reveals details behind murder of bodaboda rider at Sifuna’s rally, accuses politicians of arming supporters

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February 23, 2026

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has revealed details surrounding the murder of a boda boda rider during a political rally in Mbale town, Vihiga County, on Saturday.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the DCI said that George Otobe, also known as Omundu, died after being attacked by a mob following an altercation around midday.

The investigative unit’s preliminary investigations established that Otobe, a resident of Kisumu County, allegedly stabbed Hussein Hassan in the head, prompting bystanders to retaliate.

“The confrontation provoked members of the public who turned against Otobe, resulting in fatal injuries,” the statement stated.

A knife believed to have been used in the incident was also recovered at the scene.

Otobe’s body was initially taken to Vihiga County Referral Hospital mortuary, where a postmortem examination established the cause of death as multiple severe head injuries consistent with mob violence.

The body was later transferred to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) mortuary for preservation.

While noting that the incident happened on the same day as the Linda Mwananchi rally in Kakamega led by the Orange Democratic Movement’s embattled Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, the DCI maintained that the Constitution allows demonstrations only if they remain peaceful and unarmed.

“Article 37 guarantees the right to assemble, but this right is expressly conditioned on participants being peaceful and unarmed,” the statement said.

The DCI further alleged that preliminary findings indicate rally organisers had armed supporters, a move it said violated the Constitution and heightened the risk of violence.

“Organisers of political rallies and public gatherings must ensure supporters remain unarmed. Failure to do so endangers lives and public order,” a DCI spokesperson said.

A further probe is underway to apprehend those involved in the mob injustice, and those involved in the alleged arming of supporters.

Meanwhile, Otobe’s family is demanding justice while denying claims that their kin was a hired goon.

The Kisumu boda boda association members said Otobe was just a supporter of Embakasi East Babu Owino but was accosted by assailants during the public gathering.

Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen has condemned the violent incidents witnessed in the rally, faulting political leaders for choreographing violence to seek sympathy.

This comedy of going to meetings with teargas and carrying goons armed with knives and batons, that we will deal with firmly,” he said during a church service in Kericho County on Sunday.

Heartbreak for family as child’s body goes missing at Embu Level Five mortuary

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John Mutiso

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February 23, 2026

A tense standoff played out on Monday morning at the Embu Level Five Hospital mortuary after a family arrived to collect the body of their child for burial, only to be told it could not be traced.

Relatives and friends of one-year-old Lee Delyn Mukundi, who died a week ago, had gone to the facility to pick up the remains ahead of a planned burial at their rural home in Kigumo Village, Runyenjes Constituency.

However, their plans were disrupted when mortuary attendants failed to produce the body.

The situation quickly escalated as mourners demanded answers, with some threatening to stage demonstrations in Embu Town if the body was not released for burial.

It later emerged that the body the family sought had been mistakenly released to another family and had already been buried at a homestead in Kiamuringa area, Mbeere South.

Speaking to journalists, the child’s father, Kevin Mukundi, said the family was shocked after realising the body presented to them at the mortuary was not their son’s.

“When we inspected the body, we immediately knew it was not ours. It was the body of a six-year-old boy, yet our son was only one year old. The body could not even fit into the small coffin we had prepared,” he said.

The mourners briefly took their concerns to Embu Police Station, but were referred back to the hospital for administrative intervention — a move that further heightened tensions as delays persisted.

Embu County Chief Officer for Health Patrick Mukavi later visited the mortuary and confirmed a mix-up had occurred. He said legal procedures had been initiated to allow for the exhumation of the wrongly buried body in Kiamuringa to facilitate identification and correct the error.

Mukavi also said the county health department would cater for burial expenses, noting that the family had already made preparations before the mix-up was discovered.

The family later left the facility visibly distraught, saying they were awaiting action by the county government to resolve the matter and bring closure to the ordeal.

Govt urges businesses to leverage East African Summit as investor confidence grows

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John Mutiso

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February 23, 2026

The government has urged the Kenyan business community to take full advantage of the upcoming East African Business and Investment Summit, scheduled to take place in the country from February 24 to 25.

Speaking at a press conference, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura said the summit will bring together policymakers and business leaders from Kenya and across the region, as well as international stakeholders, to explore ways of strengthening regional trade and investment.

Mwaura called on Kenyan businesses to leverage the platform to expand their markets and tap into new growth opportunities.

“The government encourages Kenyan businesses, exporters, and investors to leverage such platforms to expand markets and unlock new growth opportunities,” Mwaura said.

He emphasised Kenya’s commitment to advancing Agenda 2063’s vision of a united, prosperous, and economically integrated Africa.

According to the spokesperson, stronger collaboration and regional solidarity are essential to building resilient markets across the continent.

“We must look inward to strengthen our markets and unlock new growth opportunities through sustained collaboration and regional solidarity. In doing so, Africa remains firmly positioned to advance the vision of a united, prosperous, and economically integrated continent,” he noted.

Addressing Kenya’s economic outlook, Mwaura said the country is experiencing renewed investor confidence, attributing it to reforms undertaken by the current administration to restore credibility and stability in global financial markets.

“Kenya has successfully raised USD 2.25 billion through a dual-tranche Eurobond issuance. This is not simply about borrowing money; it is a carefully planned and strategic debt management operation,” he said.

He added that the recent credit rating upgrade reflects reduced default risks, stronger foreign exchange reserves, and a narrowing current account deficit.

“Simply put, global markets are acknowledging that Kenya’s economic reforms are working. The difficult but necessary measures undertaken by this administration are delivering measurable results,” he added.

Mwaura further underscored the government’s commitment to avoiding reckless borrowing and prioritising sustainability, transparency, and long-term economic stability.

He said this approach would reduce financing risks and strengthen international confidence in Kenya’s economy.

Presidential Contender’s Daughter Sues MP Shah Hospital, Claims Botched Surgery Ruined Her Chance at Motherhood

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Editor

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February 23, 2026

By Andrew Kariuki

The daughter of presidential contender Nazlin Umar, has moved to the High Court seeking compensation over what she describes as a botched medical procedure that allegedly left her unable to bear children.

Najda Begum Khan has filed a civil suit against MP Shah Hospital, a consultant surgeon and other parties, accusing them of medical negligence, malpractice and breach of duty of care following a surgical procedure conducted in July 2018.

Through her lawyer Juma Kagoro, Khan claims that what began as treatment for severe abdominal pain escalated into a life-altering ordeal that permanently affected her reproductive health.

Court documents indicate that Khan was admitted to MP Shah Hospital on July 8, 2018, after experiencing intense abdominal pain and symptoms linked to a urinary tract infection.

She was accompanied by her husband, Mohammed Asif Khan, who is listed among witnesses in the case.

According to the pleadings, doctors diagnosed her with appendicitis and recommended an emergency appendectomy.

However, Khan contends that prior medical tests had revealed conflicting findings, including ovarian cysts and other gynecological concerns, which she says required further specialized evaluation before any surgery could be undertaken.

“He immediately diagnosed appendicitis and demanded that she be rushed to theatre despite unresolved contradictions in the diagnostic reports,” the suit states.

Khan alleges that during the pre-operative consultation, concerns raised by her family regarding the conflicting medical reports we’re dismissed, with assurances allegedly given that only the appendix would be addressed if found to be inflamed.

“He undertook that he would only address the appendix if he found it infected during surgery,” the court documents state.

However, she now claims that the procedure went beyond what had been agreed or consented to, resulting in extensive damage to her ovaries.

“The Plaintiff’s ovaries were extensively damaged during the procedure, resulting in the destruction of her eggs and irreversibly denying her the opportunity to bear children,” the pleadings state.

In her amended plaint, Khan further alleges that ovarian cysts were removed without her consent and contrary to prior medical advice.

She also accuses the medical team of misdiagnosis, claiming that radiological findings were improperly interpreted and relied upon in making surgical decisions.

Additional allegations include claims that she was left under anesthesia for an extended period while the attending doctor handled another case, and that she was discharged despite ongoing complications, including heavy bleeding.

The suit also raises concerns over post-operative care, stating that she was prescribed medication to which laboratory results had already shown resistance.

As a result of the procedure, Khan says she has suffered severe physical and emotional trauma, including the loss of her ability to conceive.

“The Plaintiff who desired to have children with her husband was robbed of that dream… an act that has put a strain on her marriage and caused her untold suffering, ridicule and discrimination,” the court papers read.

She further claims that the experience has subjected her to psychological distress and social stigma, describing the outcome as a “life-defining loss.”

Khan is seeking general and special damages, including compensation for pain, suffering and emotional distress, future medical expenses and other reliefs.

She has also asked the court to order an audit of surgical procedures carried out by the doctors involved.

The case is expected to proceed before the High Court, where key witnesses are set to testify on the circumstances surrounding the surgery and the disputed medical findings.

Parents protest at Moi Comprehensive School in Nakuru following the death of a Grade 8 learner

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John Mutiso

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February 23, 2026

Dramatic scenes unfolded at Moi Comprehensive School in Nakuru City after parents wheeled the body of a Grade Eight pupil to the institution’s compound.

The incident happened on Monday, February 23.

The school reportedly attempted to admit Moses Nyang’au to Nakuru Provincial General Hospital, but the facility declined, stating that the boy was already dead.

The furious parents wheeled the body back to the institution to demand answers over the circumstances surrounding his sudden death.

According to videos circulating online, when the parents reached the school, the staff locked the reception building, forcing some of them to wail while running in the compound.

They staged protests claiming that the boy’s parents were not promptly informed about the situation. Police officers struggled to contain the charged crowd before eventually transferring the body back to the hospital mortuary.

The incident has raised concerns about surging deaths in schools.

Some Kenyans condemned the death while also raising issues about the trauma on the learners who watched the scenario unfold.

Lawmakers Demand Answers on Kenyans Illegally Recruited to Russia-Ukraine War

By

John Mutiso

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February 23, 2026

The National Assembly Departmental Committee on Labour has raised alarm over reports that Kenyan youths have been recruited into the Russian Armed Forces to fight in the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The Committee, chaired by Hon. Ken Chonga (Kilifi South) questioned the Principal Secretary for the State Department for Labour and Skills Development, Mr Shadrack Mwadime on how Kenyans found themselves entangled in the conflict.

“I don’t think we have any bilateral labour agreements between Kenya and Ukraine. How then did Kenyans find themselves caught up in recruitment to a war zone?” Chonga posed during the session.

The concerns follow a report tabled in the House by the Leader of the Majority Party, Hon. Kimani Ichung’wah, which implicated officials from several government agencies. These agencies included the National Employment Authority (NEA) and were alleged to have colluded in facilitating the travel of Kenyans to Russia under the guise of labour migration.

In recent months, reports of young Kenyans being recruited as fighters in Russia’s war against Ukraine, under the pretext of overseas job opportunities, have sparked national outrage. Lawmakers termed the matter a growing crisis that demands urgent government intervention.

Appearing before the committee during deliberations on the 2026 Budget Policy Statement (BPS), PS Mwadime expressed deep concern over the developments and regretted the loss of Kenyan lives on foreign battlefronts.

“These young people are falling prey to unscrupulous recruitment agencies,” Mwadime told the committee. “They travel to Russia on visitor visas, only to end up trapped in dangerous situations.”

He maintained that legitimate labour migration programmes processed through official government channels and Kenyan embassies abroad are structured to ensure safe, dignified and legally protected employment opportunities.

Members of Parliament, however, pressed the PS on what concrete measures the ministry is taking to weed out rogue agencies accused of exporting unsuspecting Kenyans to risky working conditions in foreign countries, including parts of the Middle East.

The committee also heard that the State Department is grappling with significant budgetary constraints that largely undermine effective execution of its mandate.

The lawmakers indicated they would pursue further investigations into the alleged collusion and called for stronger enforcement mechanisms to protect Kenyan job seekers from exploitation abroad.

Chad shuts border with Sudan in bid to stop conflict spreading

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John Mutiso

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February 23, 2026

Chad closed its eastern border with Sudan “until further notice” on Monday saying the move was needed to stop repeated incursions by Sudanese armed groups.

A government spokesperson said the decision aimed to protect citizens but added that “exceptional exemptions, strictly justified by humanitarian reasons”, may be granted with prior authorisation from the relevant authorities.

The closure was announced after heavy fighting erupted in the border town of al‑Tina between Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and local fighters aligned to the Sudanese army.

Almost a million Sudanese have crossed the border into Chad since the civil war broke out in 2023.

Chad is also an important entry point for humanitarian workers and convoys heading to its war-ravaged neighbour.

Chadian authorities said the border closure was introduced as a security precaution after the war in Sudan drew closer to Chadian territory, amid reports that Sudanese militants had crossed into Chad.

In a statement, Chad’s Communications Minister Mahamat Gassim Cherif said the move was intended to prevent the conflict from spreading and to safeguard citizens and refugee communities.

Sudan has been locked in a violent power struggle since April 2023, when a dispute between the national army, led by Gen Abdel Fattah al‑Burhan, and the RSF, commanded by his former deputy Gen Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, commonly known as Hemedti, escalated.

A disagreement over merging the RSF into the regular army quickly grew into a full‑scale war.

Chad further warned that the government ”reserves the right to retaliate against any aggression or violation’,’ urging residents of affected areas to remain calm, stay alert and comply with the new restrictions.

Fighting broke out over the weekend in the border town of al-Tina, where Chadian troops were caught up in violence involving Sudanese armed groups.

Officials told the Reuters news agency that five soldiers and three civilians were killed, and at least 12 others wounded.

Sudan’s army has additionally accused Chad of supporting the RSF and allowing military supplies to transit through its territory – allegations the Chadian government has previously denied.

Robert Mugabe’s son charged with attempted murder in South Africa

By

John Mutiso

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February 23, 2026

The youngest son of Zimbabwe’s late former President Robert Mugabe has been formally charged with attempted murder at a brief appearance in a South African court.

Bellarmine Mugabe, 28, was arrested last week after a 23-year-old man was shot and injured at a property in an upmarket suburb of Johannesburg last Thursday. He was then taken into custody alongside his bodyguard – neither man has commented on the charges.

Appearing in court, dressed in black, Mugabe looked calm during the proceedings.

Bellarmine is the youngest son of Robert and his second wife Grace Mugabe. Robert Mugabe, who died in 2019, led Zimbabwe for 37 years before being forced out of power at the age of 93 in 2017.

Searching the property in Hyde Park where the shooting happened, police have found bullet cartridges but no firearm so far.

Mugabe and Tobias Tamirepi Matonhodze, 33, also face additional charges, including defeating the ends of justice, which relates to the missing firearm, prosecutors say.

The victim is in hospital and in a critical condition.

Speaking outside court, Mugabe’s lawyer Sinenhlanhla Mnguni provided an update on his well-being, telling reporters his client was “fine” as he remains in custody.

Describing the circumstances of the shooting, prosecutors allege that “an altercation occurred between the victim and the accused inside Mugabe’s home”.

While attempting to flee the victim was then allegedly “shot in the back and collapsed outside the gate” and the gate was then closed, according to a statement from the National Prosecuting Authority.

The case against Mugabe and Matonhodze was postponed until 3 March when a bail application will be made.

Police investigate ‘abhorrent’ racist abuse of players

By

John Mutiso

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February 23, 2026

BBC – Police have confirmed they are investigating after four Premier League players were targeted by online racial abuse at the weekend.

Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri and Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana both received racist abuse on Instagram after Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge.

On Sunday, Wolves striker Tolu Arokodare and Sunderland winger Romaine Mundle were also sent racist abuse on social media.

The UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) said on Monday it “has launched a number of investigations” after receiving four separate reports of online racial abuse.

“There is absolutely no place for racial abuse, either online or in person, and anyone who believes they can hide behind their keyboards should think again,” said chief constable Mark Roberts, who is the head of the UKFPU.

“The UKFPU condemns this abhorrent behaviour and we will ensure that, through our dedicated team of officers, we do everything possible to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.”

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s official spokesman also described the abuse as “abhorrent”, adding: “The Prime Minister has supported footballers before who have had the courage to come forward and call out discrimination and racism and this is no different.

“Premier League clubs have said they want to work with social media sites, including Meta, the Premier League and the police to identify those responsible.

“And Meta has said that it will continue to work to protect people from abuse. Ministers will be holding them to account to ensure it happens.”

In response to the racist abuse, anti-discrimination group Kick It Out said it had been an “appalling weekend” but “the sad fact is, we know it happens regularly”.

“As the law enforcement lead for online abuse connected to football, the UKFPU will be working closely with all the football clubs and their players to help identify the people responsible,” said a police statement.

“Over recent months the UKFPU have seen a number of successful prosecutions for online racial abuse, which have resulted in significant football banning orders.

“However, we recognise that there is always more to do, and we will continue to work closely with Ofcom, English football authorities, and social media platforms to tackle the issue.”

Responding to the Fofana and Mejbri abuse, a spokesperson for Meta, which owns platforms including Instagram, told BBC Sport: “No-one should be subjected to racist abuse, and we remove this content when we find it.

“No one thing will stop racist behaviour overnight, but we’ll continue working to protect our community from abuse and co-operate with police investigations.”

Last November, a BBC investigation found more than 2,000 extremely abusive social media posts – including death and rape threats – were sent about managers and players in the Premier League and Women’s Super League in a single weekend.

The season-opening Premier League game between Liverpool and Bournemouth in August was stopped after then-Cherries forward Antoine Semenyo reported being racially abused by someone in the Anfield crowd.

A man has denied the abuse and his trial is scheduled to take place in April.

In January, Newcastle United said they had contacted police after midfielder Joe Willock was the subject of “disgusting” racial abuse and “deeply disturbing threats” on social media.

Tottenham forward Mathys Tel was also the subject of racist abuse on social media after being one of two Spurs players to miss in their Super Cup penalty shootout defeat by Paris St-Germain in August.

England defender Jess Carter was another target of racist abuse during Euro 2025 in July.

And England internationals Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka were all subjected to racism in the aftermath of the Euro 2020 final, which the Three Lions lost to Italy in a penalty shootout.

Unlicensed betting firms face ban on sponsoring British sports teams

By

Editor

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February 23, 2026

BBC – Gambling firms not licensed in the UK could be banned from sponsoring sports teams – including Premier League clubs – as part of a government crackdown.

Ministers say they are worried about the risks stemming from the unlicensed market, such as companies not following laws and guidelines aimed at protecting customers.

These include mandatory financial vulnerability checks and responsible advertising.

The government also warns a lack of data protection measures can leave people open to fraud and identity theft and that unlicensed betting has been linked to organised crime.

A consultation into the prosposals will be launched this spring.

Last year, several clubs were warned by the Gambling Commission over their relationship with unlicensed TGP Europe.

Premier League Bournemouth, Fulham, Newcastle and Wolves, as well as then-Championship Burnley, were all sponsored by betting websites run by the firm, which had surrendered its British licence after an investigation found it failed to “carry out sufficient checks on business partners” and breached “anti-money laundering rules”.

A letter sent to the clubs warned they “may be liable to prosecution… if they promote unlicensed gambling businesses that transact with consumers in Great Britain”.

Announcing the forthcoming consultation, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said people placing bets “deserve to know the sites they’re using are properly regulated, with the right protections in place”.

She added: “It’s not right that unlicensed gambling operators can sponsor some of our biggest football clubs, raising their profile and potentially drawing fans towards sites that don’t meet our regulatory standards.”

In a post on social media site X, the Betting and Gaming Council backed the government’s plan, writing: “It’s not right that gambling companies without a UK licence can sponsor Premier League clubs.

“If an operator wants the visibility and credibility of English football, they should meet the high regulatory standards set here in the UK.”

Premier League clubs have previously collectively agreed to withdraw gambling sponsorship from the front of their matchday shirts by the end of this season.

However, sleeve sponsorship can still carry gambling branding, including that of unlicensed firms, and the government warns that can give non-regulated companies “a major presence in the country’s most-watched sports league”.

Ministers argue there is a “strong case for stopping unlicensed sponsorship altogether given the brand visibility could drive consumers towards unlicensed sites operating outside the Gambling Commission’s regulatory protections”.

The commission estimates up to 1.4 million adults in the UK have a gambling problem, external.

TGP Europe has been approached for comment.

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