Iran students stage first large anti-government protests since deadly crackdown

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February 22, 2026

Students at several universities in Iran have staged anti-government protests – the first such rallies on this scale since January’s deadly crackdown by the authorities.

The BBC has verified footage of demonstrators marching on the campus of the Sharif University of Technology in the capital Tehran on Saturday. They were later seen scuffling with government supporters.

Protests were also reported at other universities in Tehran and elsewhere – with students gathering to honour thousands of those killed by authorities last month.

It comes as the US builds up its military presence near Iran, with President Donald Trump has saying he is considering a limited military strike.

The US and its European allies suspect that Iran is moving towards the development of a nuclear weapon, something Iran has always denied.

US and Iranian officials met in Switzerland on Tuesday and said progress had been made in talks aimed at curbing Iran’s nuclear programme.

But despite the reported progress, Trump said afterwards that the world would find out “over the next, probably, 10 days” whether a deal would be reached with Iran or the US would take military action.

The US leader has supported protesters in the past – at one stage appearing to encourage them with a promise that “help is on its way”.

Footage verified by the BBC shows hundreds of protesters peacefully marching on the campus of the Sharif University of Technology at the start of a new semester on Saturday.

The crowds chanted “death to the dictator” – a reference to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei – and other anti-government slogans.

A separate crowd of supporters of a rival pro-government rally – many with national Iranian flags – are seen nearby at the beginning of the video. Scuffles are later seen breaking out between the two camps.

Verified photos have also emerged showing a peaceful sit-in protest at the capital’s Shahid Beheshti University.

The BBC has also verified footage from another Tehran university, Amir Kabir University of Technology, showing chanting against the government.

In Mashhad, Iran’s second-largest city in the north-east, local students reportedly chanted: “Freedom, freedom” and “Students, shout, shout for your rights”.

It is not immediately clear whether any demonstrators have been arrested. There have been reports of protests continuing on Sunday.

January’s protests began over economic grievances and soon spread to become Iran’s largest since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (Hrana) said it had confirmed the killing of at least 7,015 people during that wave, including 6,508 protesters, 226 children and 214 people affiliated with the government. The latest figures were updated on 15 February.

Hrana also said it was investigating 11,744 more reported deaths.

Iranian authorities said late last month that more than 3,100 people had been killed – but that the majority were security personnel or bystanders attacked by “rioters”.

With Trump’s threats looming, Iranian authorities are continuing to prepare for possible conflict with the US.

US envoy Steve Witkoff said on Saturday that Trump was questioning why Iran had not “capitulated” in the face of Washington’s military build-up.

Witkoff told Fox News the president was “curious” about Iran’s position after he had warned them of severe consequences in the event they failed to strike a deal.

“I don’t want to use the word ‘frustrated,’ because he understands he has plenty of alternatives, but he’s curious as to why they haven’t… I don’t want to use the word ‘capitulated,’ but why they haven’t capitulated,” he said.

The exiled opposition is adamantly calling on President Trump to make good on his threats and strike, hoping for a quick downfall of the current hardline government.

But other opposition groups are opposed to outside intervention.

The opposing sides have been involved in disinformation campaigns of social media, trying to maximise their conflicting narratives of what Iranian people want.

Arsenal cruise to a dominate North London Derby with 4-1 victory over Spurs.

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February 22, 2026

Arsenal defeated Tottenham 4-1 this evening to return emphatically to winning ways after consecutive draws. In the build-up to the fixture, there had been considerable discussion about Tottenham benefiting from a new manager bounce, with some suggesting Arsenal were the ideal opponents for such a resurgence.

The Gunners had failed to win their previous two matches and were under mounting pressure. However, they began this contest with intent, demonstrating from the outset that they were determined to reassert their authority in the title race. Spurs ensured there was no comfortable opening period, forcing Arsenal to probe patiently in search of weaknesses in their tactical setup.

The breakthrough eventually arrived after half an hour when Eberechi Eze opened the scoring, relieving some of the tension surrounding the home side. Yet Tottenham responded almost immediately, with Randal Kolo Muani finding the equaliser to shift the momentum once more.

Mikel Arteta faced a significant team talk at halftime, and whatever adjustments were made proved effective. Viktor Gyokeres restored Arsenal’s advantage shortly after the restart, handing the Gunners renewed control of proceedings.

With the lead regained, Arsenal understood the importance of extending their advantage. Eze struck again to underline his influence on the match and strengthen his side’s grip on the contest. The performance will help answer recent criticism regarding his consistency and reinforce his importance to the team.

Tottenham threatened to reduce the deficit, but David Raya produced a series of fine saves to preserve Arsenal’s cushion. Rather than conceding, the Gunners put the result beyond doubt when Gyokeres added a late goal to seal a comprehensive 4-1 victory.

The result represents a significant response from Arsenal at a critical moment in their season.

Interior PS Raymond Omollo warns political leaders against using youths to fuel political violence.

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February 22, 2026

Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo has warned political leaders against allegedly using youths to fuel violence, saying the government will deal firmly with those found culpable.
PS Omollo spoke in Suna West Sub-County where he attended a fundraising drive and church service at Shirikisho Church. He said the government will not allow politicians to use violence to intimidate rivals or disrupt political activities.

The PS urged leaders to embrace peaceful politics, warning that the county must not be dragged back into the kind of clashes witnessed in recent weeks.

He also cautioned against what he described as the misuse of young people for political ends, saying leaders must take responsibility for their actions instead of blaming security agencies when violence erupts.

Omollo noted that police resources are limited, saying the country has about 100,000 officers who cannot be deployed everywhere political meetings are held.

“It is unfortunate that some leaders engage in violence and then turn around to blame the police or blame me for not providing security,” he said.

His remarks come days after a spate of political violence was reported in Migori County, involving rival camps allied to Governor Ochilo Ayacko and Suna West MP Peter Masara, who is also said to be eyeing the Migori governorship seat in the 2027 General Election.

Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi Mourns the death of Rev. Fr. Peter Kiarie Mutunga.

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February 22, 2026

In a statement issued by the Archdiocese of Nairobi, Archbishop Philip Anyolo announced the passing of Rev. Fr. Peter Kiarie Mutunga on Saturday afternoon.

Fr. Kiarie was a dedicated diocesan priest with a long history of service within the Archdiocese of Nairobi.

Fr. Kiarie, who hailed from Munyu Parish – Thika, was ordained to priesthood on 29th May 1993. His last appointment was at St. Martin De Porres Parish, Karuri.

Till his death, he served in the following Parishes: Holy Family Githunguri Parish, St.Francis Xavier Parish Parklands, St. Michael Otiende Parish, Thigio Parish, St. Martin Depores Parish, among others.

He also served as the Executive Director of Caritas Nairobi.

Police FC and APS Bomet Share the Spoils at Police Sacco Stadium.

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February 22, 2026

Bonface Mulyungi

Today, Sunday 22nd February 2026, two National Police Service football teams – Police FC and APS Bomet – faced off in a thrilling SportPesa League encounter at the Police Sacco Stadium in Nairobi.

The match kicked off at 2:00 p.m. under Nairobi’s cold and rainy weather, setting the stage for a tense and competitive contest. Both sides displayed discipline and determination from the first whistle, with neither team willing to concede ground in the opening half.

In the 14th minute, Police FC suffered an early setback when goalkeeper Job Ochieng sustained an injury and had to be substituted. Daniel Ogembo stepped in between the posts, putting in a steady performance despite the challenging weather conditions. The referee added three minutes of stoppage time at the end of the first half, but the teams went into the break locked in a 0-0 stalemate.

The second half resumed with renewed intensity. In the 60th minute, Police FC injected fresh energy into the squad, substituting Brian Chonjo and Eric Zakayo for Alvin Mang’eni and Clinton Kinanga. Five minutes later, APS Bomet responded with tactical changes of their own, bringing on Festus and Evans in place of Hansel and Cutis to strengthen their attacking options.

As the clock ticked past the 70th minute, the rain continued to pour, leaving the pitch waterlogged and adding another layer of difficulty to the match. Despite the slippery surface, both teams pressed forward in search of a breakthrough, thrilling fans with resilient defending and spirited attempts on goal.

The final whistle blew at 90+3 minutes, confirming a hard-fought 0-0 draw between the two NPS sides.

The match attracted a vibrant crowd of supporters and cheering squads. Notably present was the senior National Police Service leadership, including the Deputy Inspector General – KPS, Mr. Eliud Lagat; the Deputy Inspector General – APS, Mr. Gilbert Masengeli; the Commandant of the General Service Unit, Mr. Ranson Lolmodooni, SAIG; the Commandant of the National Police College, Main Campus – Kiganjo, Mr. Nyale Munga, SAIG; the Commandant of the NCIA, Mr. Sospeter Munyi, SAIG; and the Director of Sports and Chaplaincy – APS, Mr. Omar Ramadhan, AIG, among other senior officers.

The encounter underscored the spirit of unity, sportsmanship, and camaraderie within the National Police Service, demonstrating that beyond their call of duty, officers continue to build teamwork and resilience through sport.

Sudan slams Uganda for hosting paramilitary chief.

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February 22, 2026

Sudan’s foreign ministry has criticised the meeting, saying the RSF’s atrocities had been “documented by the international community and condemned by regional organisations of which Uganda is a member”, including the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).

Speaking during his visit, Daglo, said he travelled to Uganda after President Museveni was approached by the Sudanese army seeking his mediation.

His visit came a week after Museveni hosted Malik Agar, Burhan’s deputy in his ruling Transitional Sovereignty Council.

Addressing supporters on Friday, Daglo called for Africa-led mediation.

“From the first day of the war, we said negotiations must be African. Peace should be made in Africa: IGAD and the African Union,” he told the gathering.

Efforts to secure a ceasefire have repeatedly collapsed.

In January, Sudan’s army was studying a new proposal from the United States and Saudi Arabia.

Talks mediated by the Quad — comprising the US, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Egypt — have stalled for months, with Burhan alleging the group favours the UAE, which is accused of arming the RSF. Abu Dhabi denies backing the paramilitary.

Friday’s meeting was the RSF commander’s second with Museveni. His first in December 2023 came during a regional tour, when analysts said Hemeti attempted to rally legitimacy with African leaders.

He has since declared a rival administration in Darfur, which has received no international recognition.

In his speech on Friday, Daglo described the conflict as an “existential war” and vowed victory.

He said his forces would have already captured the capital Khartoum and Port Sudan on the Red Sea “if it weren’t for drones from neighbouring countries”, after reports of Egyptian and Turkish strikes on his supply lines into Darfur.

On the other side of the country, Daglo assured his supporters their “brothers were moving well in the Blue Nile”, where fighting on the border with Ethiopia has raised concerns of a new front opening.

He also claimed his forces had swelled from 160,000 at the start of the war to half a million.

Since April 2023, the war has killed tens of thousands, displaced over 11 million people and created the world’s largest hunger and displacement crises.

Stop Provoking Us, DP Seat Not Vacant – CS Ruku, Governor Mbarire Tells Off ODM Leader Oburu Odinga

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February 22, 2026

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and leaders allied to him have pushed back against growing debate over the 2027 deputy president slot, urging restraint in political rhetoric even as the DP appealed for support for UDA candidates in Thursday’s by-elections.

Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku, Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire and a section of MPs from the Mt. Kenya East region dismissed what they termed persistent and provocative claims by ODM leader Dr. Oburu Oginga over the deputy president’s position, insisting the seat is not vacant.

Ruku said President William Ruto and Kindiki were working well and focused on development, arguing there was no need for attempts to “fix” what he described as a functional working relationship.

“President William Ruto and his Deputy President Kithure Kindiki are working well and focused on the development of our country. If it is working, don’t fix it,” Ruku said.

He added that even within the broad-based government, parties must work with mutual respect.

“Even if we are in the broad-based government, we must work with respect and desist from annoying each other unnecessarily,” he said, adding that leaders from the region would rally behind Kindiki.

Kindiki, on his part, called on the political class to tone down what he described as “fierce political heat” being generated by the ongoing debate, saying the country should not be dragged into early political contests.

“I want to ask all of us, especially the political class, to tone down the fierce political heat that is being generated by the ongoing debate. There is no need to worry,” Kindiki said.

The Deputy President also projected confidence in his political standing, saying he would engage the debate at the right time.

“We are the masters of this political game. At the right time, I will play our cards properly. I have no record of losing any political contest,” he said.

At the same time, Kindiki appealed to voters in areas headed to by-elections on Thursday to back candidates from the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), saying the party’s aspirants had run peaceful campaigns.

“I want to appeal to all the voters in the areas where we have by-elections on Thursday this week to vote for UDA candidates. Our candidates have conducted peaceful and issue-based campaigns,” he said.

The remarks come amid heightened political activity and renewed debate over power-sharing within the broad-based arrangement, after Oburu recently signalled ODM would be willing to settle for the deputy president slot in anticipated talks with UDA.

Kasarani MP Ronald Karauri declares bid for the Nairobi gubernatorial seat in 2027 elections.

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February 22, 2026

Kasarani Member of Parliament (MP) Ronald Karauri has announced that he will run for Nairobi governor in the 2027 General Election, setting the stage for what is expected to be a fiercely contested race for control of the capital.

Speaking during the issuance of bursaries to Grade 10 learners in Kasarani on February 22, 2026, Karauri said poor leadership lies at the heart of Nairobi’s problems and declared that he was ready to take charge of the county.

“Shida ya hii Nairobi ni uongozi, si kitu ingine,” he told the crowd. “Kwa hivo nimesema mimi leo nimejitolea na watu wangu wa Kasarani wamesema wataniunga mkono tuanze hiyo safari. Pia mimi nitakuwa hapo kwa ballot ya governor wa Nairobi,” he said.

He assured residents that they would no longer cry over small things if he took office, arguing that delivering services in Nairobi is not complicated.

“Wakaazi wa Nairobi wataacha kulia. Unajua tunalia vitu kidogo kidogo sana. Kuprovide hizi service za Nairobi sio kitu ngumu. Na Nairobi iko na budget yake,” he said.

Karauri pointed to basic services such as garbage collection, county roads and water supply as areas that require firm leadership and coordination.

“Hizi mambo za garbage collection. Hizi mambo za barabara za county, hizi mambo za maji,” he said, adding that he has often found himself pushing agencies to respond to residents’ complaints.

“Mimi ndio naendaga kufukuzana na watu wa Nairobi Water wafanye connection hapa Njiru ndio maji itoke. Hiyo kazi yote sio kazi yangu. So kwa hivo wacha niende nichukue hiyo kazi ndio niweze kuifanya Nairobi mzima.”

His remarks come at a time when the governance of Nairobi has sparked national debate. President William Ruto and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja recently signed a cooperation agreement that allows the national government to take financial and operational responsibility for key county functions, including waste management, roads, housing and river regeneration.

The Ksh80 billion framework has divided opinion. Supporters argue that it will improve service delivery in a city struggling with waste, poor roads and water shortages. Critics, including some opposition leaders, claim it undermines devolution and echoes the 2020 Nairobi Metropolitan Services model.

Karauri did not dwell on the legal arguments surrounding the pact, but he made clear where he stands politically.

“Pahali nimewekelea support yangu kwa saaii ni kwa President William Ruto,” he said, signalling his alignment with the Head of State as political realignments gather pace ahead of 2027.

A businessman and former pilot, Karauri entered Parliament in 2022 after winning the Kasarani seat as an independent candidate. Before politics, he worked for Kenya Airways and later led SportPesa as its chief executive, helping the betting firm secure major sponsorship deals locally and abroad.

His entry into the governor’s race adds to a growing list of potential contenders. Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has declared his interest in the Nairobi governor’s seat, joining other city politicians expected to enter the race.

Moses Kuria declares his bid for UDA Secretary General position ahead of party NDC

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February 22, 2026

By Bonface Mulyungi

Former CS and President William Ruto’s senior economic advisor, Moses Kuria, has announced his bid to vie for the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) secretary general position ahead of the party’s 2026 National Delegates Congress (NDC).

Taking to his official X account on Sunday, February 22, 2026, the current Chama cha Kazi (CCK) party leader, who recently shifted his allegiance to UDA, shared a campaign poster declaring his bid for the position that is currently being held by EALA MP and former Mombasa Senator Hassan Omar.

This move comes weeks after Kuria sparked political debate when he registered as an aspirant to contest for the Gatundu South parliamentary seat on the UDA ticket ahead of the 2027 General Election.

“Hon Moses Kuria, National Delegates Congress 2026, Secretary General. Akili pekee,” the poster, made using UDA colours and logo, reads.

The development raised eyebrows across the political divide, given that Kuria is the founder and current leader of CCK, a party that has previously fielded candidates under its own banner, with the most recent being the November 27, 2025, Mbeere North parliamentary by-election.

Kuria would then later thrust himself further into the national political spotlight after he attended the UDA aspirants’ meeting at State House.

The Wednesday, February 4, 2026, State House meeting brought together UDA aspirants from across the country, reinforcing President William Ruto’s influence over the party’s early succession and nomination dynamics.

Kuria’s Gatundu South move represents a notable shift from his earlier expressed interest in a Nairobi gubernatorial race, even as he ditches his party for UDA.

“My party has made my work hard and pulled me down politically because of doing politics alone. I have tried selling the party and fielding candidates, but I have been labelled Ruto’s mole, and therefore, I have decided to join UDA,” he said in a viral X video.

Kuria defended his move to contest for the Gatundu South seat, saying the position is powerful to tighten his political vet ahead of his future ambitions.

“I have seen all the things I have been an MP for 10 years. I have been a cabinet minister and later an advisor. So I have tasted different buffets, and even as I get back to Gatundu, I know that Parliament is very important. I want 5 years to traverse the country as an MP so that afterwards I will inform you of my next position,” he explained.

Kenya Airways cancels New York flights amid severe winter storm.

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February 22, 2026

Kenya Airways has cancelled two New York flights due to adverse weather conditions in parts of the United States.

In a customer update dated Sunday, February 22, 2026, the airline said a blizzard warning and heavy snowfall in New York had disrupted operations at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), with airport authorities suspending flight operations for specific periods.

The affected flights are KQ 002 from Nairobi (NBO) to New York (JFK) scheduled for February 22, and KQ 003 from New York (JFK) to Nairobi (NBO) scheduled for February 23.

Kenya Airways apologised to passengers for the inconvenience and said it plans to operate KQ 002 on February 24 and KQ 003 on February 25 as scheduled once weather conditions improve and it is safe to fly.

The airline said it is monitoring the situation and engaging relevant airport stakeholders, adding that customers will be updated as new information becomes available.

Passengers were advised to check the airline’s website or mobile app for updates or contact customer support.

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