Swiatek, Rybakina fight back to reach Qatar Open quarter-finals

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February 12, 2026

Iga Swiatek came from a set down to defeat Daria Kasatkina on Wednesday and keep her bid for a fourth Qatar Open title alive, as Elena Rybakina also reached the quarter-finals.

The world number two recovered to beat Russian-born Australian Kasatkina 5-7, 6-1, 6-1 and set up a tie with Greece’s Maria Sakkari.

Swiatek, who won the WTA 1000 tournament in 2022, 2023 and 2024, had breezed through her last six meetings with Kasatkina without dropping a set but blew a 5-3 lead to lose the opener.

The six-time Grand Slam champion quickly regrouped, though, racing through the next two sets with six breaks of serve.

“It wasn’t an easy match,” said Swiatek. “She used the slower surface here and she was going for it more compared to (our) last matches.

“But you never know if it was her just doing that from the beginning, or me giving her more chances.

“But for sure I felt like I could do sometimes more in the first set.”

Swiatek remains on course for a possible rematch with Australian Open champion Rybakina in the final after the Kazakh’s win in their quarter-final clash at Melbourne Park last month.

– Rybakina downs Zheng –

Rybakina also had to battle back to defeat China’s Zheng Qinwen 4-6, 6-2, 7-5 and end the former world number four’s first tournament of the year.

Zheng, the 2024 Australian Open runner-up, was playing only her second event since undergoing elbow surgery last July but proved her fitness with three-set wins over Sofia Kenin and Alycia Parks in the previous two rounds.

She produced an excellent first set, losing just four points on serve and taking it with a single break in the fifth game.

But Rybakina was much improved in the second, breaking serve twice to force a decider.

The world number three continued her momentum into the third set, racing into a 5-2 lead.

Rybakina, without a WTA 1000 title since the 2023 Italian Open, missed a match point in the next game and was then broken while serving for the match.

But Zheng faltered from 40-0 up when serving to push the set into a tie-break, allowing Rybakina to secure a Thursday quarter-final against Victoria Mboko with a rasping backhand.

“In the second I found a bit of my game and I stepped in,” said Rybakina. “In the third… one break and everything changed.

“But I’m happy that in the end it went my way.”

Canada’s Mboko won the battle of the teenagers by saving a match point to knock out fifth seed Mirra Andreeva in a deciding-set tie-break.

The 19-year-old Mboko saved the match point on the Andreeva serve late in the third set before sealing a 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (7/5) success.

“I feel like I came out with some very clutch shots at the end,” said Mboko, who defeated Rybakina in the semi-finals en route to the Canadian Open title last year.

“I think we both were pretty tired when it came to the tie-break. I think I felt like I was lucky enough to have some good shots in the great moments.”

Jelena Ostapenko, last year’s runner-up, saw off Colombian Camila Osorio 6-3, 6-1 to set up a last-eight tie with Elisabetta Cocciaretto.

Italian lucky loser Cocciaretto backed up her second-round win over Coco Gauff by beating Ann Li 7-6 (7/5), 5-7, 6-4.

Czech Karolina Muchova also reached the quarters when compatriot and former world number one Karolina Pliskova retired injured from their last-16 match when trailing 5-2 in the first set.

Muchova will play Anna Kalinskaya on Thursday after the Russian defeated Australian Open semi-finalist Elina Svitolina 6-4, 6-3.

Sakkari defeated France’s Varvara Gracheva 7-6 (7/3), 6-0 in the opening tie of the day.

Suspected phone hacker arrested in Turbo as police recover flashing tools, devices

By

John Mutiso

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February 12, 2026

Police officers from the Eldoret Police Station have apprehended an individual suspected of engaging in phone hacking by allegedly erasing stolen phone’s operating system or memory to prevent tracking and recovery.

The National Police Service (NPS) disclosed that the suspect was arrested during an operation conducted in the Kimumu area, Turbo Subcounty, in Uasin Gishu county.

The officers allegedly discovered 13 phones and five laptops suspected to be used for flashing phones at the suspect’s house.

“During the operation, officers apprehended the male suspect at his residence. A search conducted at the premises led to the recovery of 13 assorted mobile phones suspected to be stolen, five HP laptops equipped with flashing tools, and flashing software believed to have been used in unlawful activities,” the police said.

The NPS confirmed that the suspect has been placed in police custody pending further investigation and arraignment in court, and the recovered electronics have been secured for use as exhibits during the trial.

The police service urged members of the public to protect their personal and sensitive information and to immediately report any suspicious activities to the police station nearest them, through their toll-free numbers or via WhatsApp.

“The National Police Service remains steadfast in combating cybercrime and other emerging criminal activities,” the NPS reiterated.

‘So many people!’: IShowSpeed says Kenyan visit most unforgettable during his Africa tour

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John Mutiso

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February 12, 2026

Popular American YouTuber and content creator Darren Watkins Jr., widely known as iShowSpeed, has opened up about his recent visit to Kenya.

In an interview with Yahoo Sports, the content creator described the experience as overwhelming and unforgettable.

iShowSpeed said he was caught off guard by the sheer number of supporters who showed up to see him during his livestream appearances in Nairobi.

“You are putting me on the spot, but I say the Kenyan, my Kenya visit was so, it was just crazy to me on how much people just came out for me,” he said.

IShowSpeed went on to estimate the size of the crowd that gathered during his stream, saying tens of thousands of fans turned up just to catch a glimpse of him.

“I think about 30,000 people that came out from the city just to watch me stream and just be alone in experiences with me,” he added.

iShowSpeed further admitted that he had never witnessed such a massive crowd assembled for him anywhere else in the world.

He noted that the realization of being able to attract such numbers on the African continent left him surprised.

“I don’t think I ever seen that much people ever. And just to think that I could pull such a crowd in Africa, it was just, I was astonished,” he further said.

IShowSpeed visited Kenya on Sunday, January 11 and left on Monday, January 12.

iShowSpeed’s Nairobi itinerary reflected both his playful personality and his curiosity about Kenyan life.

One of his first stops was Carnivore Restaurant in Lang’ata, where he sampled a variety of local dishes and interacted with excited fans.

His tour continued with an adrenaline-filled bus ride to the Mukuru Kwa Njenga affordable housing project, where he met Gen Z Goliath and joined a basketball session.

At Upper Hill School, the streamer shifted focus to sports, linking up with Olympic javelin champion Julius Yego for a throwing session before taking part in a rugby match with the school team.

He later tried his hand at preparing traditional Kenyan foods, including ugali and chapati.

The American content creator also explored Nairobi’s iconic landmarks, visiting Giraffe Centre, Nairobi National Park and Uhuru Park, where he rode a camel.

At Kenyatta Market, he enjoyed nyama choma and was presented with portraits by local artists.

His city tour also included a chauffeured drive by rally driver Ishmael Azeli to the Kenyatta International Convention Centre, before the day concluded with a scenic helicopter ride offering aerial views of the city.

On Monday, iShowSpeed visited the Maasai Mara National Park.

‘Laughable’ – Gachagua Blasts CS Duale After Challenging Him for a TV debate

By

John Mutiso

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February 12, 2026

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has blasted Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale after he challenged him for a televised debate.

In a statement on Thursday, February 12, Gachagua dismissed the challenge, saying he cannot engage with ‘employees of President William Ruto’.

Gachagua made it clear that he will only debate President Ruto during the presidential debate ahead of the 2027 general election.

“I have heard an employee of William Ruto was inviting me to some debate. Laughable, I don’t debate or engage employees of William Ruto.

“I am only available for one debate with the Ruto team, the Presidential Debate next year between Mr. William Ruto and I. His employees should help him prepare talking notes early enough,” said Gachagua.

On Wednesday, February 11, CS Duale challenged Gachagua to turn up for a debate over development in the North Eastern region.

CS Duale was speaking during the disbursement of NYOTA funds at Garissa High School.

“I challenge the former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to a contest debate on development in the North Eastern region. President Ruto, leave Gachagua to me. I will deal with him,” Duale said.

The Health CS proposed that the debate be held on Citizen TV’s Jeff Koinange Live (JKLive) programme.

“Let us meet at Jeff Koinange’s bench. I will challenge you. Let’s meet there, I am ready,” CS Duale added.

This comes following Gachagua’s recent criticism of elected leaders from the North Eastern region.

The DCP leader in recent days has called out Northern Kenya leaders for misusing funds meant to develop the region.

“We are acutely aware that the people of Northern Kenya have faced marginalization and have been held hostage by the clan elders and their own elected leaders more than successive governments since independence,” Gachagua said on February 6.

“I am very excited,” Mbadi says on Sifuna’s removal as ODM SG

By

John Mutiso

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February 12, 2026

Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has welcomed the removal of Edwin Sifuna as Secretary General of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), saying the decision was necessary to safeguard the party’s stability following the death of Raila Odinga.

Speaking in a candid reflection on the party’s internal dynamics, Mbadi said he was “very excited” by Sifuna’s dismissal, describing himself as “depressed” by what he termed actions that were damaging to the party.

“If you’re claiming to like Raila and you want to destroy his party months after his death, it is not fair to his legacy,” Mbadi said.

The CS also disclosed behind-the-scenes details about how Sifuna rose to the powerful Secretary General position, revealing that he was not the initial favourite for the role.

“I know how Sifuna got into that position. He was not the favourite. We sat with Baba and agreed. The favourite was Wafula Buke. The Western delegates did not want to hear of Sifuna at Orange House. Baba thought through and said we need someone who is very strong,” Mbadi stated.

His remarks shed fresh light on past internal deliberations within ODM’s top leadership and underscore the weight Raila Odinga’s personal decisions carried in shaping party structures.

Mbadi, who previously served as ODM Chairman for 11 years, emphasized his long-standing relationship with the late party leader, saying he had been close to Raila since his student days in 1992.

“Of all the senior officials of ODM, no one stayed longer with Raila than I. From the time I was a student in 1992 to the time he departed, I was very close to him,” he said.

He added that while he did not always agree with Raila’s decisions — including being asked to step aside from a gubernatorial race — he respected the authority of party leadership.

“Leadership is not something that you force on someone,” Mbadi said, in reference to ongoing succession debates within ODM.

Addressing the broader state of the party after Raila’s death, Mbadi acknowledged that turbulence was inevitable.

“After the death of Raila, I don’t think anyone expected that it would be smooth sailing; there had to be turbulence. What ODM is going through is turbulent times. However, ODM remains the strongest party in this country; this is not a party that is dying anytime soon,” he said.

Mbadi also defended the current leadership under Oburu Odinga, dismissing concerns about age and longevity.

“I think ODM could not have gotten a better choice than Oburu Odinga. Oburu will never be Raila; he is not Raila,” he said, describing Oburu as a stabilizing and intelligent figure who frequently advised Raila.

“Oburu is a character that can steer the party,” Mbadi added.

NTSA Goes After Matatu Sacco After Viral Video Forcing Its Way onto Pedestrian Walkway

By

John Mutiso

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February 12, 2026

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has condemned an incident where a matatu was recorded forcing its way onto a pedestrian walkway in Allsops along Thika Road.

In a statement on Thursday, February 12, NTSA said the incident endangered the lives of pedestrians and caused damage to public infrastructure.

The authority vowed to follow up with Sacco and take action against the driver of the matatu.

“Our attention is drawn to the unfortunate incident that puts pedestrians lives at risk and damages road infrastructure.

“We will follow up with the Sacco and update the public on the actions taken,” NTSA stated.

In the video circulating online, a matatu is seen forcing its way onto a crowded pedestrian walkway, but a formally dressed pedestrian stood his ground and refused to let it pass.

The man confronted the driver for violating traffic rules, drawing the attention of bystanders.

Witnesses said the motorist left the road and joined the walkway to beat the traffic snarl-up.

Pedestrians using the path were forced to step aside as the vehicle pushed through.

The incident sparked outrage online with netizens asking NTSA to take action against the driver of the matatu.

This comes weeks after NTSA suspended the driving license of a matatu driver after a tout in his vehicle was captured pushing a girl in Riruta, Nairobi County.

In a statement on Thursday, January 15, NTSA said the driver of the matatu was subject to a retest but failed.

The authority also said the driver and the conductor of the matatu have been disengaged by the Sacco.

“Both the driver and the conductor have been disengaged by the Sacco. The Driver’s DL has also been suspended after he failed a re-test,” NTSA stated.

The authority urged members of the public to report incidents of reckless driving so that action can be taken.

NTSA said Kenyans should provide details of vehicles involved in reckless driving, including the registration number and the location of the incident.

“Report any instances of reckless driving on our roads by providing details such as the vehicle’s registration number, the location of the incident, as well as the date and time,” NTSA added.

US Warns Citizens Against Travel to 8 African Countries

By

John Mutiso

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February 12, 2026

The United States has placed eight African nations under its highest travel warning, urging its citizens not to travel to the countries due to security concerns.

The African countries currently under the Level 4 advisory are Burkina Faso, Central African Republic (CAR), Libya, Mali, Niger, Somalia, South Sudan, and Sudan.

In a statement on Wednesday, February 11, the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs said the Level 4 classification is the most severe warning issued to American travelers.

“We issue travel advisories with Levels 1 – 4. Level 4 means Do Not Travel. We assign Level 4 based on local conditions and/or our limited ability to help Americans there. These places are dangerous. Do not go for any reason,” the statement read.

Beyond Africa, several other countries around the world are also under the advisory, including Afghanistan, Belarus, Burma (Myanmar), Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, North Korea, Russia, Syria, Ukraine, Venezuela, and Yemen.

This comes weeks after President Donald Trump signed a proclamation imposing travel restrictions on nationals from multiple countries, with Tanzania among 15 nations that faced new partial entry limitations based on security and immigration compliance concerns.

Tanzania was placed under partial restrictions primarily due to its significant visa overstay rates, which demonstrated non-compliance with United States immigration laws.

According to the official Overstay Report, Tanzania recorded a B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 8.30 percent and an alarming F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 13.97 percent, figures that raised red flags for U.S. immigration authorities.

The partial restrictions on Tanzania were part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to address what it described as persistent deficiencies in screening, vetting, and information-sharing that posed potential national security and public safety threats to the United States.

The proclamation continued full restrictions and entry limitations on nationals from the original 12 high-risk countries established under the previous Proclamation 10949.

These nations, Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen, remained subject to the strictest entry controls.

The new proclamation significantly expanded the list of countries that faced complete entry bans.

Five additional nations were added to the full restrictions category based on recent security analysis, namely Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, and Syria.

Additionally, individuals holding Palestinian Authority-issued travel documents faced full restrictions and entry limitations under the new proclamation.

Two countries that had previously been subject to only partial restrictions were upgraded to full restrictions with comprehensive entry limitations; Laos and Sierra Leone.

Four countries from the original proclamation continued to face partial restrictions: Burundi, Cuba, Togo, and Venezuela.

Besides Tanzania, the new countries that faced partial restrictions included Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tonga, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

UDA Senator Claims Ruto Is Behind Sifuna’s Removal as ODM Secretary General

By

John Mutiso

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February 12, 2026

Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu has claimed that the removal of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna as the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary-General was orchestrated by President William Ruto.

Speaking on Thursday, February 13, he alleged that the move was a continuation of earlier threats allegedly issued by Ruto following public criticism from Sifuna.

Nyutu argued that events unfolded exactly as had been previously warned.

“The removal of Sifuna has nothing to do with ODM but with President Ruto. If you recall, during the burial of Raila Odinga’s bodyguard, Ruto warned Sifuna against attacking him, claiming he is one of the founding members of ODM and that he would call a meeting to have him disciplined. That meeting was held yesterday, just as he promised,” he said.

File image of Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu

As earlier reported, Ruto had issued a warning to Sifuna, invoking his role as a founding member of the ODM Party.

Speaking during the burial of Raila Odinga’s bodyguard George Oduor’s funeral on Saturday, April 12, 2025, Ruto reminded Sifuna of his deep-rooted ties to ODM and implied that continued provocation could lead to disciplinary action from the party’s original leadership.

“When you speak about me, Edwin Sifuna, know that I am a founding member of ODM. If you push me too far, I will call for a meeting of the founding members, and if we do, we can discipline you,” he said.

During the event, Sifuna had delivered a bold address aimed at Ruto, calling out what he described as self-inflicted difficulties in the Head of State’s administration.

He drew attention to the recent Echoes of War controversy, urging the president to take control of his government.

“Like the Bishop mentioned, your job is very hard, and I agree with him because at some point I usually wonder if you get to sleep.

“However, there are some difficulties you have imposed on yourself. Like the drama we saw in Nakuru where Butere Girls’ High School students were stopped from performing, that’s a problem you have imposed on yourself,” he said.

ODM dismissed Sifuna as its Secretary General on Wednesday, February 11, following a National Executive Council meeting.

Sifuna will leave his office with immediate effect and will be replaced by Catherine Omanyo.

“The Party National Executive Committee meeting in Mombasa today has resolved to relieve SG Edwin Sifuna of his responsibilities with immediate effect. Effectively, Hon. Catherine Omanyo, who is one of the Deputy Secretary Generals, will act in this position until a substantive holder of the office is elected,” the statement read in part.

ODM Deputy Party Leader Abdulswamad Shariff explained Sifuna was dismissed over his constant disrespect for the Party Leader, Oburu Odinga.

He reported that Sifuna and his brigade had questioned the appointment of Oburu as the party leader despite due process being taken.

“It is immoral for anyone to challenge the validity of Oburu Odinga in private or in public. No one can claim to be oxygen, without which we cannot live. Anyone is replaceable in this party,” he declared.

Ababu Namwamba Blasts John Mbadi Over Firing Claims

By

John Mutiso

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February 12, 2026

Kenyan High Commissioner to Uganda Ababu Namwamba has hit out at Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi over claims that he initiated his removal as the ODM Secretary General back in 2016.

In a statement on Thursday, February 11, Namwamba clarified that he was not fired from the role.

The former ODM Secretary General said he resigned from the position in broad daylight when it became untenable for him.

“My brother John Mbadi, you cannot rewrite history. No one ever fired me from the position of ODM Secretary General.

“When I couldn’t stand the everlasting party shenanigans, I had the audacity, the valor, the cojones and the honour to walk away, head held high, with my pride intact,” said Namwamba.

The Kenyan High Commissioner to Uganda noted that he had since moved on and was content with his choice.

He urged Mbadi to focus on strengthening the party, arguing that ODM’s current fortunes are not comparable to its peak years.

“Though proudly a founding visionary of the Orange Dream, I moved on, happily so. Please concentrate your passion and energies on strengthening the party, whose fortunes today are certainly not what they were in 2007, when we waged the most formidable political blitz in Kenyan history, or in 2016, when I boldly walked away in broad daylight,” Namwamba added.

His remarks come after CS Mbadi claimed that in 2016, while serving as ODM Chairperson, he made sure Namwamba was removed from the Secretary General position.

Speaking on Sunday, the National Treasury CS said he convened a disciplinary committee meeting against Namwamba.

“When I was the chairperson of the party and Ababu Namwamba was misbehaving, I made sure he left. I convened a disciplinary committee against him as the SG,” said Mbadi.

This clash between Ababu and Mbadi comes in the backdrop of Edwin Sifuna’s ouster from the ODM SG position.

Sifuna was removed from the role on Wednesday, February 11, after an ODM National Executive Council (NEC) meeting chaired by Oburu Oginga.

He was replaced by Catherine Omanyo, who will serve in an acting capacity until the party appoints a substantive replacement.

Raila Junior, Winnie Odinga React After Sifuna Was Kicked Out of ODM SG Position

By

John Mutiso

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February 12, 2026

Former Prime Minister, the late Raila Odinga’s children, Raila Junior and Winnie Odinga, have weighed in on the removal of Edwin Sifuna as the ODM Secretary General.

In a statement on Wednesday, February 11, Raila Junior suggested that great people are often shaped by difficult challenges.

“The finest steel must go through the hottest fire,” he wrote on his X account.

On the other hand, Winnie expressed dissatisfaction with the decision by ODM to remove Sifuna from the Secretary General position.

“It is not well,” the EALA MP posted on her Facebook page.

File image of former ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna.

Sifuna was kicked out on Wednesday evening following a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting.

The meeting NEC, chaired by ODM party leader Oburu Oginga, appointed Catherine Omanyo to replace Sifuna in an acting capacity.

“The Party National Executive Committee meeting in Mombasa today has resolved to relieve SG Edwin Sifuna of his responsibilities with immediate effect.

“Effectively, Hon. Catherine Omanyo, who is one of the Deputy Secretary Generals, will act in this position until a substantive holder of the office is elected,” ODM said in a statement.

Sifuna’s ouster came after he publicly criticized aspects of party operations, including the selection of Oburu as the ODM party leader.

Oburu hit back at Sifuna, terming his criticisms as confusing personal opinion with official party policy.

Meanwhile, Senator Sifuna has announced he will address the media on Thursday following his removal.

The Nairobi Senator also thanked Kenyans for the overwhelming messages of support and encouragement they have sent him.

“Following yesterday’s events, I have been overwhelmed by the messages of support and encouragement.

“I will speak to the press this morning to address some of your concerns. Thank You. God bless,” Sifuna said in a statement.

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