Governor Sakaja Sets Record Straight on Handing Over Nairobi Functions to President Ruto

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February 11, 2026

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has addressed claims that he handed over Nairobi County functions to President William Ruto’s administration.

In a statement dated Tuesday, February 10, the governor denied ceding any county roles to the national government.

He was responding to Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, who had argued that constitutionally, there must be a formal deed of transfer of functions approved by the County Assembly.

“Constitutionally, there has to be a deed of transfer of functions. It has to be approved by the County Assembly. I have seen neither,” Sifuna stated.

The senator was reacting to a news report aired on Tuesday night, February 9, by a local media house claiming that Sakaja had ceded certain county roles.

The report alleged that President Ruto and Governor Sakaja had agreed to share responsibilities in Nairobi, with Sakaja ceding three functions to the national government.

“Fake news. No functions or roles ceded,” Sakaja responded.

The news report had stated that President William Ruto and Governor Johnson Sakaja had formally agreed on a “shared responsibility formula” for managing critical departments in Nairobi.

The move, reportedly discussed at State House, Nairobi, on February 9, according to the News report, would see the national government render services such as garbage collection and disposal, public works, and water supply, among others, to Nairobi residents.

On Sunday, February 8, President Ruto and Governor Sakaja announced plans to collaborate in restoring Nairobi’s status while attending a church service at AIC Pipeline, Nairobi.

The two leaders later met on Tuesday at the State House to formalise their execution plan.

Speaking at a rally after the church service in Pipeline, President Ruto told residents that his administration would support critical infrastructure development in the capital.

President Ruto has also, in the past, expressed interest in handling critical services within Nairobi. While addressing the 70th anniversary of AIC Ziwani at Starehe Boys’ Centre Grounds in Nairobi on October 12, 2025, the President stressed the need to restore Nairobi City.

“We have what it takes, we have the ideas, we have the knowledge, we have the plan, we have the people and we have the resources,” said President Ruto.

Sakaja has previously addressed concerns about handing over Nairobi functions to the national government. Speaking during a media interview on Wednesday morning, October 15, 2025, the governor dismissed reports that he was about to sign off aon ny county functions.

At the time, he stated that Nairobi County would continue to run its own affairs, adding that the previous transfer of functions under former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration was a bad experience for the county.

He clarified that he is not handing over Nairobi County functions to the national government but is instead seeking collaboration, particularly on cleanliness, which has been a persistent challenge for his administration.

Police release man detained in connection to Nancy Guthrie disappearance

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Editor

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February 11, 2026

Police have released a man hours after they detained him in connection to the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of US news anchor Savannah Guthrie, CBS News, the BBC’s US partner, has reported.

After taking the man into custody at a traffic stop, police searched his home in Rio Rico, south of Tucson, Arizona, sources familiar with the investigation told CBS News.

After his release, the man, identified only as Carlos, told reporters outside his home that he did not know who Nancy Guthrie was. “I don’t follow the news,” he said.

Guthrie, 84, was abducted from her home near Tucson more than a week ago, sparking a widespread search and desperate appeals from her family.

“I hope they get the suspect, because I’m not it,” Carlos said, according to a video posted on X by CBS reporter Andres Gutierrez.

Carlos, reportedly a deliveryman, said he had been driving around and noticed authorities were following him.

He added that the officers did not ask him any questions and made him wait for hours in a car park.

A woman who identified herself as his mother-in-law earlier said that he had nothing to do with the case.

“They’re just invading my property,” she was quoted as saying by CBS.

The Pima County Sherrif’s Department had confirmed police were conducting a court-authorised search at a location in Rio Rico, south of Tucson, Arizona.

The news of the detention came hours after the FBI released images and videos of a masked person at Nancy Guthrie’s doorstep on the night of her disappearance. Authorities said the individual was armed.

“As of this morning, law enforcement has uncovered these previously inaccessible new images showing an armed individual appearing to have tampered with the camera at Nancy Guthrie’s front door the morning of her disappearance,” FBI Director Kash Patel said in a statement on X.

He said authorities had been working to recover images from the home surveillance system that “may have been lost, corrupted, or inaccessible due to a variety of factors – including the removal of recording devices”.

The two short videos show the person approach the front door of Nancy Guthrie’s home, then check the camera before moving away, picking up some vegetation from the ground and using it to cover the camera lens.

By Anthony Solly

9 Year Old Girl Found Dead in Pit Latrine After Disappearance in Mathira West

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February 11, 2026

By Andrew Kariuki

Detectives in Mathira West are investigating the death of nine year old Shantel Waruguru Kagema, whose body was recovered from a pit latrine in Kianjathi village following her disappearance on February 8, 2026.

According to police, Shantel’s parents left home at around 8:00 a.m., leaving her in the company of her four year old sister.

When they returned at approximately 6:30 p.m., they discovered that Shantel was missing and immediately reported the matter to authorities.

A search operation was launched, during which investigators discovered a pair of undergarments and shoes on an old blue mattress inside an abandoned house nearby.

The child’s mother later identified the items as belonging to her daughter.

Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) officers processed the scene and collected the recovered items as exhibits.

Police say investigations led them to a suspect identified as Peter Njuguna, a resident of the same area.

He was arrested and according to detectives, directed officers to a pit latrine where the child’s body was recovered.

With the assistance of members of the public, officers retrieved the body and moved it to a mortuary for preservation and post-mortem examination.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect allegedly lured the younger sibling away from the house before committing the offence.

Authorities say further details will be established through ongoing investigations and forensic analysis.

The suspect was presented in court, where detectives obtained a 21 day custodial order to allow completion of investigations.

Police have assured the public that the matter is being handled with urgency and that those found responsible will face the full force of the law.

Investigations remain ongoing.

Eric Omondi changes tune, comes clean on walking all the way to Mombasa

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John Mutiso

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February 11, 2026

Comedian and philanthropist Eric Omondi has changed his stance on walking the full distance to Mombasa.

On Tuesday, January 10, the entertainer began an ambitious attempt to walk 486 kilometres from Nairobi to Mombasa. However, his first day was filled with difficulties.

Eric started the trek to raise funds for his charity initiative, Team Sisi kwa Sisi, aiming to reach Mombasa by Valentine’s Day.

The foundation has been supporting various causes over the past two years, including assisting grieving families and victims of police brutality. The walk was meant to raise money for a Help and Rescue Centre that would include a clinic, secondary school, warehouse, and ambulances.

After starting the walk at Nairobi’s Nyayo Stadium, Eric covered 63 kilometres on the first day, reaching Machakos. Unfortunately, he sustained injuries to his leg and hip, which required medical attention.

Despite the setbacks, Eric vowed to continue his mission and encouraged supporters to contribute financially to help him complete the walk.

On Wednesday, February 11, radio presenter Alex Mwakideu called Eric live on air to check up on him. The 43-year-old admitted that the going was tough.

“It is not easy. I forgot that I was old,” he said, but added that he would reach his goal slowly.
Eric noted that he planned to walk 70 kilometres that day, aiming to finish around 7 pm. “I will sleep in Makindu and wake up tomorrow to continue.”

However, Eric revealed that he would not walk the full distance to Mombasa and explained the reason.

“There are places that I won’t walk. Like, for instance, Man Eaters, where there is wildlife,” he said.
He noted that this decision was not made independently.

“The Kenya Wildlife Service will not allow me to pass through certain stretches on foot. There are 150 kilometres of places that I cannot walk. In total, I will walk around 370 kilometres. I will do that in four days.”

Kenyans on social media rallied behind Eric, with some promising to cheer him along the way.

Three Arraigned Over Alleged Ksh3.8 Million Fake Mercury Fraud

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Editor

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February 11, 2026

By Andrew Kariuki

Three individuals have been arraigned at the Milimani Law Courts over an alleged Ksh3.8 million fraud involving a purported mercury trading deal.

The accused, Lewis Olemanyasi alias Godana Hamisi, Iren Mueni Antony and Joseph Mutua Maingi, were charged with two counts of obtaining money by false pretences and conspiracy to defraud.

According to the prosecution, the complainant reported that on December 13, 2025, she was introduced to what was presented as a lucrative mercury trading venture through a friend.

She was later introduced to Joseph Mutua Maingi, who allegedly presented himself as an associate of a supposed mercury dealer operating in Mombasa.

Two days later, the complainant travelled to Mombasa, where she met an individual identified as Godana Hamisi.

The court heard that during the meeting in Mtwapa, she was shown a bottle purported to contain mercury.

The substance was allegedly packaged and presented as part of the transaction.

The complainant later reported that the bottle did not contain mercury as represented.

In the process of what she believed was securing the consignment, she allegedly transferred and paid a total of Ksh3.8 million through M-Pesa and cash.

Following investigations, detectives arrested Lewis Olemanyasi in Kitui town alongside Iren Mueni Antony, while Joseph Mutua Maingi was apprehended in Kamulu.

When the matter came up before the Milimani court, all three accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The court released each of them on a cash bail of Kshh500,000 or a bond of Ksh800,000.

The case has been scheduled for pre-trial on February 19, 2026.

Migori Sugarcane Farmers Petition Government to Pay Ksh.185 million Arrears

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Editor

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February 11, 2026

Sugarcane farmers in Migori County have formally petitioned the national government to settle outstanding arrears totaling Ksh. 185 million.

The petition, delivered today, Wednesday, February 11, 2026, to the office of the Migori County Commissioner, highlights frustrations over unfulfilled promises to clear these debts by the end of 2025.

Led by Argwengs Adongo, secretary of the Kenya Federation of Sugarcane Farmers (Sony Branch), farmers expressed concern over the government’s silence despite previous commitments to pay by late 2025.

Federation chairperson John Omollo Odondi noted that the lack of funds has left farmers unable to develop their cane or invest in their farms.

Farmers are calling for the full implementation of the Sugar Act and the proper constitution of the Sugar Board to facilitate access to essential support services, such as agricultural loans.

The petition comes amidst significant unrest in the sugar industry. On February 2, 2026, sugar factory workers suspended a nationwide strike after the government pledged to release Ksh. 1 billion within two weeks to address part of a much larger Ksh. 10.8 billion debt.

This larger debt includes unpaid salaries and terminal benefits for workers at state-owned mills, including Sony Sugar in Migori, as well as Muhoroni, Nzoia, and Chemelil.

By Anthony Solly

Man Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Defiling 11 Year Old in Chuka

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Editor

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February 11, 2026

By Andrew Kariuki

The Chuka Law Courts have sentenced a man to life imprisonment after convicting him of defiling an 11 year old minor.

The sentence was delivered on February 9 after the court found that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.

Evidence presented during trial established that on the night of the incident, the complainant’s mother had left the minor and her younger siblings at home and spent the night at Kaanwa Market due to heavy rainfall.

Taking advantage of the situation, the accused, a neighbour known to the complainant, unlawfully entered the house.

The court heard that he had concealed part of his face with a scarf and was armed with a knife.

He threatened the minor to prevent her from raising an alarm.

The accused then forced the child out of the house and took her to a nearby maize plantation, where he committed the offence.

Afterward, he escorted her back home.

The court was told that the accused remained at the residence for some time and later left.

At the time of the incident, the complainant was in the company of her younger brothers, who are also minors.

In its judgment, the court found that the evidence on record, including witness testimony and supporting exhibits, sufficiently established the elements of the offence.

Upon conviction, the court sentenced the accused to life imprisonment as provided under the law for defilement of a minor of that age.

The case was prosecuted by Principal Prosecution Counsel Mary Gakuo.

US lawmakers urge Andrew to testify over Epstein files

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Editor

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February 11, 2026

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is facing growing pressure from US officials and the family of his prominent accuser Virginia Giuffre to testify in the US about his links to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.

The Democrat Congressman Ro Khanna said the Royal Family had “not been transparent”, while Democrat Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernandez said King Charles III “should direct his brother” to go to the US to answer questions.

On Monday, the King said the Royal Family were “ready to support” police in their inquiries.

Andrew has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing and reached an out-of-court settlement with Giuffre in 2022 containing no admission of liability.

In the King’s first intervention in the latest round of revelations in the Epstein scandal, a Buckingham Palace spokesperson said if they were approached by the police, they stood “ready to support them” in their investigation.

It added the King had “made clear…his profound concern” over allegations against his brother, and the King and Queen’s “thoughts and sympathies have been, and remain with, the victims of any and all forms of abuse”.

By Anthony Solly

Emergency response underway as building collapses along Kirinyaga Road

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Editor

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February 11, 2026

Emergency services have concluded a rescue operation following the collapse of a building under construction at the junction of Kirinyaga and Racecourse Roads in Nairobi’s CBD.

The incident occurred around 4:00 AM today, Wednesday, February 11, 2026, while workers were reportedly installing a first-floor slab.

Six workers were injured and rushed to Kenyatta National Hospital for treatment. One individual is reported to have sustained serious trauma, while the other five are being treated for various injuries including fractures.

Central Police Commander Stephene Nyakombo confirmed that all 18 workers who were at the site during the collapse have been accounted for.

A multi-agency team—including the Kenya Red Cross, Nairobi City County Fire Brigade, and the National Disaster Operations Centre (NDOC)—successfully rescued those trapped under the debris.

Authorities have cordoned off the site and are investigating why construction was being conducted during the night. This incident follows a similar tragedy in South C less than a month ago.

The area near the OTC/Odeon stage is currently heavily congested due to the ongoing site security and investigation.

By Anthony Solly

DNA Evidence, Alleged Confession Testified Links John Matara in Scarlet Wahu Murder Trial

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Editor

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February 11, 2026

By Andrew Kariuki

The High Court in Nairobi has heard further evidence in the murder trial of John Matara Ong’oa, who is accused of killing 24 year old socialite Starlet Wahu on January 3, 2024, at Papino Apartments in South B.

The prosecution, led by Prosecution Counsel Ms. Della Wilbey, presented two additional witnesses before Justice Alexander Muteti at the Milimani High Court.

Government Chemist Emily Oporo told the court that forensic analysis linked both the deceased and the accused to key exhibits recovered from the scene.

She testified that DNA profiles matching Starlet Wahu and John Matara were found on a knife believed to be the murder weapon and on a towel recovered from the apartment.

The court also heard that other various DNA samples obtained from the Airbnb contained both the deceased’s and the accused’s blood profiles.

Corporal Horace Arwa, the arresting officer attached to South B Police Station, gave a detailed account of how the accused was apprehended.

He told the court that he responded to a report made by two women who had found a woman lying in a pool of blood inside house number Y32 at Papino Apartments.

“My lord, I rushed to the scene and found the body of a woman lying naked in a pool of blood,” Arwa testified, adding that the deceased was later identified as Starlet Wahu.

According to Arwa, after securing the scene, he received information that the suspect had been seen near South B Hospital carrying a towel soaked in blood.

Upon arriving at South B Hospital, he was informed that the suspect had been referred to Mbagathi Hospital.

“At Mbagathi Hospital, we found the accused being attended to by two male nurses. His clothes were soaked in blood and he had a white towel wrapped around his waist,” Arwa told the court.

The officer said he questioned Matara while he was receiving treatment.

“My lord, I asked him if at all he knew the lady. He identified the lady as one called Starlet, whom he claimed was his girlfriend,” Arwa testified.

He testified to the court that he directly asked Matara why he had killed the lady he was with at the apartment.

He further told the court that Matara allegedly admitted to stabbing the deceased during a confrontation.

“My lord, upon further interrogation, the accused person said that all he can remember was that they had a scuffle with the lady and he managed to stab the lady on the right thigh,” Arwa said.

However, the officer stated that he could not proceed with further questioning because medical personnel were attending to the accused at the time.

“The suspect had multiple wounds that I could not say were multiple stab wounds as he was being attended to,” Arwa added, noting that they informed the nurses that the patient was a murder suspect.

Upon discharge from hospital, Matara was arrested together with Andrew Nyongesa, who had allegedly taken him for treatment.

Arwa told the court that he seized the accused’s blood-stained clothes and booked them as exhibits, which were later produced in court.

Matara pleaded not guilty on February 2, 2024, to the charge of murdering Wahu.

The hearing continues on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.

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