Rayan scores again as Bournemouth fight back to beat Everton

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February 11, 2026

Brazilian teenager Rayan continued his blistering start to life in the Premier League as Bournemouth came from behind to defeat 10-man Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

After making a £24.7 million move from Vasco de Gama last month, Rayan scored for a second game in a row to cancel out Iliman Ndiaye’s first-half penalty, before Amine Adli put Bournemouth ahead less than four minutes later.

A disastrous eight-minute period for Everton was compounded when defender Jake O’Brien was sent off for a professional foul on Adli.

Everton enjoyed the better of the first half and were gifted a penalty when 19-year-old Rayan felled Jarrad Branthwaite with a clumsy challenge.

In-form Thierno Barry should have put Everton ahead on the half hour mark when he fired wide from six yards out, and minutes into the second half he saw a close-range chance blocked on the goal-line.

Bournemouth responded in breathtaking fashion – Rayan headed in Adrien Truffert’s cross at the back post, before Adli latched onto a James Hill header to finish off a well-worked free-kick routine.

Victory extends Bournemouth’s unbeaten run to six Premier Legue games, whereas Everton are now winless in their last five home league matches.

Leeds snatch draw as Chelsea throw away two-goal lead

By

John Mutiso

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February 11, 2026

Chelsea missed the chance to move into the top four in the Premier League after throwing away a two-goal lead against Leeds United at Stamford Bridge.

The hosts had a two-goal cushion thanks to efforts either side of half-time from Joao Pedro and Cole Palmer.

But they conspired to throw it away, first by gifting Leeds a route back into the match when Moises Caicedo brought down Jayden Bogle to allow Lukas Nmecha to convert from the spot.

The equaliser came via calamitous defending, with Josh Acheampong, Malo Gusto and Robert Sanchez failing to clear a ball over the top, allowing Noah Okafor to poke home an equaliser.

Chelsea had won all four of their Premier League matches under new manager Liam Rosenior, but Manchester United’s draw against West Ham United in the later kick-off means the Blues remain in fifth.

Leeds leapfrog Tottenham into 15th place.

Ramsey fires Newcastle to rare away win at Spurs

By

John Mutiso

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February 11, 2026

Jacob Ramsey fired Newcastle United to a rare away win to give head coach Eddie Howe a timely boost and keep the pressure on Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank.

Both bosses had to field questions about their positions in the build-up to this crunch Premier League game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium following a poor run of results.

Frank did not hide the fact his injury-hit side were “desperate” for their first league victory of 2026 while Howe, similarly, called on his players to show “our feeling of how important this is to us” after a run of just one win in eight games in all competitions.

It was Howe’s team who delivered for their manager on a night a section of Spurs supporters chanted “You’re getting sacked in the morning” in Frank’s direction as chief executive Vinai Venkatesham watched on.

Newcastle, who lined up without a recognised striker, took the lead through an unlikely scorer in defender Malick Thiaw in first-half stoppage time.

Guglielmo Vicario managed to parry Thiaw’s initial header from Anthony Elanga’s cross, but the Newcastle centre-back was quickest to react and got there ahead of Pape Matar Sarr and Archie Gray to stab the ball into the net and send the away end into raptures.

Spurs, to their credit, briefly rallied after the break and the hosts drew level from their first corner of the night when Xavi Simons’ delivery was headed back across goal by Sarr and Gray hooked the ball into the net.

Frank punched the air on the touchline as the stadium erupted around him, but Spurs were not level for long.

Anthony Gordon danced his way into the box and fed Ramsey, who picked out the bottom corner with a clever first-time finish to score his maiden goal for the club following his summer move from Aston Villa.

Newcastle held out to win just their third league game on the road this season and move up to 10th, while Spurs slip to 16th.

India-Pakistan to go ahead as government ends boycott request

By

John Mutiso

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February 10, 2026

Pakistan’s fixture against India at the T20 World Cup is set to go ahead as scheduled on Sunday after the Pakistan government ended its order for a boycott.

The match, the biggest and most lucrative in cricket which is due to be played in Sri Lanka, has been in doubt since the government in Islamabad advised its team not to take the field against their long-time rivals last week.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that decision was made to “support” Bangladesh, who had a request for their matches to be moved out of India rejected. They subsequently pulled out of the tournament.

But, after a week-long stand-off and statements from the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Bangladesh board (BCB), the Pakistan government directed the team to take the field in a statement released on Monday evening.

“This decision has been taken with the aim of protecting the spirit of cricket, and to support the continuity of this global sport in all participating nations,” it said.

Had the match not been played there could been have long-term consequences for cricket.

The absence of the fixture could lead to disputes over the ICC’s current rights deals and continued uncertainty would likely impact future agreements, with some big-money current TV deals in Asia set to run out after the 2027 World Cup.

Many of the smaller cricketing nations rely on the money distributed by the ICC, so any cut in revenue would likely hit such countries hardest.

“The dialogue between ICC and PCB took place as part of a broader engagement with both parties recognising the need for constructive dealings and being united, committed and purposeful in their aspirations to serve the best interests of the game with integrity, neutrality and cooperation,” the ICC said.

“In that prevailing spirit, it was agreed that all members will respect their commitments as per the terms of participation for ICC events and do all that is necessary to ensure that the ongoing edition of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is a success.”

Earlier on Monday evening, Bangladesh requested that Pakistan play the match, opening the door for the resolution.

That followed talks between officials at the PCB, the ICC and the BCB in Lahore on Sunday. BCB president Ameenul Islam requested the match go ahead “for the benefit of the entire cricket ecosystem”.

“We are deeply moved by Pakistan’s efforts to go above and beyond in supporting Bangladesh during this period. Long may our brotherhood flourish,” he added.

Sri Lanka, whose president also spoke with Mr Sharif about the situation on Monday, had also asked Pakistan to play.

They are set to benefit from ticket sales and an influx of spectators for the match.

The ICC’s statement also confirmed Bangladesh will not be sanctioned for their boycott.

The sport’s governing body also said Bangladesh will host an ICC event between 2028 and the start of the 2031 World Cup.

There were no details on what event Bangladesh would host.

All men’s events have been confirmed up until 2031, with Bangladesh already scheduled to co-host the 2031 World Cup with India.

The hosts of women’s tournaments have been chosen up to 2027, while the ICC also holds Under-19 World Cups.

Pakistan’s matches had already been scheduled in Sri Lanka under an agreement signed with India last year, which meant the two countries will play at neutral venues when they meet at ICC events amid heightened political tensions.

Recent escalations were sparked after the neighbours engaged in a four-day military conflict in April 2025 following a deadly militant attack on tourists in India-administered Kashmir.

Even before that, India refused to travel to Pakistan to play in the Champions Trophy and had their matches moved to the United Arab Emirates – a point of contention in the latest debate after Bangladesh’s request was rejected.

When the two sides met at the Asia Cup last year, India’s players refused to shake hands with their opponents.

Both India and Pakistan won their openings matches at the World Cup over the weekend.

Pakistan play their second match on Tuesday in Colombo against the United States. India play Namibia in Delhi on Thursday.

Honda reports declining profit as Trump’s tariffs and EV moves hurt Japanese automaker’s results

By

John Mutiso

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February 10, 2026

(AP) — Honda reported Tuesday a 42% drop in profit for the nine months through December, compared to a year earlier, as U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs hurt the Japanese automaker’s earnings.

Tokyo-based Honda Motor Co.’s profit over the three quarters totaled 465.4 billion yen ($3 billion), down from 805.2 billion yen.

That marked the second straight year that profit declined during the period at Honda, the maker of the Accord sedan, Civic compact and Odyssey minivan.

Sales for the three quarters dipped 2.2% to 15.98 trillion yen ($102.6 billion) from the previous year. Honda stuck to its full fiscal year profit forecast at 300 billion yen ($1.9 billion).

The slowdown in electric vehicles in the U.S. market was one negative factor, according to Honda, while the relatively healthy performance in its motorcycle division worked as a plus.

Honda lowered its global EV sales ratio projection for 2030 to 20% from its previous target of 30%. It also said it canceled the development of some EV models, because the EV market was changing.

The Trump administration, which has favored the oil and gas industry, has backpedaled on prior programs supporting the proliferation of EVs, dismantling programs that kicked in during the Biden administration, which had encouraged environmentally cleaner cars and trucks.

Last year, Trump lowered the tariffs on automobiles and auto parts to 15% from an earlier 25% that he had initially announced. Japan promised to invest $550 billion in U.S. projects.

Tariffs are a major blow to Japan’s export-reliant economy, including the automakers. Last week, Japan’s top automaker Toyota Motor Corp. reported a decline in recent profit, and announced that its chief financial officer, Kenta Kon, will become its new chief executive and president.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who took office in October as Japan’s first female leader, scored a landslide parliamentary election victory for the governing party over the weekend. That’s expected to make it easier for her Liberal Democratic Party to push forward on its policies, including bolstering growth by boosting government spending, especially in technology and defense.

Honda stock jumped 2.1% in Tuesday’s trading. The Nikkei 225 benchmark finished 2.3% higher, renewing a record high for the second day straight, in a rally set off, in part, by Takaichi’s popularity.

Mateta knee injury ‘not as bad as feared’

By

John Mutiso

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February 10, 2026

The knee injury which scuppered Jean-Philippe Mateta’s move to AC Milan last month is “not as bad as feared” and he will not need surgery, says Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner.

France striker Mateta was on the verge of joining Milan for £30m on deadline day, but the deal was called off after knee issues emerged over the course of two medical examinations.

The 28-year-old has been carrying the injury during the first half of the season but Glasner says “several specialists and doctors” have played down its severity.

The news boosts Mateta’s hopes of playing for France at the World Cup, which begins in June.

Glasner could not confirm when Mateta will return to training, but added he would be “100% committed” to the Eagles and warmly welcomed back when fit again.

“I’m 100% convinced that JP will give his best when he wears the Eagles shirt again, and I think then he deserves the best support,” said Glasner

“I’m pretty sure our fans will support him in the best way, appreciating what he has done for Crystal Palace.

“As long as a player is here, as long as a manager is here, as long as a staff member is here, then everybody can expect being 100% committed to Crystal Palace, and that is what JP will show.”

Mateta has scored 56 goals in 186 appearances for Palace, including eight in the Premier League this season, but will face competition from club-record signing Jorgen Strand Larsen when he returns to the fold.

Larsen joined Palace from Wolves for a deal worth up to £48m on deadline day.

Palace, who are 13th in the Premier League, host 19th-placed Burnley on Wednesday.

Governors won’t hold Trump meeting after White House only invited Republicans

By

John Mutiso

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February 10, 2026

(AP) — The National Governors Association will no longer hold a formal meeting with President Donald Trump when the group of state leaders meet in Washington later this month after the White House planned to invite only Republicans.

“NGA staff was informed that the White House intends to limit invitations to the annual business meeting, scheduled for February 20, to Republican governors only,” Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, a Republican who is the chairman of the NGA, said in a Monday letter to fellow governors obtained by The Associated Press. “Because NGA’s mission is to represent all 55 governors, the Association is no longer serving as the facilitator for that event, and it is no longer included in our official program.”

The NGA is scheduled to meet in Washington from Feb. 19-21. Representatives for Stitt, the White House and the NGA didn’t immediately comment on the letter.

The governors group is one of the few remaining venues where political leaders from both major parties gather to discuss the top issues facing their communities. In his letter, Stitt encouraged governors to unite around common goals.

“We cannot allow one divisive action to achieve its goal of dividing us,” he wrote. “The solution is not to respond in kind, but to rise above and to remain focused on our shared duty to the people we serve. America’s governors have always been models of pragmatic leadership, and that example is most important when Washington grows distracted by politics.”

Signs of partisan tensions emerged at the White House meeting last year, when Trump and Maine’s then-Gov. Janet Mills traded barbs.

Trump singled out the Democratic governor over his push to bar transgender athletes from competing in girls’ and women’s sports, threatening to withhold federal funding from the state if she did not comply. Mills responded, “We’ll see you in court.”

Trump then predicted that Mills’ political career would be over for opposing the order. She is now running for U.S. Senate.

The back and forth had a lasting impact on last year’s conference and some Democratic governors did not renew their dues last year to the bipartisan group.

Payroll Fraud: Ghost Workers Exposed as Cabinet Uncovers Payroll Scam

By

John Mutiso

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February 10, 2026

The Cabinet has ordered sweeping reforms to the government payroll system after a special audit uncovered widespread manipulation, weak controls, and serious cybersecurity failures that have exposed public funds to abuse.

In a statement issued after its meeting on Tuesday, the Cabinet said the audit of the Government Human Resource Information System (HRIS-K) revealed systemic governance failures that allowed unauthorised alterations of payroll records across ministries, departments, and state corporations.

According to the findings, at least 720 system editors altered more than 4.7 million payroll records, with some users editing their own personal data without detection.

The audit found that the system lacked reliable audit trails, role separation, and effective oversight mechanisms.

Cabinet noted that expired ICT licences, weak disaster recovery systems, and poor cybersecurity controls had further compromised the integrity of the payroll system, creating opportunities for fraud, ghost workers, and irregular payments.

The situation was worsened by the failure of about 300 state corporations to migrate to HRIS-K, leaving them outside central payroll controls and accountability frameworks.

In response, the Cabinet approved immediate corrective measures aimed at sealing loopholes and restoring integrity in public payroll management.

All statutory deductions will now be applied strictly at source across the entire public sector. Accounting officers will bear personal responsibility for payroll irregularities within their institutions, in line with the Public Finance Management Act.

The Cabinet also directed that all government institutions must comply with mandatory ICT security certification requirements by March 11, 2026, failing which sanctions will apply.

To strengthen detection, the government will establish specialised Payroll Audit Units and deploy forensic data analytics to identify suspicious transactions, unauthorised edits, and patterns of abuse.

The reforms will also enforce strict segregation of system roles to prevent users from initiating, approving, and implementing payroll changes within the same workflow.

Cabinet said the measures are intended to protect public resources, restore confidence in government systems, and ensure that salaries and benefits are paid only to legitimate employees.

The decision comes amid sustained pressure from Auditor-General reports and parliamentary oversight committees that have repeatedly flagged payroll weaknesses as a major source of financial leakage in the public sector.

Cabinet maintained that the reforms are non-negotiable and will be fully implemented to uphold transparency, accountability, and prudent use of public funds.

Cabinet Approves Sh16.6bn Boost to Complete Mwache Multipurpose Dam in Kwale

By

John Mutiso

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February 10, 2026

The Cabinet has approved additional financing of $128 million (Sh16.6 billion) to complete the Mwache Multipurpose Dam Project in Kwale County, reinforcing the government’s push on water security, irrigation, and energy generation.

The funding will cover outstanding works on the dam, which is expected to supply water to Mombasa and Kwale counties, support irrigation, and generate hydropower once operational.

The Mwache Multipurpose Dam is a flagship infrastructure project in the Coast region and is central to addressing chronic water shortages that have constrained economic growth, urban development and public health.

Government officials say the dam will significantly improve access to clean water for households and industries, while supporting agriculture through irrigation and enhancing climate resilience in the region.

The project aligns with the Constitution’s provisions on the right to clean and safe water and the national government’s obligation to support county governments in delivering essential services.

Once completed, the dam is expected to reduce reliance on expensive water trucking and overstretched boreholes, while strengthening regional food security and job creation through construction and downstream economic activity.

The Cabinet decision comes amid increased scrutiny of large infrastructure spending, with the government under pressure to demonstrate value for money and timely completion of projects funded through external financing.

Eswatini angers Madagascar junta for hosting deposed leader

By

John Mutiso

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February 10, 2026

Madagascar’s military government has criticised Eswatini for hosting ousted President Andry Rajoelina last week, describing the visit as a “grave infringement of its sovereignty”.

Last Friday, the Eswatini government shared photos of King Mswati III meeting Rajoelina, during which the king called on Madagascar’s military junta to restore constitutional order.

In a statement, Madagascar’s military leader Col Michael Randrianirina voiced his “strongest condemnation” of the visit, terming it “politically unacceptable”.

Rajoelina was overthrown last October by an elite military following weeks of youth-led protests in the Indian Ocean island.

The demonstrations were over persistent power and water shortages, culminating in the army siding with the demonstrators.

This was the first time the ousted president was seen in a diplomatic engagement since fleeing Madagascar.

King Mswati III’s office said the meeting with Rajoelina was part of Eswatini’s role as a facilitator in regional diplomacy and was not intended to interfere in Madagascar’s domestic politics.

In a statement, the military in Madagascar said Rajoelina had voluntarily renounced his Malagasy nationality after acquiring another citizenship, warning that any attempt to portray himself as a legitimate representative of Madagascar was “legally unfounded”.

“This situation is of particular gravity in so far as the individual concerned was serving as head of state during the tragic events of September and October 2025, which claimed the lives of approximately 30 Malagasy citizens,” the statement added.

The military authorities said Rajoelina’s reception in Eswatini could potentially disrupt the ongoing national reconciliation and constitutional restoration process in Madagascar.

In a response on Monday, Percy Simelane, the monarchy’s spokesperson said the deposed leader was not seeking “protection or intervention” from the Kingdom of Eswatini.

Simelane said the king had consulted with the regional bloc, Southern African Development Community (Sadc), before meeting Rajoelina.

“The attack on the people of Eswatini is therefore misguided and unfortunate,” he added.

Randrianirina has pledged to call new elections within two years.

Last December, Sadc directed Madagascar’s military authorities to submit, by 28 February, a roadmap for restoring democracy, including plans for fresh elections.

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