Tragedy as four brothers drown while swimming in an open quarry in Kisumu

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February 9, 2026

Four boys from the same family in Kisumu County have lost their lives after they drowned in a dam on Sunday, February 9.

According to reports, the incident happened in an open quarry near Kudho Primary and Secondary School on Sunday evening as the boys went to swim in the abandoned quarry.

Benson Leparmorijo, Kisumu County Commissioner, stated that the four boys were brothers and ranged in age from 8 to 15.

The incident occurred after one of the boys reportedly went to swim in a deeper part of the dam and began to drown.

The other three then went to try to rescue him, but were also overwhelmed by the water.

Witnesses of the incident then contacted the security agencies, who came and spearheaded the retrieval of the bodies of the four boys.

After retrieval, police took the bodies to the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital mortuary to await post-mortems.

Police have confirmed that they have begun investigations to determine what circumstances led to the incident.

Residents have further been cautioned against swimming in unprotected water sites such as quarries and dams to prevent such tragedies.

Incidents of drowning in open quarries and unprotected dams have repeatedly claimed lives across the country, with children among the most affected.

Just last year, in October, two pupils in Kabete, Kiambu county, died on Friday, October 10, 2025, at an abandoned quarry after a tree planting activity, to commemorate Mazingira Day

The two, a boy and a girl, were among a group of pupils who had gone swimming in the dam when the tragedy struck.

Reports indicated that both pupils were overwhelmed by the water after the boy attempted to rescue the girl, who had started drowning first.

“One of them went in first, and when they saw their friend starting to sink, they tried to raise the alarm. Then the other pupil came to rescue her and ended up sinking himself,” said Kabete Sub-County Police Commander Peter Kamotho.

CS Mbadi wants Sifuna expelled for ‘selling the agenda of someone else’

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John Mutiso

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February 9, 2026

National Treasury Cabinet Secretary (CS)John Mbadi wants the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Central management committee to expel party Secretary General Edwin Sifuna from his position as soon as possible to prevent further cracks in the party.

Mbadi, a former ODM chairman, claimed that Sifuna and his allies have switched their allegiance to the United opposition.

Speaking in Suba South constituency on Sunday, Mbadi said Sifuna and his allies cannot hold ODM hostage to meet their personal interests.

“If someone does not want to agree with ODM policies… that person should be left to go so that we know how many people he is leaving with,” said Mbadi.

“Someone like Sifuna will not remain in ODM because already he is conflicted. He is now selling the agenda of someone else. Why are you pretending? You cannot keep him at the party,” he added.

He said the Central Management Committee should not take too long to act because the secretary general has shown indiscipline to party leader Oburu Oginga.

The former ODM chairperson wants immediate action to be taken against Sifuna to allow the party continue with its operations in accordance with its policies. He dismissed the Linda Wananchi campaign led by Sifuna, Babu Owino and James Orengo, saying it has no basis.

He maintains that the UDA-ODM partnership will continue despite the opposition by the rebels.

“ODM is a solid party. There is no way it will fail. It will remain solid the way Raila left it. Some people think we can not play politics. We will, and we will ensure we talk to our people to remain steadfast in ODM under the leadership of Oburu Oginga,” said Mbadi.

Gates Foundation dismisses claims it has released mosquitoes in Kenya

By

John Mutiso

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February 9, 2026

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has dismissed claims circulating on social media alleging that it is involved in releasing mosquitoes in Kenya.

In a statement on Monday, February 9, the organization denied the claims, stating that it does not run any such operations either in Nairobi or elsewhere.

“The Gates Foundation is aware of social media posts claiming that we release mosquitoes in Kenya. This claim is false.

“The Gates Foundation does not release mosquitoes, operate laboratories that do so, or run vector-control activities in Nairobi or anywhere else,” the statement read.

Gates Foundation also clarified that malaria control initiatives in Kenya are managed locally, with the foundation only playing a supportive role.

“In Kenya, malaria prevention and control efforts are led by Kenyan authorities and institutions, in accordance with national laws and regulatory oversight.

“The foundation supports Kenyan-led priorities transparently and responsibly, working alongside governments, researchers, and public health partners,” the statement added.

Notably, gene drive technology is a new genetic tool designed to help fight malaria by targeting the mosquitoes that spread the disease.

Normally, a gene has a 50% chance of being passed on to the next generation, but a gene drive can ensure almost all offspring inherit a specific trait.

Scientists are using this technology to either reduce mosquito populations by making females infertile or to make mosquitoes unable to carry the malaria parasite.

Over time, this could significantly lower malaria transmission.

File image of Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi during the opening of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation regional office in Nairobi

This comes months after the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) unveiled a Ksh516 million partnership with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation aimed at boosting women’s health research and innovation across Africa.

In a press statement on Saturday, October 11, 2025, KEMRI said the three-year initiative, officially set to begin in January 2026, will focus on empowering African women researchers through mentorship, capacity building, and leadership training.

The programme, known as the Leadership in Excellence for African Women’s Health (LEA-WH), is designed to help scientists and innovators develop locally tailored solutions to some of the continent’s most critical health challenges.

“The LEA-WH Programme represents KEMRI’s commitment to building scientific leadership that is inclusive, innovative, and African-led. By empowering scientists to lead groundbreaking research, we are investing in the future of Africa’s health and development,” Acting Director General, Prof. Elijah Songok, said.

According to KEMRI, the programme has set ambitious goals for the next decade.

By 2033, it aims to bring between five and ten new health products to the market-testing phase, support a similar number of startups, facilitate patent applications, and enable up to half of its research fellows to secure independent grants.

KEMRI noted that a key feature of the initiative will be the annual ScienceX Africa Summit to serve as a hub for collaboration, mentorship, and knowledge sharing among researchers from across the continent.

“Our vision is to cultivate a vibrant ecosystem where African researchers and innovators lead in developing transformative solutions for women’s health,” LEA-WH Programme Director, Prof. Elizabeth Anne Bukusi, said.

The programme will be carried out in partnership with the US National Academy of Medicine and overseen by the LEA-WH Advisory Council, chaired by Songok.

Mombasa football leaders rally to bring stalled stadium project back to life

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Editor

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February 9, 2026

In early February 2026, football stakeholders in Mombasa expressed renewed optimism following the national government’s decision to take over and complete the long-stalled Mombasa Municipal Stadium.

Following a breakthrough meeting between Governor Abdulswamad Nassir and national officials on February 4, 2026, the Ministry of Defence has been tasked with overseeing the reconstruction to ensure its completion by December 2026.

The government has set aside Ksh 1 billion for the project. The revamped facility will be a 15,000-seater stadium built to FIFA standards and is uniquely designed as Kenya’s only low-altitude sports hub.

Local football leaders, including FKF Mombasa County Chairman Alamin Ahmed Abdalla, noted that the stadium’s 15-year hiatus contributed to rising insecurity and drug abuse among local youth. Its completion is seen as a “new beginning” for nurturing talent and reclaiming the region’s football glory.

Beyond local league matches, the stadium is being fast-tracked to serve as an alternative venue for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), positioning Mombasa as a hub for sports tourism.

The Mombasa County Government has agreed to settle all outstanding liabilities with the previous contractor to allow for a smooth formal handover to the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) technical team.

By Anthony Solly

Kalonzo responds to Ruto remarks that opposition leaders are stupid

By

John Mutiso

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February 9, 2026

Wiper Patriotic Front party leader Kalonzo Musyoka launched a bare-knuckled attack at President William Ruto over his endless insults to the United Opposition, deeming them ‘stupid’.

Speaking to Kenyans in the United States on Sunday, February 8, Kalonzo stated that at least he and Democracy for the Citizens party leader Rigathi Gachagua did not kill children.

He also responded to the slur by President Ruto, who claimed that he did not have any track record despite being a leader for two decades.

“He keeps saying that Rigathi and I are stupid, which is true because we cannot kill children. Our track record is that we stopped you from killing more children than you already have,” he stated.

Kalonzo lashed out at the Head of State over his sentiments on the new Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya leadership.

He reckoned that Ruto had made a mockery of former Premier Raila Odinga by saying Aimio was dead, and that he would beat them again in 2027.

“Ruto keeps claiming that Aimio is dead and even says that he beat us early in 2022. I think he forgets that he is trying to court Luo Nyanza for their support, yet he keeps on making fun of Baba,” Kalonzo remarked.

The WPF intimated the events that led to him taking over from Odinga as the new Azimio Party leader.

“I have supported Raila for 15 years, but he died. We saw it fit as Azimio leaders to meet and eulogise him, and it was during that meeting that a decision was reached that I become the party leader,” he explained.”

Kalonzo urged Kenyans in the diaspora to come out in numbers to register as voters ahead of the 2027 General Elections.

The announcement of the changes in the coalition party was met with opposition from ODM, which claimed that the seat should have been left for the Orange Party.

In addition, Kalonzo questioned why the changes had not been printed in the Kenya Gazette by the government printer.

Nairobi commuters stranded as matatu strike resumes despite suspension deal

By

John Mutiso

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February 9, 2026

Thousands of Nairobi commuters were stranded on Monday morning after public service vehicle operators resumed their strike, defying an earlier decision to suspend industrial action for two weeks to allow negotiations with the government and security agencies.

The renewed disruption, the second in as many weeks, saw most matatus stay off the roads, paralysing transport across the capital and leaving commuters scrambling for the few vehicles that were operating.

Operators are demanding decisive police action against rogue boda boda riders accused of torching matatus and attacking crews following road accidents involving motorcycles.

On Saturday, the Matatu Owners Association (MOA) announced a temporary suspension of the strike after meeting senior police officials, who pledged to crack down on criminal elements targeting public transport vehicles. The association said investigators had already gathered evidence and identified suspects linked to previous attacks.

At key pick-up points, crowds surged each time a matatu appeared, triggering near stampedes as commuters fought for limited seats.
“We have had deliberate engagement, and while some issues remain unresolved, we agreed to suspend the Monday strike and move forward as we address the matters,” an association official said during a press briefing, citing goodwill from operators.

Peter Murima of the Motorists Association of Kenya said operators had agreed to give authorities time to act but warned that the industry remained on high alert.

“This decision has been informed by the seriousness we have seen from the government that action will be taken,” Murima said, adding that any further torching of matatus would trigger immediate action from operators.

The announcement had briefly reassured commuters still reeling from a similar shutdown the previous Monday, when many were forced to walk long distances to work. However, by early Monday, chaos had returned to major termini.

At key pick-up points including Archives, Latema Road, OTC, Bus Station, Commercial and Tom Mboya Street, long queues formed as anxious passengers waited for hours. Each arriving matatu triggered surging crowds and near stampedes as commuters competed for limited seats.

Some passengers opted to walk to their destinations, while others turned to ride-hailing services, despite sharply higher fares. Workers, students and traders were among the hardest hit, with many reporting late arrivals.

The disruption was worsened by heavy traffic on major feeder roads, including Waiyaki Way, Thika Road, Mombasa Road and Jogoo Road. With fewer vehicles in operation, turnaround times increased, compounding delays in the central business district.

Some operators took advantage of the shortage and hiked fares, in some cases charging double the usual rates.

Matatu operators insist the withdrawal of services is aimed at pressuring authorities to guarantee the safety of crews and passengers, arguing that violent retaliation by boda boda groups after accidents has become a persistent threat.

There was cautious optimism that the situation could ease later in the day, as happened during last week’s strike. Industry insiders said some saccos that had withheld their fleets could gradually release vehicles as talks with security agencies continue.

For now, the renewed disruption has once again exposed Nairobi’s heavy reliance on matatus and the fragile balance between transport services, public safety, and law enforcement.

Mbappe’s Real Madrid beat Valencia to stay on Barcelona’s heels

By

John Mutiso

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February 9, 2026

Real Madrid stayed within one point of LaLiga leaders Barcelona with a 2-0 win at Valencia on Sunday as second-half goals by Alvaro Carreras and Kylian Mbappe settled a largely uneventful contest.

Real dominated possession but found chances hard to come by, with Valencia keeper Stole Dimitrievski rarely called into action as the visitors struggled to turn control into threat.

It took them until the 65th minute to break the deadlock through Carreras before Mbappe wrapped up the points in stoppage time.

Barcelona lead the table on 58 points, with Real second on 57. Valencia are 17th, a point above the relegation zone.

Mbappe offered the main outlet with sporadic ‌runs down the ‌left but clear openings were limited.

Real coach Alvaro ‌Arbeloa ⁠was forced ‌to improvise, missing suspended winger Vinicius Jr and injured trio Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo and Eder Militao.

The absences opened the door for academy players Raul Asensio, David Jimenez and Gonzalo Garcia to start, with Mbappe providing the lone spark for an uninspiring Real side.

The deadlock was broken through fullback Carreras in a fortunate turn of events.

Making an ambitious run into the box, Carreras was dispossessed by Valencia’s defenders, but ⁠the attempted clearance ricocheted back off him and fortuitously fell at his feet.

The 22-year-old was quickest ‌to react, sweeping a low shot into the bottom-left ‍corner.

Valencia offered little in response and ‍Real sealed the points in added time. Substitute Brahim Diaz launched a ‍counter-attack down the left and slid a low cross into the area for Mbappe, who finished first time from close range.

It was the France forward’s 23rd league goal, leaving him eight goals clear at the top of the scoring charts.

“Playing at Valencia is always like going to the dentist,” Arbeloa told reporters.

“We knew how difficult the match would be, how demanding they would be. ⁠It was a very serious and committed match. I’m happy.

“We can certainly raise our game in terms of brilliance. We have a lot of room for improvement. But a team is built on solidity and commitment. (Thibaut) Courtois didn’t make a single save today. Dedication, commitment, sacrifice. Madrid demonstrated those values once again today.”

Elsewhere on Sunday, Atletico Madrid slipped further adrift in the title race after a 1-0 home loss to Real Betis.

Antony struck in the 28th minute with a fierce effort from the edge of the box, earning Manuel Pellegrini’s side a valuable victory as they bolstered their push for European qualification.

Atletico are a distant third ‌in the table on 45 points, three points ahead of fourth-placed Villarreal, who have two games in hand. Betis sit fifth on 38 points.

Slot bemoans officiating as Liverpool lose late on v Man City

By

John Mutiso

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February 9, 2026

(Reuters) – Liverpool manager Arne Slot believes Liverpool are an improved side from a few months ago despite their 2-1 loss to Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday, a chaotic defeat that leaves them with one win in their last seven Premier League fixtures.

The Reds are four points behind fifth-placed Chelsea in the table and outside of the Champions League qualification places.

Dominik Szoboszlai’s incredible free kick put Slot’s side into the lead, but the game turned on a Bernardo Silva equaliser six minutes from the end before Erling Haaland fired home the winner from the penalty spot.

“A lot has happened, which is normal in this fixture. For us we are disappointed to come away without a result,” Slot told the BBC.

“In the first half, Manchester City were the better team without creating many big chances but they had the ball more in our half. The second half, we were on top and had good moments.

“We are getting almost used to conceding a goal in (added) time and it happened again today.”

Slot says his side are in a better place than at the end of 2025, despite their poor run of results in the league.

“You cannot compare this game with three or four months ago, we have improved so much, but we need to improve the results. So many times this year we haven’t got what I think we deserve and this is another time.”

Slot also bemoaned the decision by the officials not to send off Marc Guehi when he appeared to catch Mohamed Salah as the Liverpool forward attempted to race onto a pass.

“If there is any incident we should talk about, it’s when Mo Salah is one on one with the goalkeeper,” he said.

“Anyone who has been to this stadium in the last seven or eight years, that is a goal for Salah. Once again, the referee decides not in our favour. They have to do their job.”

City manager Pep Guardiola praised the resilience of his side, who moved to within six points of Arsenal at the top of the table.

“I am really proud we won. The first half was incredible,” Guardiola said. “Liverpool had the momentum after Szoboszlai’s free kick, a copy paste of the one against Arsenal, what a strike. What a player.

“At the end, belief from our captain (Silva), his character, personality, not giving up, we came back. We are six points behind (Arsenal), okay it is a big gap, but many things can still happen.”

Liverpool new signing Jacquet suffers ‘serious’ injury

By

John Mutiso

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February 9, 2026

(Reuters) – Liverpool’s new signing Jeremy Jacquet suffered a “serious” shoulder injury while playing for Rennes in their 3-1 Ligue 1 defeat at RC Lens on Saturday, casting doubt over the defender’s availability ahead of his summer move to Anfield.

Jacquet fell awkwardly in the second half of the French league match and appeared in agony as he left the pitch.

“For Jeremy, it’s his shoulder, and for Abdelhamid (Ait Boudlal, another Rennes player injured in the same match) it’s muscular,” Rennes head coach Habib Beye told reporters after the match.

“We’ll have time to see, but it’s definitely quite serious for both of them.”

Liverpool agreed a 60-million-pound ($80-million) deal for Jacquet on Monday, but the 20-year-old defender will stay with the French club until the end of the season.

Liverpool, provisionally sixth in the Premier League table, will face Manchester City on Sunday with four defenders – Giovanni Leoni, Joe Gomez, Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley – sidelined due to injuries.

($1 = 0.7348 pounds)

Clinical officer arrested for allegedly raping pregnant woman on maternity check up in Bomet

By

John Mutiso

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February 9, 2026

A clinical officer at Chemaner Health Center in Bomet County has been arrested for allegedly raping a pregnant woman during a routine medical visit.

Bomet East Sub-County Police Commander Michael Singa reported that the suspect, identified as Eric Langat, also known as Kirinyet, committed the heinous crime while attending to the victim in one of the rooms during the usual routine.

According to the police report, the victim was heard screaming for help, which attracted staff and patients to the scene. They allegedly found the clinical officer in a compromising situation, after which he fled when onlookers gathered to determine what was happening.

Following a report at Chemaner Police Station, security officers conducted a manhunt and successfully apprehended the suspect at his hideout.

Police officers, together with medical staff, assisted the victim in undergoing a medical examination at Longisa County Referral Hospital, where she also received counselling.

According to a source, the suspect was previously involved in two similar rape incidents that went unreported due to his alleged close ties with senior medical administrators.

The sub-county police commander stated that the suspect would be arraigned in court upon completion of the investigation.

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