Bad Bunny makes history as Trump criticises ‘terrible’ Super Bowl show

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February 9, 2026

Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl half-time show was one big love letter to his native Puerto Rico, culminating in a message of pride in his home and the Americas, and an appeal for unity with the US.

The 14-minute set included guest performances from Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin, along with cameos from the likes of Pedro Pascal, Cardi B, Karol G and Jessica Alba, who could be seen dancing on the porch of his famous casita, a staple of his shows designed to look like a traditional Puerto Rican home.

The 31-year-old, who was the world’s most-played artist in 2025 according to Spotify, made history by becoming the first musician to perform entirely in Spanish at a Super Bowl, which is normally the most-watched event on US TV.

He did choose to say one line in English, “God bless America”, before listing nations of Central, South and North America as dancers carried their flags.

By Anthony Solly

30 donkey heads, 120 legs found dumped in thicket in Witeithie

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John Mutiso

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February 9, 2026

Detectives and public health officials in Juja, Witeithie, Kiambu County are investigating the discovery of 30 donkey heads and 120 legs in a thicket.

The products were delivered and dumped along Ndarugo Majahi road after the animals had been killed elsewhere.

It is not clear where those behind the slaughtering of the animals took the meat. Officials from the public health department and police said they are investigating the incident.

They added that an unscrupulous gang behind the incident could sell the meat to unsuspecting buyers and consumers in disguise as that of a cow.

The heads and legs were disposed of professionally. Officials said the incident was discovered on February 7 long after the meat had been dispatched to its intended destination. It is also not clear where those behind the dumping slaughtered the animals. Locals demanded a thorough probe to establish who was behind the incident and where the meat and body parts like skins from the donkeys and were taken.

Most of them are believed to have been stolen from homes and slaughtered at night.

Officials say such incidents are common in Limuru and Naivasha areas.

Donkey meat is not illegal in Kenya. Kenya’s population of donkeys is under threat after the High Court lifted a 2020 ban on donkey slaughterhouses, allowing them to resume selling the meat and hides to Asian markets.

Donkey slaughter was legalized in Kenya in 2012, leading to a rapid decimation of the animal population and cross-border theft.

Although Veterinary experts say donkey meat is safe for human consumption, its consumption is yet to gain ground in Kenya. Most Kenyans don’t consume donkey meat.

A report from the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) showed that more than 4,000 donkeys were reported stolen over the period from April 2016 to December 2018.

Japanese stocks surge as Takaichi secures historic election victory

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Editor

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February 9, 2026

Japanese stocks surged to a record high on Monday, as Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) basked in a historic election victory.

The LDP secured 316 out of 465 seats in Sunday’s election, the first time a single party has won a two-thirds lower house majority since Japan’s parliament was established in its current form in 1947.

The Japan Innovation Party, the LDP’s coalition partner, won in 36 more constituencies, taking their combined total to 352 seats.

The resounding mandate is a gamble that paid off for Takaichi, who now faces the challenge of reviving Japan’s moribund economy and tackling cost-of-living woes.

The Nikkei 225 briefly surpassed 57,000 for the first time after the election
Japanese stocks surged to a record high on Monday, as Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) basked in a historic election victory.

The LDP secured 316 out of 465 seats in Sunday’s election, the first time a single party has won a two-thirds lower house majority since Japan’s parliament was established in its current form in 1947.

The Japan Innovation Party, the LDP’s coalition partner, won in 36 more constituencies, taking their combined total to 352 seats.

The resounding mandate is a gamble that paid off for Takaichi, who now faces the challenge of reviving Japan’s moribund economy and tackling cost-of-living woes.

The Nikkei 225 index rallied by more than 5% in early trade on Monday, briefly crossing the 57,000 mark for the first time. It then gave up some gains, but still closed up 3.9% at a record high of 56,363.94.

The LDP’s decisive win will help Takaichi advance her pro-business policies without having to negotiate extensively with opposition parties.

Takaichi told reporters on Sunday that she would pursue a “responsible yet aggressive” fiscal policy and would not reshuffle the Cabinet, which was formed less than four months ago.

Japan’s first female prime minister called the snap election last month, just a few months after taking office in October. Her success is in marked contrast to her two predecessors, under whom the party lost its parliamentary majority, battled corruption scandals and struggled to curb rising costs.

Markets commentators say Takaichi’s policies could boost the Japanese economy.

By Anthony Solly

Why Ombudsman wants five top City Hall officials in court over irregular building approvals

By

John Mutiso

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February 9, 2026

The Commission on Administrative Justice (Office of the Ombudsman) has recommended the prosecution of several Nairobi City County officials over the approval of unlawful building developments.

In a recommendation to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), the Ombudsman urged the initiation of criminal proceedings against the implicated officers and directed the Nairobi City County Public Service Board to take disciplinary action.

Those named include former Built Environment and Urban Planning CECM Stephen Mwangi, Urban Planning Chief Officer Patrick Analo, Development Control Assistant Director Fredrick Ochanda, Development Control Officer Simon Omondi, and Planning, Compliance and Enforcement Director Tom Achar.

The Ombudsman has given the DPP one month to report on the progress of the matter.

“The Commission on Administrative Justice has found Nairobi City County officials culpable for approving, endorsing, and facilitating unlawful development approvals in contravention of the Physical and Land Use Planning Act, 2019, and the Local Government (Adoptive By-Laws) (Building) Order, 1968,” said Ombudsman Chairperson Charles Dulo.

“Consequently, the Commission has recommended that the Director of Public Prosecutions initiate legal proceedings against the implicated officers, while the County Public Service Board institutes disciplinary action against the senior and technical officials involved,” he added.

The directive follows a complaint filed in October 2023 by Coldstone Investment Limited over a dispute with Khaleej Towers Limited concerning a property boundary in Nairobi.

Coldstone alleged that a neighbouring development was irregularly approved in violation of planning, zoning, building and environmental laws, leading to the infringement of its property rights and those of its tenants.

The complaint cited non-compliance with statutory building setbacks, encroachment through hoarding and scaffolding, demolition of a boundary wall, unauthorised sewer construction on Coldstone’s land, obstruction of light and ventilation, dumping of construction debris, and failure by county officials to enforce the law.

Khaleej Towers Limited filed a counter-complaint, arguing that it had obtained all required approvals and accusing Coldstone of interference, claiming the land in dispute was a public sewer wayleave.

Following the complaints, the Commission conducted investigations to establish whether the county government and the Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company (NCWSC) acted in line with applicable laws and professional obligations.

The probe found weak internal controls within the Nairobi Planning and Development Management System (NPDMS), poor coordination among county departments and widespread non-enforcement of planning regulations.

“Site inspections identified multiple nearby properties in violation of planning regulations, including exceeding permitted building heights, ignoring mandatory setbacks, and constructing directly to plot boundaries,” the Ombudsman said.

“These findings point to systemic failures in regulatory oversight and enforcement, underscoring the need for urgent reforms to strengthen accountability and uphold the integrity of Nairobi’s urban development framework.”

Bomet Man Gains Full Admission at MKU After Walking for 250KM to Raise School Fees

By

John Mutiso

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February 9, 2026

Mount Kenya University (MKU) has confirmed that it has admitted Duncan Kibet from Bomet to pursue a Bachelor of Education degree, more than a decade after he completed his Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE).

Kibet recently drew public attention after walking approximately 250 kilometres in an effort to raise funds to support his university education.

In a statement on Sunday, February 8, the university acknowledged the length of time since Kibet completed high school and the circumstances that brought his case into the public domain.

“After an 11-year break since high school and a 250 km walk to raise funds for his Bachelor of Education degree, Duncan Kibet’s story is a remarkable testament to courage, resilience, and the transformative power of education,” the statement read.

MKU stated that Kibet has been granted full admission and that accommodation arrangements have been made as he completes the remaining admission processes.

“Mount Kenya University (MKU) has now granted him unconditional admission and will accommodate him at the MKU hostels as he completes his admission requirements,” the statement added.

MKU also called on members of the public and other stakeholders to offer support as Kibet begins his studies at the university.

“Let’s join hands and support Duncan as he begins this new academic journey. His determination reminds us that no dream is too distant when the spirit is willing,” the statement further read.

Elsewhere, this comes weeks after Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi stepped in to help a needy student who had been denied a chance to join secondary school due to financial hardship.

In a statement on Wednesday, January 28, the MP said he learned about the situation through social media and was deeply moved by the story.

“I came across John Ndungu’s story on social media, and it hit me hard. This bright boy from Outspan village, Ngeria Ward, Kapseret Subcounty, had missed his chance at Samoei Boys High School because his mum, Mary Wanjiru, was struggling to make ends meet,” he said.

Sudi explained the difficult situation the family has been facing, highlighting the burden on the student’s mother.

“She’s raising him and his 11-year-old sister with cerebral palsy, washing clothes just to put food on the table. The pain of watching her kids suffer was overwhelming for her,” he added.

Sudi said he intervened to ensure the boy gets an opportunity to continue with his education and pursue his goals.

“I’m grateful I could step in and support John’s education. Now, he’s got a chance to chase his dreams at Samoei High School. It’s a small win, but it’s a start,” he further said.

CS Mbadi Declares 2032 Presidential Bid

By

John Mutiso

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February 9, 2026

National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has announced his intention to vie for the presidency in the 2032 general election.

Speaking on Sunday February 8, CS Mbadi said he will work with President William Ruto until 2032 after which we will run for President.

The Treasury CS said he does not intend to run for the presidency in next year’s general election but insisted he will be ready to contest in 2032.

“We will work with Ruto until 2027 and beyond in 2032. Some of us are ready to take over as president of this country.

“If you are not ready, step aside, for us, we are ready. If you want to vie in 2027, come out, I don’t want to run in 20027 but 2032, I am ready,” Mbadi said.

File image of CS Mbadi and President William Ruto.

At the same time, Mbadi called for Edwin Sifuna’s removal from the ODM Secretary General position.

CS Mbadi claimed that the ODM Secretary General is conflicted and should face disciplinary action.

“Someone like Sifuna should not remain in ODM because he is already conflicted. He is now selling an agenda of someone else. You cannot keep him at the party; he is gone. Allow him to go,” Mbadi stated.

Further, the Treasury CS stated that Sifuna is not keeping any important documents of the ODM party, noting that the party’s documents are in the hands of its trustees.

“Let nobody cheat you that the secretary general is keeping important documents of the party, we changed it a long time ago when we created trustees. Sifuna does not even know where the registration certificate of ODM is,” he added.

Mbadi is the second Cabinet Secretary to declare a 2032 presidential bid after Mining CS Hassan Joho.

Speaking in July 2025, CS Joho said he will support President Ruto for his second term in office before he runs in 2032.

“Let President Ruto return for a second term and join hands with Raila to bring fairness. When 2032 comes, the President of Kenya will be Hassan Ali Joho,” said Joho.

Elected leaders from the coastal region have also endorsed Joho to run for the top seat in the 2032 election.

Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata downplays the ‘Wantam’ vs ‘Tutam’ debate

By

John Mutiso

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February 9, 2026

Governor Irungu Kang’ata has made it clear that he does not want to be involved in the politics of ‘Wantam’ or ‘Tutam’.

Speaking during an interview on Monday, February 9, Kang’ata termed the two slogans as a distraction meant to keep Kenyans busy until 2027.

He admitted that he has fought off pressure by politicians and the people of Muranga to pick a side, but vowed not to engage in the temporary excitement.

The County Boss maintained that he was focused more on development rather than petty politics.

“The politics of wantam and tutam are sweet, but we took a philosophical stance that ‘Wantam’ and ‘Tutam’ will end within the next one year, six months, but the road that we have built will be with us for many years.

“Yes, people will clap when we talk about ‘Wantam’ or ‘Tutam’, but we know that it is a passing glance. We are more interested in a better future for our society,” Kang’ata stated.

However, the Governor admitted that his choice to sit on the fence on the matter might cost him his political career; it is a price he is willing to pay.

Kang’ata explained that the electorate often learns from mistakes they make by playing populist politics instead of backing leaders with development records.

“I know of leaders who have focused on development and have been punished at the ballot. I also know what happens after; people realise that they did something wrong and recall those leaders. But focusing on development can never go wrong,” he reiterated.

He explained that choosing between President William Ruto and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua would only hurt Murang’a County.

“It will definitely compromise some of the things that we are doing because people will start politicising them, and for me, I don’t think that will be good for Muranga,” he stated

He disclosed that some politicians have intentionally created a war, and consistently push him to comment on the matter.

“We will never be pushed into fighting. Our strategy in Muranga is to have zero problems with everyone,” he reaffirmed his position

The Governor invited Kenyans to look at elections through a different lens, away from the norm of being intertwined in politics.

He argued that most countries that have witnessed great developments have been depoliticised.

William and Catherine ‘deeply concerned’ over Epstein revelations

By

Editor

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February 9, 2026

The Prince and Princess of Wales have been “deeply concerned” by the latest round of revelations about Jeffrey Epstein, a Kensington Palace spokesperson has said.

In their first public statement on the issue, a royal spokesperson said Prince William and Princess Catherine were “focused on the victims” in light of new information contained in documents related to the late sex offender released in the US.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is among those under renewed scrutiny over their past connections with Epstein.

A Kensington Palace spokesperson said: “I can confirm The Prince and Princess have been deeply concerned by the continuing revelations.

“Their thoughts remain focused on the victims.”

Buckingham Palace had said he would leave Royal Lodge in early 2026, but his departure appears to have been sped up, with the former prince now living on King Charles’s privately-owned Sandringham Estate.

Mountbatten-Windsor had a long-running friendship with Epstein and maintained contact with the American financier after his conviction for a child sex offence in 2008.

He has previously apologised for his past ties with Epstein but has strenuously denied any wrongdoing.

But continued disclosures in the US have increased the pressure on Mountbatten-Windsor, who has faced calls to give evidence to an American inquiry.

By Anthony Solly

Former Mwea MP Peter Gitau among 5 arrested as DCI recovers stolen Murang’a lorries

By

John Mutiso

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February 9, 2026

Former Mwea MP Peter Gitau is among five suspects arrested in connection with the theft of two Isuzu lorries in Murang’a County in August.

Detectives from the Operation Support Unit (OSU) of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) confirmed the recovery of the vehicles.

“The vehicles in question, an Isuzu FVZ with registration number KDQ 845T and an Isuzu FRR with registration number KDL 078W, were taken in a brazen theft in Gatanga on August 16, 2025,” the DCI said Sunday night.

Following the theft, investigators launched a probe that led to the arrest of Peter Gitau, Mark Kinyua, Erick Chege, David Kigo, and Joseph Ndung’u Waweru, identified as the masterminds behind the heist.

“Upon interrogation, the suspects led detectives to Mombasa County, where the lorries were recovered in Makupa,” the DCI confirmed.

RECOVERY OF STOLEN MOTOR VEHICLES

Detectives from the Operation Support Unit (OSU) have recovered two Isuzu lorries that were stolen in Murang’a County.

The vehicles in question, an Isuzu FVZ with registration number KDQ 845T and an Isuzu FRR with registration number KDL 078W,… pic.twitter.com/IpKB4qsFRv
— DCI KENYA (@DCI_Kenya) February 8, 2026

The DCI revealed that the stolen vehicles had been fitted with counterfeit registration plates in an attempt to evade law enforcement.

“The Isuzu FVZ (KDQ 845T) had been fitted with a fake plate, KDV 449C, while the Isuzu FRR (KDL 078W) carried a counterfeit KCA 505D,” the agency noted.

The recovered lorries are now safely in the hands of DCI Gatanga, and plans are underway to return them to their rightful owners.

“With the lorries now recovered, we aim to restore hope and justice to those affected by this crime,” the DCI said.

The five suspects remain in custody and are undergoing processing pending arraignment.

Gachagua fires back at Ruto over Azimio future and ODM influence

By

John Mutiso

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February 9, 2026

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has fired back at President William Ruto over his claim that the Azimio coalition would be nothing without the ODM party.

Speaking on Sunday, February 8 evening in Naivasha, Gachagua suggested that the ODM party has lost its political grip across the country.

The former Deputy President claimed that key voting blocs that were ODM’s strongholds have abandoned the party.

“I have heard William Ruto say there’s an attempt to revive Azimio, and that Azimio cannot be revived because it has no ODM. I want to tell William Ruto that ODM is finished. The Luhya have left, the Kisiis have left, the Kamba have left, the people of the Coast have left.

“There is no such thing as ODM. Just like UDA lost the Mountain, now there is no such thing as UDA. So, you are cornered, and in a few days, we will escort you back home,” said Gachagua.

President Ruto, while addressing Nairobi residents on Sunday afternoon, downplayed efforts to revive the Azimio coalition

The Head of State questioned the viability of the Azimio coalition without the ODM party.

“I have heard that they want to revive Azimio, the same Azimio we dismantled early in the morning. Now let me ask Azimio without ODM, isn’t that just fading away?” Ruto posed.

This comes days after the Azimio National Executive Council (NEC) appointed Kalonzo Musyoka as the new party leader, replacing the late Raila Odinga.

The Azimio NEC also removed Juet Mohammed from the Secretary position and replaced him with Suba South MP Caroli Omondi.

“Following the resolutions of 2nd February 2026, of the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party’s Council and National Executive Committee, the party notifies the public of the change of the following officials: the new Party Leader is H.E. Dr Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka, E.G.H, SC, the new Secretary General Hon. Caroli Omondi,” the statement read in part.

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