NPS Denies Transferring Senior Officers Linked to Nandi Hills Pool Scandal

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February 6, 2026

The Kenya Police Service (KPS) has dismissed claims that the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, transferred senior police officers linked to the Nandi Hills pool incident.

In a post on Thursday, February 5 evening, KPS flagged the claims by Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei as fake.

The UDA Senator on Wednesday, February 4, alleged that IG Kanja transferred the officers linked to the Nandi Hills pool incident to Nairobi instead of taking action against them.

“After the much-hyped administrative action by Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja against senior police officers who oversaw brutalization and beating of youth for playing a pool game in Nandi Hills Town, Nandi County, he only ‘rewarded ‘ them by mere transfers instead of disciplinary action and criminal proceedings,” Cherargei claimed.

The Senator’s allegations came days after the National Police Service (NPS) announced disciplinary measures against six police officers following the CCTV footage showing misconduct at a pool table venue in Nandi Hills.

In a statement, NPS said IG Kanja ordered administrative action against the six officers following recommendations made by the Internal Affairs Unit.

The six officers include: the Sub-County Police Commander (OCPD) for Tinderet; the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) for Songoh; the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) for Nandi Hills; the Officer in Charge, RDU Songoh Camp; the Officer in Charge, GSU Songoh Camp; and the Officer in Charge, ASTU Songoh Camp.

NPS explained that the disciplinary action was intentionally directed at local commanders, stating that those in charge bear ultimate responsibility for conduct within their areas of command.

“This action deliberately focuses on local commanders to ensure they are held fully accountable for all conduct within their jurisdictions. There will be no tolerance for such misconduct,” NPS stated.

Further, the service reminded all officers of their fundamental obligations, stressing that their role as guardians of public safety and property must always be carried out with the highest standards of professionalism.

All you need to know about the 2026 Winter Olympics

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Editor

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February 6, 2026

The Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics are upon us and Italy is ready – almost – to host ‘the greatest show on Earth’.

Some 2,900 athletes from more than 90 countries will compete on snow and ice over the next 16 days.

The Games are spread out across hundreds of miles in northern Italy, from fashionable Milan to chic Cortina d’Ampezzo, to the fellow Dolomite regions of Predazzo and Tesero, and the Alpine resorts of Livigno and Bormio.

Here is everything you need to know;

While the action began on Wednesday, the Games officially get under way on Friday when the opening ceremony takes place at Milan’s iconic San Siro stadium.

A who’s who of stars are set to appear, including multiple Grammy Award winner Mariah Carey and Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli.

Given the vast distances between the Olympic venue ‘clusters’, it’s not possible for all athletes to be in Milan. But fear not, those based elsewhere will not miss out on the fun.

A second ceremony, including its own Olympic cauldron, will take place in Cortina, while other satellite ceremonies will occur in Predazzo and Livigno.

Figure skater Lilah Fear and bobsleigh pilot Brad Hall have the honour of carrying the Great Britain flag. Fear will do so in Milan, while Hall will be in Cortina.

By Anthony Solly

KRA Introduces Phased Filing of Annual Income Tax Returns to Curb Last-Minute Rush

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John Mutiso

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February 6, 2026

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has made changes to the income tax filing process, introducing a phased system aimed at ending the last-minute rush.

In a statement on Thursday, February 5, the taxman said taxpayers will be grouped based on their income.

KRA explained that the new approach will ensure that every taxpayer receives timely, targeted guidance tailored to their individual needs.

“The 2026 filing season introduces a systematic, three-phase rollout that categorizes taxpayers by income complexity.

“This innovative approach ensures that each taxpayer receives relevant, timely information and support tailored to their specific filing requirements,” KRA stated.

File image of KRA Commissioner General Humphrey Wattanga.

The authority noted that it has streamlined the filing process for taxpayers who earned income exclusively through employment in 2025.

The taxman said the taxpayers in this category will only be required to verify their employment details already captured in the iTax system and submit their returns.

For taxpayers with employment income plus additional revenue streams, KRA said they will receive targeted communication highlighting their specific income categories and guidance to ensure accurate filing.

“Taxpayers with employment income and one or more activities, those who earned employment income alongside other revenue streams in 2025, i.e., employment income or Rental Withholding Tax (WHT).

“These taxpayers will receive targeted communications highlighting their specific income categories and providing tailored guidance for accurate filing,” said KRA.

Meanwhile taxpayers who previously filed nil returns or failed to file despite having withholding tax income will also be targeted under the phased model.

The authority said the new approach will help such taxpayers understand their obligations and claim refunds where applicable.

“The phased approach specifically targets this group with personalized information, helping them understand their filing obligations and potentially claim refunds where applicable,” KRA added.

Further, KRA said they will space out deadlines to each category of taxpayers to prevent the traditional last-minute rush.

“By spacing out filing deadlines and segmenting taxpayers, the system prevents the traditional last-minute rush that often overwhelms both taxpayers and KRA’s digital infrastructure,” the authority stated.

KRA also mentioned that the taxpayers will receive SMS and emails for personalized filing notifications.

Huge Fire Breaks Out in Donholm Estate After Gas Explosion

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John Mutiso

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February 6, 2026

A massive fire broke out in Donholm Estate, Nairobi, on Friday, February 6, 2026, after several gas cylinders exploded.

The incident occurred in New Donholm, Embakasi East, behind a TotalEnergies petrol station and opposite Triple K, near a chicken outlet commonly known as kwa Doc. Witnesses reported hearing multiple loud explosions from a distance as gas cylinders detonated one after another.

Huge flames and thick smoke were visible across large parts of the city, raising fears of further explosions.

Preliminary reports indicate that the fire originated from a gas cylinder shop, although the exact cause of the outbreak has not yet been established.

The fire incident shattered windows and destroyed nearby vehicles

Emergency response teams have been deployed to the scene and are working to contain the blaze and secure the area.

No casualties had been confirmed by the time of publication.

Residents blamed poor safety measures and the improper handling of gas cylinders for the blaze.

“A gas cylinder shop caught fire this morning in Donholm. The cylinders were exploding one by one. Going forward, gas cylinders should only be sold at petrol stations. We are sitting with hazards in the name of convenience and promoting commerce,” one resident said.

A similar incident occurred in February 2025, involving the IBER Africa power lines behind the White House in Donholm.

The Donholm fire comes just days after a massive blaze engulfed the Golden Africa Kenya Limited factory in Lukenya, along the Nairobi–Mombasa Highway, on the night of Monday, February 2, 2026. The facility, which produces edible oils and soaps, suffered significant damage before being brought under control by a coordinated multi-agency response.

Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti confirmed that the Machakos County Emergency and Disaster Operations Centre coordinated the response, with support from the Nairobi City County Fire Brigade, G4S, and the National Youth Service (NYS).

The blaze was classified as an oil-based fire, making it more difficult to contain than a conventional structural fire.

Canada dispatches senior officials to open Greenland consulate

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Editor

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February 6, 2026

Canada is set to open its first diplomatic outpost in Greenland in a significant show of solidarity following US President Donald Trump’s threats to take control of the territory.

A delegation of senior Canadian officials, including Governor General Mary Simon, and foreign minister Anita Anand, are travelling to Nuuk on Friday to formally open Canada’s consulate, accompanied by a Canadian Coast Guard ship.

Ahead of the trip, Simon said in a speech that Canada “stands firmly in support of the people of Greenland who will determine their own future”.

Their visit comes amid a similar trip made by French officials, who are due to open their own consulate in the territory the same day.

The Canadian and French missions are a historic expansion of foreign engagement in Greenland. Until this week, only Iceland and the US had formal diplomatic consulates in Nuuk.

It is also a signal of the continued support offered by Nato allies to Greenland, after Trump repeatedly stated that the US needs to “own” it for national security reasons.

The president has since walked his comments back, saying he is now exploring a potential deal after talks with Denmark, European allies and Canada.

Greenland has been on Canada’s radar for some time. The consulate was first announced in early 2024, when Ottawa reviewed its Arctic foreign policy. The opening had been slated for late 2025, but that was delayed due to bad weather.

By Anthony Solly

High Court Orders IG Kanja, DCI Amin to Produce Missing Busia Businessman Dead or Alive

By

John Mutiso

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February 6, 2026

The High Court has issued an order of habeas corpus compelling the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, and the Director of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Mohamed Amin, to produce the missing businessman, Ibrahim Mohamed, dead or alive.

Justice William Musyoka issued the order on Thursday, February 5, following a petition filed by Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah.

“That an order of Habeas Corpus be and is hereby issued compelling the Respondents jointly and severally produce before this honourable court the body of Ahmed Ibrahim Mohamed, whether alive or dead, and to show lawful cause for his arrest, detention or continued confinement,” read the order in part.

In the event that IG Kanja and Amin fail to produce Mohamed, the court directed them to file sworn affidavits within 24 hours.

Justice Musyoka said the affidavits must fully, truthfully, and individually account for the circumstances of Ahmed’s arrest.

“That in default of production, Respondents are compelled to file a sworn affidavits within 24 hours, fully, truthfully and individually accounting for the arrest of Ahmed Ibrahim Mohamed, the officers involved and their command structure, the place(s) of detention or transfer, his current whereabouts, condition or fate,” Justice Musyoka directed.

Mohamed went missing two weeks ago after he was allegedly removed from a Nairobi-bound bus at a roadblock.

The Busia-based businessman was carrying Ksh17 million in cash when he went missing.

Mohamed’s disappearance on Wednesday, February 4, sparked protests in Busia town, with residents and his family members demanding answers about his whereabouts.

The protestors were dispersed after police officers lobbed tear gas canisters into the crowd.

Several other demonstrators were arrested during the protests and taken into police custody.

Meanwhile, Senator Omtatah has called on IG Kanja and Amin to comply with the court order and produce Mohamed.

“We demand that the National Police Service (NPS) and DCI comply with this order without delay. Compliance is a constitutional obligation, not an option. To the public and civil society: stay engaged. Public scrutiny is often the only thing that protects the vulnerable,” said Omtatah

Russian general shot several times in Moscow

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Editor

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February 6, 2026

A high-profile general in Russia’s military has been shot several times and wounded in Moscow.

Lt Gen Vladimir Alekseyev was immediately taken to hospital after the attack in a residential building on the north-western outskirts of the city and his condition is unknown.

Alekseyev is a senior figure in the main directorate of Russia’s military general staff (GRU) and is the latest high-ranking military figure to have been targeted in the capital since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began almost four years ago.

He was placed under European Union sanctions after the GRU was accused of being behind a 2018 nerve agent attack in Salisbury in the UK.

By Anthony Solly

Xiao ‘sorry’ for beating idol O’Sullivan in Hong Kong

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John Mutiso

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February 6, 2026

Xiao Guodong feels “sorry” for his idol Ronnie O’Sullivan after beating the seven-time world champion 5-3 in the second round of the World Grand Prix.

O’Sullivan, who was searching for a record-extending 42nd ranking title, is the latest big name to suffer an early exit in Hong Kong, with defending champion Neil Robertson and world number one Judd Trump among those to fall in the first round.

Guodong, who beat 2024 world champion Kyren Wilson on Tuesday, produced a tournament-leading 144-break in the opening frame before winning the second.

O’Sullivan fought back to level the match and the pair exchanged frames before Xiao built breaks of 58 and 66 to advance to the quarter-finals.

“It’s hard to say something. I’m happy I win the round and also, he is my idol. I want him going to the final, win the championship, and I want him doing well,” Xiao told the World Snooker Tour.

“But it’s sport. When I play anyone, I don’t want to lose. I feel sorry for Ronnie but we are still very good friends.”

Xiao will face Pang Junxu, who beat Si Jiahui 5-3, in the last eight.

Menwhile, China’s world champion Zhao Xintong emerged as a 5-4 winner following a closely contested match against Mark Selby.

England’s Selby, a four-time world champion, knocked in breaks of 90, 109, 73 and 56 on the way to taking a 4-1 lead.

However, Zhao fought back with runs of 81, 140 and 112 to level and then took the decider to set up a last-eight tie against Chris Wakelin, who beat Elliot Slessor 5-4.

“Mark played very well up to 4-1,” said Zhao. “In the last few frames if thought that if I lose, I need to lose like the world champion.

“But I can’t believe I won the last four frames. It was very important for me, I am so proud of myself and hopefully I can still get better. I like playing the legend players because it’s a chance to prove I am strong.”

Barry Hawkins, the 2017 champion, was also defeated in the second round, losing 5-3 to Zhang Anda.

Although Hawkins levelled at 3-3 after being 3-1 down, Zhang responded with breaks of 82 and 97 to complete the win and will play Wu Yize, who beat Chang Bingyu 5-3, in the quarter-finals.

The other last-eight tie will be between Ali Carter, who was a 5-2 winner against Yuan Sijun, and Zhou Yuelong, who beat Jak Jones 5-1.

There are six Chinese players in the quarter-finals, a new record for a ranking event. The previous record was five at the 2022 Championship League.

Liverpool to pay Chelsea at least £2.8m for Ngumoha

By

John Mutiso

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February 6, 2026

A tribunal has ruled Liverpool must pay at least £2.8m to Premier League rivals Chelsea for winger Rio Ngumoha.

The 17-year-old left Chelsea‘s academy in September 2024 to join the Reds and signed his first professional contract with them a year later.

The Professional Football Compensation Committee (PFCC) tribunal has now decided how much Chelsea are owed for the English forward’s training and development while with the Blues.

The initial £2.8m is non-negotiable, but could rise through add-ons if certain conditions are met.

As first reported by The Athletic,, external Chelsea will also be owed 20% of the profit if Liverpool sell Ngumoha.

The teenager has made 13 appearances across all competitions for Arne Slot’s side this season and scored a dramatic 100th-minute winner against Newcastle on his Premier League debut in August.

Aged 16 years and 361 days at the time, the goal made Ngumoha the youngest goalscorer in Liverpool‘s history.

He also became the youngest player to start a match for the club – aged 16 years and 135 days old – in a 4-0 win over Accrington in the FA Cup in January 2025.

The England Under-19 international was regarded as the best player in his age group at Chelsea, but moved to Liverpool because he believed there was a better pathway to first-team football.

This was after the Blues made attempted assurances and several significant future contract offers.

Liverpool did not confirm the length of Ngumoha’s first professional contract.

Stokes injured after being hit in face by ball

By

John Mutiso

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February 6, 2026

England Test captain Ben Stokes suffered a facial injury after being hit by a ball while coaching Durham’s academy.

Stokes, 34, is back in the UK following England’s sorry Ashes defeat and was working with youngsters at his county.

It is understood he was struck by a ball hit by one batter as he stood beside the nets.

The all-rounder posted a picture on his Instagram story on Thursday afternoon with a bloodied cheek, significant bruising and swelling around his eye.

Stokes accompanied the image with the caption “you should see the state of the cricket ball”.

The severity of his injuries is unclear.

Stokes has not played since the conclusion of the Ashes in Sydney on 8 January.

He suffered an adductor injury on the penultimate day of the series, which England lost 4-1, resulting in significant criticism of the team’s performances, preparation and culture.

It was announced last week Stokes will be part of England Lions coaching staff for the development side’s series against Pakistan Shaheens in the United Arab Emirates next month.

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