Author: Mwenda Gitonga

South African forward Thembinkosi Lorch was a standout performer in Wydad Athletic Club’s 2-0 defeat to Manchester City during their opening clash at the FIFA Club World Cup, earning widespread praise for his fearless and skillful display. Facing the reigning Premier League champions, Wydad conceded both goals in the first half. Phil Foden struck in the second minute, followed by Jeremy Doku’s effort in the 42nd. However, Lorch’s lively performance ensured Wydad remained competitive throughout. Unfazed by the star-studded opposition, Lorch nearly stunned City goalkeeper Ederson with a daring chip in the 15th minute, an audacious effort that underlined his…

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially reinstated Congo-Brazzaville into the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) following a successful appeal against their earlier disqualification related to player eligibility. In a statement released on Wednesday, CAF confirmed that the Central African nation’s appeal had been upheld, ending a period of uncertainty surrounding their participation in the biennial tournament scheduled for August 2–30, jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. “The CAF Appeals Board has thoroughly reviewed the documentation provided by the Congolese Football Federation and found no grounds to uphold the initial disqualification. Congo is therefore cleared to participate in…

The Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO) has denied the Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) a provisional six-month operating license, citing deep-rooted leadership disputes that threaten the organization’s stability and credibility. In a letter dated June 16, 2025, KECOBO Chairman Joshua Kutuny stated, “This decision was primarily due to leadership disputes that have threatened to destabilize the organization.” As a result, MCSK is no longer authorized to operate as a Collective Management Organization (CMO), nor represent musicians or issue royalties. This decision follows prolonged infighting among MCSK directors, which has splintered the organization into rival factions. In contrast, KECOBO has renewed…

Jonah Kariuki Nyambura, the father of Boniface Mwangi Kariuki, a 22-year-old hawker shot by police during anti-government protests in Nairobi, has spoken publicly for the first time, expressing heartbreak and hope for his son’s recovery. In a video shared by Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah, a visibly emotional Jonah recalled the financial hardships he endured raising Boniface. “Nimemlea kwa shida sana lakini sasa niko na huzuni kulingana na mahali ako, lakini si mbaya sana. Tunaomba atakuwa poa,” he said, holding back tears. Jonah confirmed that his son was selling face masks near the Commercial area in Nairobi’s Central Business District when…

The body of a 15-year-old girl, Joy Wanjiru, who drowned in Kimbimbi, Mwea Constituency, Kirinyaga County, has been recovered from the Nyamindi River. The tragic incident occurred at Gatitika Falls on Sunday while Joy was with a friend. Her friend, a resident of Red Soil Village, reported the drowning to officials at the Kimbimbi Police Post. Residents from Kimbimbi, Gatitika, Mathangauta, Ngucue, and Red Soil, including Joy’s father, Danson Njue, conducted a search for her body throughout the night. “Joy was accompanied by her friend when she slipped and fell at Gatitika Falls. Her male friend reported the incident at…

Felix Keaton, the lawyer representing two police officers accused of assaulting and shooting a protester during anti-government demonstrations in Nairobi, has withdrawn from the case, citing threats from Kenya’s Gen Z movement. Keaton was defending officers Barasa Masinde and Duncan Kiprono, who were filmed attacking Boniface Kariuki, a face mask vendor, on Moi Avenue during the height of Tuesday’s nationwide unrest on June 17, 2025. The footage, widely circulated online, sparked public outrage and renewed calls for police accountability. In a statement released on Thursday, June 19, Keaton said he was stepping down from the case “in the interest of…

The government is facing increasing scrutiny over its response to escalating incidents of police violence and extra-judicial killings. This concern heightened following the shooting of Boniface Kariuki, an unarmed street vendor, during protests in Nairobi on Tuesday. The demonstrations were sparked by the death of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang, who died in police custody on June 8. In a recent interview with NTV, Irũngũ Houghton, executive director of Amnesty International Kenya, urged that the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) be granted the authority to arrest officers accused of misconduct. “We want to see IPOA have the capacity to arrest…

The High Court has instructed Samson Talam, the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) at Nairobi’s Central Police Station, to deliver court documents regarding his petition aimed at halting his prosecution linked to the death of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang while in police custody. In a ruling issued on Tuesday, the court mandated Talam to serve his Notice of Motion, dated June 15, 2025, to the respondents within three days. He is also required to submit an affidavit of service to confirm compliance. The respondents will then have three days to respond to the application, after which the applicant may file…

Ahead of their FIFA Club World Cup fixture against Al Ain in Washington, Italian football giants Juventus paid a courtesy visit to former U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House. However, the brief Oval Office meeting quickly devolved into controversy following Trump’s remarks on transgender rights and Middle East tensions. The visit, which also included FIFA President Gianni Infantino, was initially intended to highlight the global appeal of football and the role of sports diplomacy. Yet, it was marred by the former President’s transphobic comments, which sparked widespread backlash online. “Could a woman play on your team? Wouldn’t that…

Kenyans aspiring to study in the United States have received positive news as U.S. President Donald Trump has lifted a temporary ban on international student visa processing. This decision comes after a three-week suspension initiated on May 27, during which new student visa appointments were halted. The suspension was part of a broader effort to implement stricter social media vetting for foreign students as a component of immigration reforms. During the ban, U.S. embassies and consulates were instructed to cease scheduling appointments for student (F), vocational (M), and exchange visitor (J) visa applicants. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated…