Author: Mwenda Gitonga

The CECAFA Pre-CHAN tournament will officially kick off on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at the Black Rhino Academy Stadium in Karatu, Tanzania, with hosts Tanzania taking on regional rivals Uganda in the opening match. This comes after Kenya’s unexpected withdrawal from the tournament earlier in the day, despite the Harambee Stars squad already having arrived in Karatu. The competition will now proceed as a three-nation contest featuring Tanzania, Uganda, and reigning CHAN champions Senegal. Speaking ahead of the kickoff, Taifa Stars head coach Hemed Suleiman Ali said the matches will be crucial for assessing his squad ahead of the TotalEnergies…

The Council of East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA) has criticized Kenya’s abrupt withdrawal from the ongoing CECAFA Pre-CHAN Tournament in Karatu, Tanzania, calling the move “unfair” and regrettable. In a press release issued on Monday, July 21, 2025, CECAFA Executive Director Auka Gecheo confirmed that the tournament will continue with three teams—hosts Tanzania, Uganda, and Senegal—despite Kenya’s exit. “We regret Kenya’s decision to withdraw the team after arriving in Karatu, but the tournament will continue. We find the withdrawal of Kenya to be unfair, especially after extensive efforts were made to meet the Federation’s requests,” said Gecheo. Kenya’s…

Manchester United has officially confirmed the signing of Cameroon international Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford, in a high-profile move that continues the Red Devils’ summer recruitment drive. The forward has signed a contract running until June 2030, with an option to extend for a further year. The transfer is subject to registration and final formalities. The 25-year-old joins after an outstanding Premier League season, where he netted 20 goals and provided eight assists, making him the fourth-highest scorer in the league. Since Brentford’s promotion to the top flight, Mbeumo has consistently delivered, averaging 18 goal contributions per season, a testament to…

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has resumed his official duties after a 60-day court-imposed absence, reaffirming his commitment to delivering development to the county despite facing corruption charges. Natembeya, who was barred from accessing his office following his arrest and arraignment in May 2025 over a Ksh3.2 million graft case, returned to work on Monday, July 21, with a strongly worded statement of defiance against what he termed as political intimidation. “No one will shake our resolve to rewrite our story,” the governor declared. “We are determined to fulfil every campaign pledge and ensure that the people of Trans Nzoia…

Opposition leader Raila Odinga has reignited debate over Kenya’s electoral system, calling for sweeping reforms to reduce costs, eliminate inefficiencies, and curb corruption. Speaking during a live interview on NTV on Sunday, July 21, 2025, Odinga criticised the current framework administered by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), describing it as “bloated” and designed for looting. “The system is bloated to enable looting,” Odinga said, specifically targeting the IEBC’s procurement-heavy approach. He proposed a radical shift—abolishing the current voter register and relying solely on national ID cards to vote. “If you have an ID, you should vote,” he said.…

Human rights activist Boniface Mwangi has been cleared of terrorism and money laundering charges initially brought by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). In a powerful statement released on Monday, the Police Reforms Working Group – Kenya declared, “Boniface Mwangi is not a terrorist,” following confirmation that the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) will not pursue those charges. The statement, signed by over 20 national and grassroots civil society organizations, accuses the government of targeting Mwangi and other human rights defenders through what it describes as “coordinated, well-funded online disinformation campaigns.” The groups say the campaign extends…

The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has confirmed that the Harambee Stars have officially withdrawn from the ongoing CECAFA Four Nations Tournament in Tanzania, citing unsuitable conditions that could affect the team’s preparation and performance. In a statement released on Monday, FKF explained that the decision was made following recommendations by the technical bench, led by head coach Benni McCarthy, after a comprehensive assessment of the prevailing tournament conditions. “This decision has been made following recommendations and advice from the team’s technical bench, led by Head Coach Benni McCarthy, after a thorough assessment of the prevailing conditions, which were deemed unsuitable…

Human rights activist Boniface Mwangi is currently in custody at Pangani Police Station, facing accusations related to the facilitation of terrorist activities during the June 25 anti-government protests. His arrest, carried out on Saturday, July 19, by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), has sparked outrage among civil society and his legal team, who describe the operation as “unlawful”. According to an official update from the DCI, Mwangi was arrested at his Lukenya residence in Machakos County. Officers seized two mobile phones, a laptop, and notebooks. He was later escorted to his Mageuzi Hub office in Hurlingham, Nairobi,…

The Nairobi CBD turned into a spectacle of light, music, and street culture on Friday night as George Ruto, son of President William Ruto, launched his latest luxury matatu dubbed Mood — a high-end, entertainment-themed ride valued at Ksh14 million. Hundreds of youth descended upon the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) for the unveiling, which began with prayers and a symbolic blessing of the matatu. But the main event was the electrifying street concert that followed, blending Nairobi’s iconic matatu culture with high-octane music performances and club-like lighting. Mood, the newest addition to George Ruto’s growing luxury fleet, features state-of-the-art…

Kenyan grassroots leader Dr. Kennedy Odede has been awarded the prestigious 2025 United Nations Nelson Mandela Prize, becoming the first Kenyan to receive the global honor that celebrates exceptional community leadership, reconciliation, and service to humanity. The announcement was made during a special ceremony at the United Nations General Assembly Hall in New York, held to commemorate Nelson Mandela International Day. UN Secretary-General António Guterres presented the award, which is given every five years to two outstanding individuals—one male and one female—whose work exemplifies the values and legacy of Nelson Mandela. Dr. Odede, the founder and CEO of Shining Hope…