Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna political star appears to be rising steadily, leading to speculation he may be destined for a bigger role in the country’s political dispensation. Within the United Opposition, Sifuna is seen as a potential compromise candidate for running mate position as an alternative to Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, who has announced that he will be defending his gubernatorial seat. This is after Junet and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga accused former President Uhuru Kenyatta of trying to buy ODM using Sifuna and his allies. “It is possible for Sifuna to be the automatic running mate for the opposition because he will be bringing in a chunk of ODM, the real big chunk,” he says. His meeting with Ida came shortly after he had met party leader Oburu Oginga earlier.

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Thousands of people joined another night of protests in Minneapolis on Saturday, following the death of a woman who was shot by a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in the city. Earlier, city officials said 30 people had been arrested during the weekend's protests, and one police officer was injured after a "chunk of ice was thrown at them". The city of Minneapolis said on Saturday that the "vast majority of community members have demonstrated peacefully". On Friday night, Minneapolis Police declared an unlawful assembly as protesters gathered outside the Canopy Hotel in the city, where some ICE agents were believed to be staying. One law enforcement officer suffered minor injuries but did not need any medical attention, according to the BBC's US partner CBS News.

Siaya Governor James Orengo during an interview at his office. [File, Standard]Less than four years after riding a united political machine into office, Governor James Orengo now faces his toughest challenges yet. This threat does not come from the opposition, but from former allies who once backed and defended his rise to power.

[File]AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia were handed a boost in their pursuit for the 2025-2026 title after Kakamega Homeboyz were stunned 2-1 by Bandari’s two stoppage-time goals in Saturday’s SportPesa Premier League match at KPA Sports Club. In Mombasa, Homeboyz headed into the encounter behind their headline 1-0 win over leaders Leopards last weekend, a win they needed to back this weekend to reclaim top spot. After stalemate first half, Homeboyz took the lead through Oliver Machaka in the 58th minute, a narrow advantage they protected till the 90th minute. Additionally, history also favours Gor Mahia in this fixture. Overall, the two sides have met 40 times in league competition, with Gor Mahia claiming 25 victories, 11 draws, and only four defeats, while scoring 60 goals and conceding 22.

Source: Getty ImagesAccording to police records, Ruth Bandi reported that her daughter’s former husband had been sending a series of threatening messages. Why Ruth Bandi's ex-son-in-law issued threatsShe told TUKO.co.ke that the man allegedly vowed to harm her daughter, Beatrice Avuzikha from Vihiga, should she return to Kenya from abroad. The matter has been classified as “threatening to life” under OB No. Police sources further indicated that a handwritten statement detailing the alleged threats and previous encounters with the suspect has been added to the official case file. The complainant claims that her daughter had earlier fled the country after experiencing prolonged mistreatment, and that the threats have continued through mobile phone messages even after she sought refuge abroad.

From Left, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, President William Ruto and Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga during a church service at St Paul’s Church, Kariki Chinga in Othaya, Nyeri on January 11, 2026. [Amos Kiarie, Standard]Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga has declared his full support for President William Ruto, saying his decision to work with the Kenya Kwanza administration is driven by the need to deliver development for his people. “I voted for President William Ruto. The governor said welcoming the President to Nyeri and engaging with him on governance issues was part of his constitutional duty. “But for now, let’s support the government to work for us.” President William Ruto shares a word with Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga at St Paul’s Church, Kariki Chinga in Othaya, Nyeri County on Janaury 11, 2026.

Pangani Girls School, Nairobi Principal Dr Millicent Odhiambo and students celebrate KCSE 2025 results at the school. The school scored a mean grade of 9.718. January 10th, 2026. [Elvis Ogina Standard]Traditional giants have once again secured their place at the top of the 2025 KCSE results released Friday, even as a handful of little-known schools entered the national scene to disrupt the long-established order. An independent analysis of the top 100 schools by The Standard indicates that national schools dominated the top 20 slots countrywide.

Allan Wainaina of Nairobi School celebrates with relatives at their home in Kiamunyi, Nakuru County on January 9, 2026. He scored an A of 83 points in the 2025 KCSE examinations and got 400 marks in KCPE examinations four years ago. [Daniel Chege, Standard]Four years after sitting their Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) examinations, a cohort of former top pupils has once again risen to the occasion, posting outstanding results in the 2025 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations. Their journeys, marked by resilience, discipline and perseverance, reaffirm the belief that early academic promise, when nurtured, can translate into sustained excellence.

US President Donald Trump./SCREENGRABUS President Donald Trump has urged Cuba to "make a deal" or face consequences, warning that the flow of Venezuelan oil and money would now stop. Trump has been turning his attention to Cuba since US forces seized Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro in a 3 January raid on its capital. Trump did not specify the terms of a deal or the consequences Cuba could face. While the Trump administration has not stated clear plans for Cuba, Trump has previously said that US military intervention is not needed, because the country is "ready to fall". The Trump administration's tactic of confiscating sanctioned Venezuelan oil tankers has already begun to worsen a fuel and electricity crisis in Cuba.

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and DCP’s Rigathi Gachagua are increasingly finding themselves at odds over strategy, messaging and the path to the 2027 polls as the opposition struggles to present a united front. The latest public disagreement played out on Wednesday, when Kalonzo was forced to clarify claims that the opposition is against the Somali community. Speaking at the funeral of Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia’s father Muhia Njoroge, Kalonzo sought to calm the backlash against the opposition and particularly Gachagua from the leadership of Northeastern. The owner of BBS Mall has been a serious businessman in this country way before President William Ruto came to power,” he said. While Kalonzo publicly disowned the claims, Gachagua’s comments were interpreted by some in the opposition as the behind-the-scenes lobbying and negotiations that are still ongoing in the coalition.

Residents at the scene where a house was razed by fire in Poiywek village, Kericho County Nikko Tanui, on January 11, 2026. [Nikko Tanui, Standard]A woman and her daughter died in a fire incident in the Poiywek village, Kericho County. Kericho County Police Commander James Ngetich said the fire broke out at around 4:30 am and quickly spread through the timber house where the victims were sleeping. An elderly woman, her daughter and a house-help died after their house in Kugerwet village, Kericho County, was razed on Saturday. The victims are an 82-year-old woman, her 52-year-old daughter and their 20-year-old house help.

“There are people who think they can create a rift between me and people of Mt Kenya,” he stated, adding, “They cannot destroy what the region and I have built together. We will meet in 2027 with those who like insulting other leaders,” Ruto said. Once Ruto’s chief lieutenant in the Mt Kenya region, Gachagua has become a vocal critic, accusing the President of sidelining the region and its leaders. Gachagua has repeatedly asserted that Ruto has lost the support of the Mt Kenya region, alleging that voters feel betrayed over government appointments, development priorities, and key decision-making. Ruto underscored his efforts to consolidate support in the Mt Kenya region ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Demonstrators hold signs in support of ousted Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro outside the Daniel Patrick Moynihan United States Courthouse on January 5, 2026 in New York. [AFP]Donald Trump has just reminded us again. We live in a defective diplomatic world. Powerful states moralize what they do not practice, and practice what they do not moralize. International law is for the small and weak.

Kuppet Machakos branch executive secretary Musembi Katuku addresses a press conference on August 26, 2024. [File, Standard]The wind of change is blowing in Machakos county after teachers overwhelmingly voted out long-serving Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (Kuppet) branch executive secretary, Muusembi Katuku, terminating his 24-year reign at the helm of the union. The hotly contested elections, held at Machakos University at the weekend were the first Kuppet branch polls countrywide, setting the pace ahead of similar elections scheduled to roll out every weekend until March this year. A total of 3,108 votes were cast, with 22 spoilt ballots recorded in the Executive Secretary race. Chairman Martin Mutisya said the new leadership would faithfully implement the vision articulated by teachers during the campaign period.