The title of 2024 Vodacom Journalist of the Year - and R100 000 in prize money – is News24’s Kyle Cowan. Joel Ontong, also of News24 is the 2024 Young Journalist of the Year Award. Last night, Thursday 8 November, the national winners of the 2024 Vodacom Journalist of the Year Awards’ (VJOY) were honoured at a ceremony in Johannesburg (Image supplied)Last night, Thursday 8 November, the national winners of the 2024 Vodacom Journalist of the Year Awards (VJOY) were honoured at a ceremony in Johannesburg. Judges’ commendations: Sakhiseni Nxumalo from Sunday Times for Those guys don’t play around’: The brothers accused of killing AKA . Judges’ commendations: Storm Simpson with contributors Joel Ontong, Na'ilah Ebrahim and Hanlie Gouws from News24 for Elections 2024: News24 debunks disinformation and fact-checks misinformation.

Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe has been dropped by France ahead of this month's UEFA Nations League matches. Source: UGCMbappe's Real Madrid strugglesDespite posing respectable statistics, per Transfermarkt, Mbappe has struggled to meet the elevated expectations that come with wearing the famous white jersey. His struggles mirror Madrid's own early-season difficulties, with Los Blancos currently trailing behind rivals Barcelona in La Liga and facing setbacks in the Champions League league stage. However, France manager Didier Deschamps made the surprising decision to leave his captain out of the squad for this month's Nations League clashes. The coach clarified any speculation, adding, “Mbappe wanted to come with us; it’s not because of any other problem.”What's next for France and Mbappe?

(Photo: UN/Kim Haughton)By Amina Wako | Friday, November 8, 2024In December 2023, Somalia announced its completion of the HIPC programme, qualifying for $4.5 billion in debt relief. This move marks the latest step in a series of debt relief efforts that have provided Somalia with critical financial breathing room. The US was Somalia’s largest bilateral creditor, holding roughly 20 per cent of Somalia’s debt in 2018, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). In December 2023, Somalia announced its completion of the HIPC programme, qualifying for $4.5 billion in debt relief. Mohamed Shire, director-general of Somalia’s Ministry of Planning, Investment, and Economic Development, also praised the debt relief as “historic” and “excellent news for Somalia’s ongoing recovery effort”.

A demonstrator is arrested outside Parliament during Gen Z protests on June 25 /EZEKIEL AMINGAAn investigation by a global human rights lobby into the handling of the anti-government protests by security forces paints a horrific picture. Wanton arrests, killings and torture at the hands of police officers made demonstrators pay a heavy price in opposing the Finance Bill, 2024, the Human Rights Watch said. “The police acted outside of the law with lethal force that was disproportionate. In its probe, Human Rights Watch says it talked to journalists, protesters, Parliament staff and MPs who were either there on June 25, or viewed CCTV re cordings of events. About an hour before protesters stormed Parliament buildings, police shot at least six people dead along Parliament Road at the entrance to the Kenyatta Mausoleum and another two at the entrance to the Senate buildings, the lobby said.

According to Kanja, 22 victims were found alive, six were found murdered while 29 are still in the hands of abductors. Police conduct arrests and detain the cul prits in lawful custody,” Kanja told MPs. “At least 1,552 protesters were arrested and others captured on camera commuting offences were being pursued,” Kanja told the National Assembly’s Committee on Administration and internal Security. The IG also told the committee chaired by Narok West MP Gabriel Tongoyo that 42 fatalities were recorded during the period. Onyango said the probe into the murder is at an advanced stage and the sleuths have recorded statement from a Kisumu boda boda rider who carried the three main suspects from Kisumu to Gem.

Reynold Cheruiyot has disclosed plans to significantly reduce his Diamond League races next year making a strategic shift in preparation for a pivotal 2025 season. Reigning world under-20 1500m champion Reynold Cheruiyot is making bold adjustments to his competitive calendar as he gears up for the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo. In a decisive shift, the 20-year-old Kenyan has announced plans to minimize his Diamond League appearances next year, marking a significant change from his 2024 season, which featured him in five high-stakes Diamond League meetings. Reflecting on his recent performances and eyeing Tokyo, Cheruiyot believes fewer races on the elite circuit will sharpen his focus for the upcoming world championship. Cheruiyot’s 2024 Diamond League journey was marked by strong showings, starting with a third-place finish in Doha, where he ran 3:32.96, just behind compatriots Brian Komen and Timothy Cheruiyot.

Kalonzo Musyoka’s Wiper and Eugene Wamalwa’s DAP-Kenya are decamping from the opposition coalition in the wake of talks of a looming political deal with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Kalonzo allies told the Star that the team is burning the midnight oil to make the new vehicle ready by end of the year. Makueni MP Daniel Maanzo – a close confidant of Kalonzo – told the Star that the new political vehicle would be in place by next month. Signalling possibility of teaming up with Kalonzo, Gachagua on Saturday said he would give direction to Mt Kenya soon, even as his allies urged him to court Kalonzo and craft a formidable team to face Ruto. Gachagua’s promise came amid pressure from his allies to team up with Kalonzo and other like-minded friends for a mega political outfit.

Five of the cocktails have Mandarin names and use ingredients commonly found in Chinese cuisine. The signature Mao Shan Shi Fu is made of the popular Mao Tai Baijiu mixed with sour plum, Triple Sec and lime. The Fixed Rate cocktail is made with vodka, white coffee and pomegranate. The five other cocktails are inspired by financial terms and a play of the bar’s name. These are Fixed Rate, 3 O’clock, Caina Bonds, Plastic Money and Liquidity.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki while addressing the press at his Harambee House Annex office in Nairobi on 7th November 2024. [Collins Oduor, Standard]Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has urged his successor at the Interior Ministry to work on solving the rising murder cases. In his address, Kindiki asked his supposed successor to look into and reduce the rising cases of mysterious disappearances, abductions and femicide across the country. “I pray that my successor will build on the gains we made and succeed to roll back the emerging reports of mysterious disappearances, abductions and femicide,” Kindiki said. Kindiki has vowed to assist President Ruto implement Bottom-Up Economic Agenda (BETA), and work with other members of the Cabinet.

QUESTION: What became of Roald Dahl’s friend David Coke? David Arthur Coke (pronounced Cook) was a British aristocrat and Second World War pilot who fought with Dahl in Greece. David Arthur Coke (pronounced Cook) was a British aristocrat and Second World War pilot who fought with Roald Dahl in GreeceRoald Dahl during his time with the RAF. In April 1941, Dahl (1916-1990), a young Hurricane pilot, joined the squadron. However, the affable Coke took Dahl under his wing and advised him on how to deal with the German Junkers bombers.

DJ Dirty Fingers is set to heat up the airwaves once more, collaborating with Coke Studio to bring his distinct island summer vibes to an eagerly anticipated remix. DJ Dirty Fingers, who began DJing in 2008, quickly progressed into music production around 2010, producing crowd-pleasing hits like Solwara Meri and Mi Go. This collaboration represents a powerful opportunity for Dirty Fingers, who sees Coke Studio as a valuable platform for elevating the PNG music scene to global audiences. Coke Studio has set a release date soon to be announced, urging listeners to tune in and experience DJ Dirty Fingers’ fresh island beats firsthand. Fans should keep an eye out for the official release date and tune in to experience DJ Dirty Fingers’ unique touch on the much-awaited remix.

Meg Whitman responds to critics as opposition presents wish list to TrumpUS Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman has defended her role and reaffirmed her commitment to positive US-Kenya relations in the face of calls from Kenyan opposition leaders and sections of the public for her recall. However, Kenya’s opposition leaders have issued a wish list for the incoming Trump administration in a bid to strengthen future relations between Nairobi and Washington. They shared priorities they hope the incoming Trump administration will address to improve relations between the two countries, including the recall of Ms Whitman. Mr Wamalwa claimed that under the Biden administration, there were several conditions attached to the country that could be related to LGBTQ. The current Biden administration, Mr Wamalwa said, had left Kenya at the mercy of the “Kenya Kwanza dictatorship”.

Something went wrong, please try again later. Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later. Get the biggest stories and wackiest takes from the Daily Star, including our special WTF Wednesday emailSomething went wrong, please try again later. Get the biggest stories and wackiest takes from the Daily Star, including our special WTF Wednesday emailGrowing numbers of people are making bizarre claims that they can remember life before birth. There was pain, it was cold.”For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.

captionMembers of the Trade, Industry and Cooperatives Committee have rejected a plan by State Department of Investment Promotion to reallocate Sh200 million from the Export Processing Zone Authority (EPZA). Led by the chairperson James Gakuya (Embakasi North), members faulted the State Department for initiating the move to redistribute the funds, without consulting the House Team which oversights the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry. Kitany explained that the right process would have been for the state department to come to the House and make a request. “If there is a need for any appropriation of money, state departments come to Parliament. I will write to them and instruct that the cash be retained by EPZA,” added the PS.

AdvertisementDonald Trump has already started work on his next administration while Republicans edge closer to taking control of both chambers of Congress. The president-elect has held calls with dozens of world leaders and has already made decisions that will formulate his second four years in the White House. All indications are he will likely let the Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell serve out the rest of his term. His allies are also trying to jockey for top jobs, including his cabinet. Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy has ruled himself out while Susie Wiles - the campaign director behind his landslide election victory - is emerging as the favorite.