KUALA LUMPUR: To address the "trust deficit" facing the military, the Armed Forces must strengthen integrity and subject all procurement issues to diligent review, says Jen Datuk Malek Razak Sulaiman. In his inaugural address to the troops, the Armed Forces chief emphasised that any act of misconduct or abuse of power directly tarnishes the institution's reputation. "Therefore, the Malaysian Armed Forces Anti-Corruption Plan 2025–2029 must be fully implemented. Jen Malek Razak added that implementation reports must be presented periodically to the highest leadership to ensure accountability. "The Malaysian Armed Forces Standard Management Audit must be carried out according to the prescribed schedule, with special audits conducted whenever risk indicators arise.

February 16, 2026 10:47 UTC

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna was yesterday teargassed in Kitengela but the embattled ODM secretary general declared he would not be intimidated. Sifuna declared that no amount of intimidation or political threats will force him to retreat from criticising the government. Sifuna, who is also the Nairobi senator, insisted that he and like-minded leaders will continue speaking out against alleged injustices. Vihiga Senator Godffrey Osotsi, Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka and Siaya Governor James Orengo joined Sifuna at the service. “We were three deputy party leaders, those ones have gone to Ruto.

February 16, 2026 10:40 UTC

Cameron Mathison, a familiar face in Kenyan living rooms thanks to the enduring popularity of daytime soaps like General Hospital, has confirmed that his marriage to Vanessa Arevalo is over. For the legions of Kenyan soap opera fans who have followed Mathison from his days as Ryan Lavery in Pine Valley to Drew Cain in Port Charles, the news comes as a shock. Unlike the dramatic, vase-throwing exits typical of the characters Mathison plays, this real-life plot twist appears somber and measured. A Kenyan Fan FavoriteIn Kenya, where soap operas are not just entertainment but a cultural touchstone that bridges generations, Mathison is household royalty. The fantasy of the perfect soap star life has been punctured, replaced by a more relatable, if melancholic, reality.

February 16, 2026 10:02 UTC

Ramadan 2026: When is it starting and ending? Ramadan 2026 will begin mid-February and end 29 or 30 days later, depending on the moon sighting in different countries. Ramadan 2026: What are the fasting hours? Ramadan 2026: Iftaar and Suhoor timings (Worldwide)Iftaar is the meal eaten at sunset to break the fast. Ramadan 2026: Suhoor, Iftar timings, fasting hoursThe table below highlights the suhoor and iftar timings along with the total fasting hours on both the opening and closing days of Ramadan 2026.

February 16, 2026 09:35 UTC

Bluefield, WV (24701)TodayA mix of clouds and sun early followed by cloudy skies this afternoon. High near 60F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph..TonightCloudy skies. Low near 45F. Winds light and variable.

February 16, 2026 09:34 UTC





(AFP)The US government has stated that Kenya holds the sovereign power to go through with the Sh322 billion health deal agreed between the two countries last year. The downside is the delay affects planning for HIV and other health services in the meantime,” said Kristine Yakhama, representative, TB Women Kenya. Though the pause has not stopped health services, if not solved, services will stall. Some health support activities linked to the broader relationship, particularly ongoing U.S.-supported health services and funding channels, are still in effect under existing arrangements. She observed that health funding that bypasses fiscal modelling and parliamentary scrutiny risks becoming unsustainable, and that sustainability is the fastest way to undermine Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

February 16, 2026 08:12 UTC

Winter Olympics: African and Caribbean skiers unite to call for more inclusion, supportSix Olympic skiers joined by their parents, coaches and federation presidents came together on Sunday to advocate for more inclusion at the Winter Games. In 1984, Lamine Gueye was the first Black African skier to participate in the Winter Olympics. Today, 14 athletes representing African nations are competing – more than double the amount in 2022 in Beijing, many of them athletes of colour. This is only the nation’s second time at the Winter Olympics, with Richardson Viano in the slalom ski races and Stevenson Savart competing in cross-country skiing. His dad, meanwhile, is set on continuing to work for more inclusion with the other representatives of Caribbean and African nations.

February 16, 2026 07:16 UTC

Party hopping begins: Defections rise as political players position themselves for 2027 16th February, 2026Kenya’s 2027 General Election may be months away, but the political groundwork is already in motion. Across the country, 2026 is shaping up as the year of calculated realignments, quiet defections, early campaign machinery and strategic positioning that could ultimately determine the outcome long before voters cast their ballots. Behind closed-door meetings, shifting alliances and subtle public messaging, key players are laying the foundation for what is expected to be a high-stakes contest. The battle lines are forming early — and the real race may be decided well before election day.

February 16, 2026 06:45 UTC

PETALING JAYA: More Bersatu divisions are expected to be dissolved in the coming days, in retaliation to the party’s decision to expel its deputy president Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin. More divisions will be dissolved, signalling a protest against the party leadership,” claimed a source. “This decision was further reinforced by the dismissal of deputy president Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin and division chief Mohd Hassundi Hamzah,” he said. “The majority of the division’s leadership attended the ‘Reset’ programme organised by Bersatu vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee in solidarity with, and in support of Hamzah. “The event demonstrated the backing from the party’s leadership and grassroots nationwide.

February 16, 2026 02:18 UTC

Bersatu Youth information chief Harris Idaham Rashid said four administrators suspected of being behind the sabotage had been removed, and that management of the account had been returned to Bersatu officials. On Feb 14, Bersatu lodged reports with the police, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and Meta following the alleged unauthorised takeover of its official Facebook page on Thursday (Feb 12) afternoon. The incident comes amid an intensifying leadership tussle between Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Hamzah. According to Harris Idaham, the four administrators had full access to the page's content, permissions and administrative functions. "The posts clearly portrayed the former Bersatu deputy president in a positive light while casting Muhyiddin in a negative light," said Harris Idaham.

February 16, 2026 01:35 UTC

The viral Russian man sparked debate after being spotted with multiple women. Photo: Yayteslav Truhov. What did real estate lady say about Russian guy? Photo: Yayteslav Truhov. In a recent TikTok live session, the lady disclosed that the fallout from the viral video had severely affected her marriage.

February 15, 2026 21:56 UTC

“I am the Deputy President. The Deputy President described himself as a seasoned politician who understands when to engage in politics and when to focus on service delivery. He emphasized that his current priority is to accelerate development projects and ensure the completion of ongoing initiatives to improve the lives of wananchi. Additionally, Mariene University in Central Imenti has been earmarked for completion. Since becoming Deputy President, Kithure Kindiki has intensified development inspection tours, commissioning roads, markets and housing projects while engaging local leaders and clergy.

February 15, 2026 21:33 UTC

[File, Standard]Local petroleum exploration firm Gulf Energy is seeking to start the production of crude oil by December, even as it pledged to maintain international best practice in the process. Gulf Energy E&P BV Chairman Francis Njogu described the project as the single most significant private-sector-driven upstream petroleum investment in Kenya’s history. “While the plan demonstrates a clear scheduling, phased risk reduction and strong economic rationale, Gulf Energy also reaffirms its commitment to operate transparently, safely and in full compliance with Kenyan legislation and international best practices,” he explained. He said the South Lokichar Development presents a strategic and time-sensitive opportunity for Kenya to convert a well-understood petroleum resource into long-term economic value. “As a result, frontier oil projects such as South Lokichar must demonstrate strong economics, robust fiscal stability, and timely decision-making to remain competitive for capital.

February 15, 2026 21:28 UTC

Audio By VocalizeShujaa co-captain Samuel Asati during their 2026 HSBC SVNS 2 match against Uruguay at Nyayo Stadium on February 15, 2026. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]Kenya Sevens have finished third in the opening leg of the 2026 HSBC SVNS Division two played Nairobi. This is after Shujaa lost 21-5 to USA in their final match of the competition that saw Germany pip them to gold medal at Nyayo Stadium. Kenya finish third with 12 points same as USA who have a superior point difference. Germany finished top with 13 points after picking a losing bonus against Kenya.

February 15, 2026 21:06 UTC

More than 3.3 million Kenyans are facing hunger, not because the land has failed, but because leadership has. At the same time, students under the new education system are yet to fully report to school. There are no books, we have inadequate classrooms, overwhelmed teachers, and confused parents struggling to keep up with rising costs. These funds are meant to bring services closer to the people, food security, education support, healthcare, water, agriculture, and social protection. While youth stare into an uncertain future, public funds disappear into private pockets.

February 15, 2026 21:00 UTC