Kenya’s Ezra Kipchumba Kering Triumphs At 2026 Lagos City Marathon, Wins $50,000

Kenya’s Ezra Kipchumba Kering captured the $50,000 top prize after claiming victory at the 11th edition of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon on Saturday. Kering completed the 2026 Gold Label race in 2:11:55, underscoring the marathon’s status as one of Africa’s most lucrative road events. The men’s competition was closely fought, with Uganda’s Lomoi Samuel challenging Kering until the final metres, finishing just four seconds behind in 2:11:59 to earn the $20,000 runner-up prize. Another Ugandan, Namutala Lumbasi, finished third in 2:12:25, taking home $15,000. Boyi Nyango was the first Nigerian finisher in the men’s race, recording a time of 2:25:32. In the women’s category, Ethiopia’s Dinke Meleka took the crown in 2:37:36, narrowly edging out Kenya’s Cheyech Daniel, who finished in 2:37:43, while Ethiopia’s Zewdalem Getaw placed third in 2:38:59. Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, representing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, commended the organisers for sustaining the marathon’s global prominence. He reiterated the government’s commitment to the event, highlighting its current World Athletics Gold Label status and ambitions to achieve Platinum Label recognition. “We are happy to host one of the biggest marathons in the world. The Access Bank Lagos City Marathon is currently a Gold Label race, and we will do everything in our power to achieve the Platinum Label, the highest rank,” Hamzat said. Deborah Badung made history as the first Nigerian woman to complete this year’s race, finishing in 2:55:46. The marathon continues to combine elite competition with grassroots development and corporate investment in sports. Access Bank had previously outlined the elite prize structure, awarding $50,000 to winners in both men’s and women’s races, while Nigerian elite athletes compete for prizes ranging from N2 million for first place to N50,000 for tenth.

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CAF Sends Technical Team To Inspect Stadiums In Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya Ahead Of 2027 AFCON

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has deployed a team of technical experts to Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya to inspect facilities ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, PAMOJA 2027. The three East African nations secured the hosting rights over a joint Nigeria-Benin bid, making the 2027 edition the first to end CAF’s traditional biennial format. CAF President Patrice Motsepe had previously announced that the tournament following 2027 will take place in 2028, with subsequent editions held every four years. The inspection visits, which began this week and will continue until Tuesday, February 17, coincide with Motsepe’s scheduled visit to Tanzania on Friday. The technical team will assess pitches, infrastructure, safety, and security at key match and training venues across the three host countries, in line with CAF’s standards for world-class tournament delivery. “CAF’s inspections form part of a broader strategy to raise standards on and off the pitch across African football. By driving consistent, world-class benchmarks in infrastructure, operations and venue management, CAF aims to enhance the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON’s reputation as among the leading football tournaments in the world,” the governing body said in a statement on Wednesday. The initiative also supports CAF’s wider goal of strengthening a self-sustaining football ecosystem in Africa, partnering with governments to improve facilities, operational capacity, and long-term development. In Tanzania, inspections have started in Dar es Salaam, covering Benjamin Mkapa Stadium and training sites, before moving to Arusha for Samia Suluhu Stadium, and then Zanzibar for Amaan and Fumba Stadiums. Kenya’s programme includes three Nairobi stadiums—Kasarani, Nyayo, and Talanta—alongside training grounds such as the Ulinzi Sports Complex and Kenya Academy of Sports. Uganda’s inspection will cover Entebbe and Kampala, with Mandela National Stadium and other training venues, as well as Hoima City Stadium in Hoima. “CAF will continue to work closely with the three host nations, their governments, and Local Organising Committees to support delivery planning and ensure that preparations intensify for the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania 2027,” the statement added.

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Kenyan Woman Dies in Stampede at Asake Concert in Nairobi

A Kenyan woman, identified as Karen Lojore, tragically died during Nigerian singer Asake’s concert at Nairobi’s Nyayo Stadium on Saturday. The incident occurred when a stampede broke out at the venue, which was attended by thousands of fans. Kenyan news outlet Ghetto Radio reported that poor ticket management caused congestion at the stadium entrances, contributing to the chaos. In response, Kenya’s Kodong Clan withdrew from the event, citing disrespect and mistreatment by the organisers. Friends and acquaintances of Lojore took to social media to mourn her death, highlighting that she had a valid ticket, which should have ensured her safety. One user wrote, “One of my friends just lost her friend at the Asake concert; she was in the stampede and unfortunately lost her life, yet she had a ticket. My heart breaks for her. Aki, may she rest in peace.” Poet and activist Willie Oeba also confirmed the incident, expressing sadness over the circumstances surrounding her death. “Karen passed on last night as a result of the stampede at the Nyayo Stadium Asake concert. Very sad to die in such a manner at such a time. Rest in peace, young soul,” he said. Eyewitnesses reported that slow movement by stewards at the entry points caused large crowds to form outside the stadium. Police efforts to restore order reportedly escalated the situation, leading to panic, running, and cries of “I can’t breathe” from the crowd. This tragedy recalls a similar incident at Asake’s London concert on December 15, 2022, at the O2 Brixton Academy, where a crowd crush claimed two lives and left several others critically injured.

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Three Nigerians Arrested In Kenya Over Alleged Cyber Fraud

Three Nigerian nationals have been arrested in Mwaliko Estate, Mwea Town, Kenya, on suspicion of running a cyber fraud operation. According to Tuko News, the suspects—identified as Peter Chukwujekwu, Alazor Chukulute Sunday, and Nnalue Chiagozie Samwe—were apprehended on Wednesday by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). Residents reportedly alerted authorities after noticing unusual late-night activities at the suspects’ apartment. The DCI confirmed that the arrests were part of “a multi-agency raid targeting a cyber fraud ring” in the area. In an official statement, the DCI said, “Three Nigerian nationals nabbed in Kirinyaga multi-agency raid. A well-coordinated multi-agency raid in Mwaliko Estate within Mwea town has blown the lid off a suspected cyber fraud ring operated by three Nigerian nationals.” The suspects, who claimed to operate an online business, were living in Kenya illegally without valid work permits. This incident is part of a broader trend of Nigerians being arrested abroad for offenses including cybercrime, human trafficking, and drug-related crimes. In June 2023, 19 Nigerians were detained in Nairobi for electronic fraud targeting Kenyan citizens. The DCI noted that the suspects, aged between 19 and 33, used social media to lure victims by posing as sellers offering deliveries from abroad. “The fraudsters start by befriending you on social media (Facebook), and once you accept the friend request, they initiate a friendly chat that promises the victim goodies to be sent through DHL at the airport,” the agency explained.

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11 Perish in Kenya Plane Crash

A plane crash killed 11 people, mostly foreign tourists, in Kenya’s coastal region of Kwale early Tuesday while en route to the Maasai Mara National Reserve. The airline, Mombasa Air Safari, said in a statement eight Hungarian and two German passengers were onboard, and that the Kenyan pilot was also killed. The plane crashed in a hilly and forested area about 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Diani airstrip, authorities said. The airline did not confirm what time the aircraft departed Diani airstrip, saying the pilot failed to communicate upon departure and the airport control tower tried to reach him for 30 minutes before the plane was located. Investigating agencies were looking into the cause of the crash that happened at 05:30 a.m. local time, Kwale County Commissioner Stephen Orinde told The Associated Press. There was heavy rain in coastal Kenya at the time. The aircraft burst into flames, leaving charred wreckage at the scene, officials said. Witnesses told the AP that they heard a loud bang, and upon arriving at the scene, they found unrecognizable human remains. The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority had earlier said that 12 people were onboard the Cessna Caravan-type aircraft. The Maasai Mara National Reserve is located west of the coastline and is a two-hour direct flight from Diani, a popular coastal town known for its sandy beaches. The reserve attracts a large number of tourists as it features the annual wildebeest migration from the Serengeti in Tanzania. The Kenyan coastline’s white sand beaches along the Indian Ocean attract tourists from all over the world. According to the most recent safety oversight audit for Kenya posted on the International Civil Aviation Organization website, from 2018, the country fell below the global average in accident investigation.  

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Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga Passes Away at 80

Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga has died at the age of 80 while receiving medical treatment in India, family sources confirmed. According to Indian authorities, Odinga collapsed suddenly while walking with family members and his personal doctor. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead. In recent weeks, speculation about his health had circulated, but family members and political allies dismissed claims that he was critically ill. Leaders across Africa, including Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, have expressed condolences. Odinga was a towering figure in Kenyan politics, running unsuccessfully for the presidency five times and rejecting the results each time, alleging electoral fraud. Following the 2017 elections, Kenya’s Supreme Court annulled Uhuru Kenyatta’s victory and ordered a fresh vote, which Odinga boycotted, citing the need for electoral reforms. His political career included some of Kenya’s most turbulent periods. The disputed 2007 elections sparked nationwide violence, leaving 1,200 dead and forcing around 600,000 people from their homes. A power-sharing agreement brokered by former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan led to a unity government, with Odinga serving as prime minister. Throughout his career, he reconciled with incumbent presidents after contentious elections. After losing in 2022, he joined President William Ruto in a “broad-based government,” defending the move as essential for national unity following protests that resulted in dozens of deaths. Earlier this year, Odinga sought to become chairperson of the African Union Commission, with support from the Ruto administration. Despite strong regional backing, he lost to Djibouti’s Mahmoud Ali Youssouf. Odinga inspired deep loyalty, especially in western Kenya, earning nicknames like “Baba” (Father), “Agwambo” (Act of God), and “Tinga” (Tractor). Known for his strategic brilliance and ability to mobilize crowds, he maintained strong connections with ordinary citizens. A steadfast defender of democracy and human rights, Odinga was Kenya’s longest-serving political detainee, imprisoned twice under Daniel arap Moi’s one-party rule—from 1982 to 1988 and 1989 to 1991. His first imprisonment followed an attempted coup in 1982, which elevated him onto the national political stage. Odinga will be remembered for his lifelong fight for democratic freedoms, his influence on Kenyan politics, and his ability to inspire and mobilize millions.  

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Egypt 2025: Flying Eagles Reach Quarter-Finals

Nigeria reached the quarter finals of the ongoing CAF U20 Championship in Egypt despite having to force Kenya’s Rising Stars to a 2-2 draw in the last match of group B on Wednesday. In the event, the Flying Eagles finished second on the table with five points, two behind group leaders Morocco who drilled Tunisia 3-1 in the other match of the pool and will remain in Cairo for the quarter finals, against the second-placed team in group A. Group A is made up of hosts Egypt, South Africa, Sierra Leone, Zambia and Tanzania. Seven-time champions Nigeria will now have to make the trip to Ismailia for their quarter-final game on Monday, against the second-placed team in group C. Group C is made up of title-holders Senegal, bitter-rivals Ghana, Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Kenya’s Rising Stars made the game difficult for the Flying Eagles, as the wards of Aliyu Zubairu had to come from behind twice to salvage the encounter. Kevin Wangaya put the Rising Stars ahead after only five minutes, scoring from the penalty spot after a Nigerian defender stopped the ball with his hand in the box. Nigeria restored parity seven minutes later, after Kparobo Arierhi waltzed his way through the defence to place the ball firmly beyond the reach of the opposition goal-tender. The East Africans were back in front in the 68th minute, as the Flying Eagles’ rearguard ball-watched a freekick from the left and allowed William to blast the ball past goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt from Lawrence’s in-swinger. Five minutes later, Nigeria were level again, with captain Daniel Bameyi sending the goalkeeper the wrong way from the spot after substitute Mendos Rickson was upended in the box. The Flying Eagles’ match on Monday will be the first quarter-final, starting at 3pm Egypt time (1pm Nigeria time) in Ismailia.

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Kenyan MP Shot Dead in ‘Targeted’ Attack in Nairobi

A Kenyan member of parliament has been shot dead in the streets of the capital Nairobi by gunmen on a motorcycle in a suspected assassination. Police said the attackers had been trailing Charles Ong’ondo Were’s vehicle before one of them got off the motorbike and shot him at close range. “The nature of this crime appears to be both targeted and predetermined,” police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said in a statement. The opposition MP had two months ago complained about threats to his life, local media reported. After the shooting on late Wednesday, his driver and bodyguard, both unhurt, managed to rush the injured MP to Nairobi Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The attack happened along Ngong Road near a busy roundabout often manned by traffic police officers and well secured with security cameras. Shortly after the shooting, senior police commanders and detectives visited the scene and investigations are underway, police said. President William Ruto has ordered police to conduct a thorough investigation into the attack, adding that: “Those responsible must be held to account.” Fellow legislators who visited the scene expressed shock and outrage at the killing and called for swift investigations and justice. Parliament Speaker Moses Wetang’ula described the MP as a “fearless and distinguished” legislator, calling his shooting “devastating”. Were represented the Kasipul constituency in western Kenya as a member of the Orange Democratic Movement, led by veteran politician Raila Odinga. In his statement, Odinga condemned the killing, saying the legislator was “mercilessly and in cold blood, gunned down by an assassin”. “We have lost a gallant son of the soil!” Odinga added. Odinga lost to President Ruto in the 2022 election and rejected the results due to alleged irregularities. The former prime minister has since struck a political deal with Ruto which saw some opposition members join cabinet in what is referred as the “broad-based government”.

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