Thursday, February 19, 2026 - National Assembly Majority Leader, Kimani Ichung’wah, has tabled intelligence reports exposing a clandestine recruitment pipeline luring Kenyans into Russia’s military ranks.According to the National Intelligence Service (NIS), private agencies and rogue officials are facilitating the enlistment of ex-police officers, former soldiers, and civilians aged between their mid‑20s and 50s, lured by promises of lucrative pay and citizenship.The reports reveal that recruiters offered monthly salaries of about Ksh350,000, bonuses ranging from Ksh900,000 to Ksh1.2 million, and eventual Russian citizenship.More than 1,000 Kenyans are believed to have left the country, with updates from February 2026 confirming at least 200 already deployed in combat.Victims were flown out on tourist visas via Istanbul and Abu Dhabi, while others rerouted through Uganda, DRC, and South Africa to avoid scrutiny at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.Investigations indicate collusion between rogue staff at the Directorate of Immigration Services, DCI, Anti‑Narcotics Unit, and National Employment Authority, alongside officials at the Russian Embassy in Nairobi and Kenya’s Embassy in Moscow.One agency along Koinange Street allegedly recruited youth under the “Kazi Majuu” banner, with medical screenings conducted at three Nairobi CBD offices.In September, the Transnational Organised Crimes Unit rescued 22 Kenyans from holding premises at Great Wall Garden Apartments.Returnees disclosed undergoing three weeks of military training in Moscow despite being promised non‑combat roles.Current figures show 39 Kenyans hospitalised, 30 repatriated, 28 missing, 35 in camps, 89 on the front line, one detained, and one having completed contract.At least 10 deaths have been confirmed, with the toll possibly rising to 18, while four remain prisoners of war in Ukraine.Foreign Cabinet Secretary, Musalia Mudavadi, is due to travel to Moscow to address the issue of Kenyans being unlawfully recruited into the Ukraine‑Russia war.Mudavadi emphasized that the Government is committed to safeguarding Kenyans abroad, not only from war‑related recruitment but also from broader human rights abuses tied to overseas employment. The Kenyan DAILY POST 

Thursday, February 19, 2026 - Raila Odinga’s alleged adopted son, Oketch Salah, has broken his silence on why he left India just hours before the former Prime Minister’s death.In a statement released on Thursday, February 19th, 2026, Salah responded to Raila’s sister, Ruth Odinga, offering his version of events and clarifying his relationship with the Odinga family.Salah revealed that he had been by Raila’s side in India during his last days but returned to Kenya at Raila’s personal request to attend his son’s postponed wedding.“The only reason I returned earlier was because Baba personally asked me to go back to Kenya to conclude my son’s wedding.”“I was supposed to meet him again in Dubai,” Salah explained.Sadly, Raila passed away in India on October 15, 2025, before that reunion could happen.He further disclosed that he had convinced Raila to allow Ruth Odinga to travel to India, and arranged her business class ticket on Fly Emirates.“For the record, I am the one who convinced Baba to have you join us in India,” Salah stated.In an emotional reflection, Salah said he spent most of Raila’s final moments with him, describing them as “real, painful and deeply personal.”He insisted that he will not allow those memories to be erased or turned into political theatre.His statement came after Ruth Odinga told a local TV station that Salah should give the family space, claiming that she barely knows him and has only met him three times. The Kenyan DAILY POST

Thursday, February 19, 2026 - Raila Odinga’s alleged adopted son, Oketch Salah, has intensified his fallout with the Odinga family after issuing a defiant ultimatum over the future of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).In a strongly worded statement on Thursday, February 19th, 2026, Salah challenged the Odinga clan to clarify whether ODM is a family-owned party or a national movement.His remarks came in response to Ruth Odinga’s interview a day earlier, where she dismissed knowing him personally.Salah insisted his contributions to ODM were made at Raila’s request, not for personal gain.“I come from a well‑established business family. Whatever I have done for ODM was not driven by selfish interests; it was done at Baba’s request.”“ODM does not belong to you, or to me, or to any one family,” he declared.The businessman emphasized that if ODM is indeed a family affair, he will step aside.“Baba spent more than 20 years building ODM into a national party. It belongs to the people of Kenya,” he added.Salah also accused Ruth of undermining her elder brother, Dr. Oburu Odinga, who assumed party leadership.“If you allow your elder brother to be put on the chopping board today, do not be surprised if tomorrow it is your turn,” he warned.Ruth Odinga has maintained she barely knows Salah, claiming that they have only met three times.In response, Salah stated that all their interactions were initiated by the Kisumu Woman Rep.“The truth is simple: the only times you and I have ever spoken or met are the times you reached out to me,” Salah said. The Kenyan DAILY POST

Thursday, February 19, 2026 - People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader, Martha Karua, has shared her frustrations with the Social Health Authority (SHA) after her father’s recent hospital admission. Speaking on Thursday, February 19th, Karua revealed that SHA covered less than 10 percent of her father’s medical bill, leaving her to shoulder the rest. “My father was hospitalised last week, and his bill had accumulated to more than Ksh300,000. SHA only paid Ksh17,000,” she disclosed. Karua lamented that while she could afford to clear the balance, many Kenyans are left helpless. She questioned why the Government abandoned the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), which she argued offered better support. “Right now, Kenyans pay a bigger percentage of the bills, which was different when we were still under NHIF.” “Why did the Government move away from something that was working?” she posed. She accused the Government of enriching a few individuals at the expense of citizens’ health. “Don’t deduct our money, yet we cannot see where it is going. All we see is people getting rich, yet we cannot ascertain what businesses they are involved in,” she said. Karua maintained that the shift from NHIF to SHA was a step backward, joining other leaders who have criticized the fund. This comes after it emerged that SHA has so far lost Ksh11 billion through fake claims by medical facilities. Health CS Aden Duale admitted the loss but assured Kenyans that the Ministry is working to recover the funds and clean up the system. The Kenyan DAILY POST

Thursday, February 19, 2026 - A Thai national has been sentenced to 27 years’ imprisonment by Senior Principal Magistrate Hon. Irene Gichobi at the JKIA Law Courts for trafficking narcotic drugs.Netima Ngamsap was charged and found guilty of trafficking 2,092 grams of cocaine valued at Ksh. 8,368,000.The court heard that the drugs were concealed in a false bottom of a grey suitcase, contrary to the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act.Prosecution, led by John Tago, presented eleven witnesses whose testimonies provided cogent and consistent evidence linking the accused to the offence.During the trial, the accused was represented by defence counsel and was accorded the services of a professional Thai interpreter to ensure a fair hearing.Upon conviction and sentencing, the court informed the accused of his right to appeal against both conviction and sentence within 14 days.The Kenyan DAILY POST

Thursday, February 19, 2026 - Plans by the terrorist group, Al-Shabaab, to carry out a deadly attack in Nairobi have once again been thwarted by Kenyan intelligence agencies.According to security sources, months of surveillance and covert intelligence gathering on a suspected terror network operating within the Dadaab refugee camps led to the recovery of a cache of weapons and other materials destined for targets in Nairobi.The recovered items include 600 rounds of ammunition, pistols, grenades, explosives, and drugs.Authorities believe the group had planned to execute the attack during the month of Ramadhan.Investigations further indicate that the suspects were also exploring the possibility of kidnapping foreigners and hijacking vehicles as part of their broader plan.Security agencies have reiterated their commitment to safeguarding the country, noting that continued vigilance and intelligence-led operations have played a key role in preventing potential attacks.The Kenyan DAILY POST

Thursday, February 19, 2026 - A Nairobi court has acquitted David Mokaya, who had been charged with publishing a controversial photo of President William Ruto at a funeral procession.The image, shared on X in November 2024, showed a casket draped in the Kenyan flag escorted by a military officer, captioned: “President William Ruto leaving Lee funeral home.”Delivering judgment on Thursday, February 19th, 2026, Milimani Principal Magistrate Carolyne Nyaguthii Mugo ruled that the prosecution failed to prove its case.She noted there was no independent evidence linking Mokaya to the X account that posted the image.“Having excluded unlawfully obtained evidence and finding no proof connecting the accused to the publication, this court finds the prosecution has failed to discharge the burden of proof beyond reasonable doubt.”“Accordingly, the accused person is hereby acquitted,” she stated.Magistrate Nyaguthii emphasized that constitutional safeguards apply equally, even when the subject of a publication is the President.She warned against investigative shortcuts, stressing that criminal processes must not be used as tools of expediency in politically sensitive cases.The court further observed that investigators bypassed legal safeguards, seizing and examining Mokaya’s gadgets without a court order.While acknowledging that offensive or false material may have been published online, Nyaguthii clarified that liability only attaches to the actual publisher.Her ruling highlighted Articles 27 and 244 of the Constitution, which guarantee equal protection of the law and require the National Police Service to respect human rights. The Kenyan DAILY POST

Thursday, February 19, 2026 - The Russian Embassy in Nairobi has dismissed claims that it has been secretly recruiting Kenyan citizens to fight in the ongoing war with Ukraine. In a statement released on X on Thursday, February 19th, 2026, the Embassy described the reports as part of a “coordinated propaganda campaign” circulating in Kenyan media and public spaces. It insisted that allegations linking its staff to illegal recruitment schemes were false and misleading. “The Embassy of the Russian Federation has noted with great concern that a dangerous and misleading propaganda campaign has been unfolding around cases of Kenyan citizens who travelled to Russia, joined the Armed Forces, and saw combat in Ukraine,” the statement read. The Embassy clarified that Russian authorities have never engaged in illegal recruitment of Kenyan citizens. It further stated that no visas had been issued to Kenyans declaring their intention to participate in what Moscow calls the “Special Military Operation” in Ukraine. However, the Embassy acknowledged that Russian law does not prohibit foreign nationals from voluntarily enlisting in the Armed Forces if they are legally in the country. It emphasized that the Embassy itself has not encouraged or facilitated such enlistment. The statement also expressed readiness for “constructive and depoliticized dialogue” with the Kenyan Government, noting that several bilateral agreements on labour migration, travel, and security cooperation have been under consideration. This denial comes amid reports from Kenya’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) that private agencies and rogue officials have been facilitating enlistment of ex-police officers, former soldiers, and civilians lured by promises of lucrative pay and eventual citizenship. According to the reports, more than 1,000 Kenyans are believed to have left for Russia, with at least 200 already deployed in combat. Current figures indicate 39 hospitalised, 30 repatriated, 28 missing, 89 on the front line, and at least 10 confirmed dead. The Kenyan DAILY POST

Thursday, February 19, 2026 - Jubilee Party deputy leader and 2027 presidential hopeful, Fred Matiang’i, has issued fresh demands to the United Opposition coalition on selecting its presidential candidate. Speaking in Nairobi on Wednesday, February 18th, after receiving endorsement from the Party of National Unity (PNU), Matiang’i stressed that alliance building must involve all stakeholders, including the public. He warned that he will not accept any decision made without broad participation. “From where I sit, it ought to be an inclusive process, because in alliance building, process is as important as the outcome itself.” “If you have five candidates, four will walk away without the flagbearer position.” “They must have credible conviction to tell their supporters that we went through this process and settled on X or Y candidate,” Matiang’i said. He added: “If our interests are unity, then there is no substitute for inclusion, including the public. The people of Kenya should be part of the process.” His remarks come amid heightened competition within the opposition, with principals lobbying for endorsement to face President William Ruto in 2027. The coalition has pledged to field a single candidate, warning that disunity will hand Ruto an easy victory. The opposition had earlier announced plans to unveil its candidate in April 2026, though some leaders now prefer an early 2027 announcement. As campaigns intensify, principals have been traversing the country declaring their ambitions, raising questions about unity. Despite internal realignments, the coalition insists it remains intact. Matiang’i and Wiper leader, Kalonzo Musyoka, are seen as frontrunners, with one expected to clinch the ticket. Other key figures in the alliance include Rigathi Gachagua, Martha Karua, Eugene Wamalwa and Justin Muturi. The Kenyan DAILY POST

Thursday, February 19, 2026 - Kapsaret Member of Parliament, Oscar Sudi, has set tongues wagging after sharing a video showcasing his lavish exit from Parliament buildings. In the video, the outspoken lawmaker, who is a close ally of President William Ruto, is seen being ushered into his high-end Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon, a multi-million shilling luxury SUV. A section of Kenyans on social media criticized the MP’s display of wealth, especially amid the country’s ongoing economic hardships. During the height of the Gen Z-led protests, many politicians toned down public displays of luxury following criticism from young Kenyans who accused leaders of being out of touch with the struggles facing ordinary citizens. However, with the protests having subsided, some leaders appear to have resumed showcasing their affluent lifestyles online, a move that continues to divide opinion. Watch the video>>> below OSCAR SUDI the boss............. pic.twitter.com/l0TbPLN1rN— DAILY POST 🇰🇪 (@dailypost_ke) February 19, 2026 The Kenyan DAILY POST

Thursday, February 19, 2026 - The Lang’ata Primary schoolboy who once trended online after shouting “Ruto ni mwizi” during a tear-gas confrontation with police while protesting an alleged playground grab has died. The young man, identified as David Shitanda, is said to have lost his life while fighting alongside Russian forces in the ongoing war in Ukraine. According to reports, Shitanda left Kenya around mid-2025 and travelled to Russia in search of economic opportunities, reportedly expressing frustration over limited prospects for young people back home. His mother, Susan Kuloba, is said to have received a final voice note from him before news of his death was communicated to the family. Renowned activist Boniface Mwangi later visited Shitanda’s mother at her home in Kibera, where she expressed deep grief over her son’s death. Watch the video>>> below. David Shitanda did not deserve to die so young, thousands of kilometers away from his home and family.David's brief life on earth personifies how Kenyan leadership is failing its youth. As a kid in primary school, he fought against greedy leadership. As an adult, the same… pic.twitter.com/QxzD1Rw7RM— The People’s President (@bonifacemwangi) February 19, 2026 The Kenyan DAILY POST

Thursday, February 19, 2026 - CCTV footage has captured a brazen robbery in Nairobi’s South C estate, showing two motorbike-riding thugs snatching a phone from a man in broad daylight.In the video, the victim is seen walking through the residential estate while speaking on his phone, unaware of what was about to unfold.The suspected thieves initially drive past him before turning around behind him.The pillion passenger quickly grabs the phone and flees, leaving the victim shaken and attempting to give chase in vain.Bystanders, drawn by the victim’s screams, could only watch helplessly as the gang vanished.This incident comes amid rising cases of thugs using motorbikes to snatch phones and other belongings from residents across Nairobi.Watch the video>>> below A mobile phone snatching gang on the loose is captured taking away a mobile phone from a pedestrian on February 18, 2026 in South C, Nairobi; police are tracking the gang behind the trend in many parts of the city and other urban areas pic.twitter.com/P5Y7YSa99P— Cyprian, Is Nyakundi (@C_NyaKundiH) February 19, 2026 The Kenyan DAILY POST

 The former DP, known for his vocal stance on family values, described himself as "overjoyed" to be surrounded by his kin as they treated "Daktari Keith" to a sumptuous dinner.

 

Actor Chinedu Ikedieze was gifted a brand new SUV by Businessman Emeka Okonkwo on his (Emekas Birthday) on Wednesday February 18, 2026..Chinedu was one of the over 30 people who got a brand new car......

Gabriella John Nasky (Naskii) went viral for styling Tems and Dave’s “Raindance” with just 48 hours’ notice. But the career pivot that got her there started with a simple irritation: watching music videos where the outfits just didn’t make sense. “I’d watch a music video or a film and think, ‘Why are you wearing that […] The post Meet the Stylist Behind Dave & Tems’ Raindance Looks And Why She Refuses the ‘Stylist’ Label appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Braided ponytails (Shuku) are having a serious moment right now. The sleek stitch braid ponytail, especially the ultra small versions, is literally everywhere. It is polished, dramatic, and undeniably pretty. But before you rush to your braider with screenshot in hand, there are a few important things to keep in mind. Let us start with […] The post Thinking of Getting a Braided Ponytail (Shuku)? Read This First appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

 

The arrested suspects in Kenya used messaging apps, social media, and fictitious testimonials to lure victims into making fake investments in reputable global corporations.

Meta is accused of denying third-party AI companies access to an application that allows them to integrate their chat bots with WhatsApp, while allowing its own Meta AI access.

 Beautiful people....

The post “Any woman who lets a man name her first child after his first child with his ex has witch vibes” – Toni Payne shades Rosy Meurer appeared first on Kemi Filani News. Nigerian photographer Toni Payne has thrown shade at actress Rosy Meurer following her tantrums over her husband, Olakunle Churchill’s reconciliation with Tonto Dikeh. On her Instagram story, Toni noted that she always minds her business; however, any woman who allows a man to name her first child after his first child with his ex-wife has […] The post “Any woman who lets a man name her first child after his first child with his ex has witch vibes” – Toni Payne shades Rosy Meurer appeared first on Kemi Filani News.

  These are just pictures but they tell stories that will either Educate, Entertain or Motivate you....

Actress Ekene Umenwa is in the centre of a gossip brouhaha and interestingly all what she said was captured digitally in the home of the US based Nurse she stayed with while she was pregnant...Before I continue, let me restate that the house where Ekene gossiped is digitalised till date...So what happens is that your gossip is automatically recorded.. LOLSo this is what I know from the things

The move folds Rubaya, despite AFC/M23 control, into Kinshasa’s push to attract US investment to conflict-hit eastern Congo.

Some journeys look effortless on the map with a simple line between two neighbouring countries. These journeys, however, become unexpectedly complicated the moment you attempt to work on the logistics. My recent trip from Conakry in Guinea to Freetown in neighbouring Sierra Leone proved just how easily such a seemingly simple journey can become complicated.  […] The post Dayo Akinbode: Why Moving Across West Africa Still Feels Impossible appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Hmmmm....STAND ALONE NARRATIVEENEMY OF PROGRESS RELATIVEI have been saving money for years to buy a car.  I told my cousin about my plans to save a reasonable amount to buy a direct Belgium car instead of starting with a Nigerian used car. He saw reasons with me and encouraged me. This cousin had the ability to complete the money for me to get a car but didn't do it and No offence

Nigerian women are joining the global 'First in My Bloodline' trend, celebrating milestones like homeownership, PhDs, and business firsts to break generational cycles. The post The First in My Bloodline Trend Featuring Nigerian Women That Is Stopping People Mid Scroll appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Have a dance Rosy, you are talking too much!...Is everything OK?Actress Rosy Meurer said in an interview with Serial Interviewer Daddy Freeze on Instagram and she said that she would “take a bullet” for her husband, Olakunle Churchill..She explaining that he has always stood by her, never abandoned or betrayed her, and has consistently supported her and their family.She described their

The post “The car is still mine” – Chinedu Ikedieze beams with joy as he wakes up to reality over his new SUV appeared first on Kemi Filani News. Nollywood actor Chinedu Ikedieze ‘Akin’ is still basking in the euphoria of his new car. Kemi Filani reported a day ago that billionaire businessman E-Money had gifted Chinedu Ikedieze a brand-new 2024/2025 SUV at his birthday party. Taking to his Instagram page, Chinedu, who is still in disbelief over his new blessing, shared a photo […] The post “The car is still mine” – Chinedu Ikedieze beams with joy as he wakes up to reality over his new SUV appeared first on Kemi Filani News.

These demands would make him too powerful abeg!!!Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has put forward a detailed list of 19 conditions for extending his contract with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).The proposals were submitted on January 22, 2026, according to reliable reports from Nigerian sports journalist Shina Oludare.  Eric Chelle, the Franco-Malian tactician appointed in

The atrocities were not "random excesses of war" but a coordinated 18-month siege.

The atrocities were not "random excesses of war" but a coordinated 18-month siege.

Nigerian publisher Dele Momodu posted that he recently visited Liberia to comfort his friend, former Vice President Dr. Jewel Howard-Taylor after the death of her only child Charles Philip Taylor Jr.Reports say Charles Phillip Taylor Jr. suffered a medical emergency described as respiratory arrest, was treated at GIMS Hospital and later transferred to the John F. Kennedy Medical Center where he

A growing number of contractors and businesspeople are raising serious questions about procurement integrity and alleged fraud within the Kenya Rural Roads Authority, placing one regional manager at the centre of a widening controversy. Calvince Thomas, a manager attached to the Kenya Rural Roads Authority in Homa Bay region, has found himself under scrutiny following […] The post Inside the Alleged Tender Fraud Web: Questions Mount Over KeRRA Manager Calvince Thomas and Contractor Complaints appeared first on Kenya Today.

Hailings....THURSDAY MEMOGreetings!How una dey? BV XP, didnt your vertu device alert you of my mail sent to you since?Can you reply me?(BVs make una comot eyes, me and XP nah frenemies oh).....Those of you whose weight is more than their BMI should use this fasting period to lose weight...You dont have any excuses for looking like a faat sweaty human....Only you eats 5 cups of rice at a sitting