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By DPCSApril 01, 2026 07:26 (EAT)

He spoke on Tuesday when he inspected development projects in Runyenjes Constituency, Embu County. He checked the progress of Karurumo ESP Market and the ongoing Kanyuambora-Kamumu-Siakago Road.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has said SHA will not collapse but will grow stronger as the government enhances its efficiency and enrolls more Kenyans.

The DP dismissed opposition leaders claiming otherwise saying they are prophets of doom who do not mean well for Kenyans and the country.

“Those are prophets of doom who are wasting their time. SHA will not collapse. It will be much better. We are targeting to enroll 45 million Kenyans by December and all the 55 million Kenyans by June 2027,” he said.

He spoke on Tuesday when he inspected development projects in Runyenjes Constituency, Embu County. He checked the progress of Karurumo ESP Market and the ongoing Kanyuambora-Kamumu-Siakago Road.

Prof. Kindiki said it is wrong for the politicians to spell doom for a huge project benefitting millions of Kenyans, saying the previous NHIF coverage only covered 7 million Kenyans locking out many more in need of medical insurance.

“These people who believe Kenya cannot have universal health coverage should be patient. We pray to God to give them a long life so they can see SHA transforming the health of the people of Kenya in our lifetime,” he stated.

SHA, Prof. Kindiki revealed, has eased the burden for many Kenyans who had suffered from punitive medical bills for many years. He noted that the teething challenges are being dealt with to ensure the system is foolproof and efficient.  

“We are making it better. We will raise the limits so that it covers all medical costs so as to free our people from harambees to pay hospital bills,” DP declared.  

The Deputy President accused the opposition of venting out their frustrations on government programmes after failing to push for tangible development when they occupied powerful offices.

“Our opponents are frustrated that they did nothing for the people when they were in power. Now they are out of office they are full of anger and regret for doing nothing,” he revealed.

The ongoing road is among several road projects worth 12 billion shillings being done by the government in the County.

Twelve modern markets are also at advanced stages and are among many other development projects costing billions of shillings funded by the administration in Embu.

Prof. Kindiki said he will not be distracted but will use his time as DP effectively for the benefit of all Kenyans.

“I will work hard every day for Kenyans and the people of Embu because leadership is for a period. I don’t want to waste time but focus on service to the people,” he emphasized.  

He urged residents not to be misled by those who are lying to them yet they did not bother to address their challenges when they occupied senior offices in government. 

1,224 victims of human rights violations listed for compensation

By Cantona Joseph April 01, 2026 09:01 (EAT)

Protesters attend a demonstration against Kenya’s proposed finance bill 2024/2025 in Nairobi, Kenya, June 25, 2024. © 2024 REUTERS/Monicah Mwangi

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The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has announced that it has compiled a list of 1,224 victims of human rights violations, which is currently undergoing verification according to the eligibility criteria. 

It has also outlined the ongoing development of a comprehensive Reparations Framework aimed at addressing past violations, including extrajudicial killings, torture, abductions, enforced disappearances, sexual and gender-based violence, loss of property, and livelihoods.

“The Commission has simultaneously been compiling a list of victims of Human Rights violations which, upon verification, will be submitted to the President together with the Reparations Framework,” said KNCHR.

Despite being a public holiday on Friday, April 3rd, 2026, the Commission will remain open at its Head Office and Regional Offices to allow Kenyans who wish to present their reports and grievances.

The Commission emphasizes its commitment to inclusive participation, encouraging victims to come forward.

KNCHR Chairperson Claris Ogangah expressed the organization’s dedication to justice and urged victims and survivors to report their experiences.

The Commission continues to push for the release of funds allocated by Parliament to support reparations and justice processes, highlighting the importance of government support in this critical national effort.

‘I’m really proud’: first Black astronaut candidate reflects on historic Moon mission

By AFPApril 01, 2026 07:40 (EAT)

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In the 1960s Ed Dwight was the first Black astronaut candidate — but he never got his chance to go to the Moon.

He said he’s now living out that once-denied dream vicariously through Victor Glover, who is set to make history on the Artemis 2 Moon mission that could take off as soon as Wednesday.

Glover is a 49-year-old veteran astronaut set to become the first Black person — and first person of color — to embark on a lunar voyage.

For Dwight, the achievement is personal.

The 92-year-old paved the way for diversifying the astronaut corps more than half-a-century ago, and later served as a mentor to Glover.

“I have a personal attachment and affiliation with Victor, because I met him when he was 15 years old, and we had a program where we were trying to encourage young Black candidates to go to pilot training and to get into flying,” Dwight said.

“And never in a thousand years did I ever think that Victor would take it to heart and take it to the Moon, which is what he’s done,” the pioneering astronaut told AFP.

“I’m really living my old 92 years through Victor — I’m really proud.”

– Racist backlash –

In 1961, the civil rights movement was intensifying across the United States as Dwight was serving as a pilot in the US Air Force.

He was invited to join a training program that would set him up to become the nation’s first Black astronaut.

Dwight says that it wasn’t until later in his career that he understood that President John F. Kennedy at the time was seeking to garner Black support, and that “it was proposed to him that if he were to appoint a Black astronaut, it would ensure him the Black vote.”

The move immediately sparked fierce backlash.

“The people who make astronauts fought it and said ‘This guy will last about six weeks,'” Dwight recalls. “It was so crazy, all the stuff that I went through and had to face, all that criticism that Black people were too ignorant and ill-equipped.”

But he held his ground: “I ended up ranked higher in the class than 10 white guys.”

But in 1963, JFK was assassinated in Dallas — a tragedy that marked the end of Dwight’s spaceflight dreams.

He was repeatedly told that America wasn’t ready for a Black astronaut, and that he’d arrived “20 years too early.”

It wasn’t until 1983 that NASA flew its first African American astronaut, Guion Bluford.

The historic journey took place three years after the Soviet Union sent the first person of color into space, the Cuban Arnaldo Tamayo Mendez.

And in 2024, Dwight finally made it to space aboard a suborbital space tourism flight operated by Blue Origin, the private space company founded by billionaire Jeff Bezos.

– ‘American hero’ –

The astronaut corps has become far more diverse since Dwight’s era.

But the upcoming journey of both Glover and Christina Koch — who is set to become the first woman to embark on a lunar mission — mark significant achievements.

The milestones contrast with the Donald Trump administration’s repeated attacks on diversity policies.

Since the Republican’s return to power and subsequent executive orders targeting diversity, equity and inclusion terminology, NASA has scrubbed its public commitment to send the first woman and first person of color to the lunar surface in missions to come.

That’s cast doubt on what crews for the next phases of Artemis will look like.

The president’s efforts have also taken aim at content displayed in museums — a move critics denounce as revisionist history.

“I feel badly about and very disappointed in America,” Dwight said.

“What kind of country have we become that we would elect some person that would take and nullify all the contributions, and the wonderful contributions, if you will, that Blacks and women have made to this story and throw it away?”

“Trying to erase all this history is an absolute tragedy,” he added.

But the eternal optimist said he draws strength from the example set by Glover: “He’s a natural American hero, in my opinion.”

Glover, Dwight said, will “be up here in in the Neil Armstrong territory of people of great accomplishments.”

“He’s done it all, and they can’t take that away from him.”

US Army helicopter pilots cleared after Kid Rock flyby

By AFPApril 01, 2026 07:40 (EAT)

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The US Army helicopter pilots who flew near the Tennessee home of musician Kid Rock have had their suspension lifted, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Tuesday.

“Thank you Kid Rock. US Army pilots suspension LIFTED. No punishment. No investigation. Carry on, patriots,” Hegseth wrote on X.

The pilots were suspended earlier Tuesday after the musician — an ardent supporter of President Donald Trump — posted a video on X over the weekend showing an Apache attack helicopter hovering near his mountaintop home’s swimming pool as he clapped and saluted.

“God Bless America and all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to defend her,” he wrote in text accompanying the video, while a second clip showed there were two of the aircraft in the area.

On Tuesday afternoon, Trump said he had not seen the video, but that he was “sure they had a good time.”

He said that they “probably shouldn’t have been doing it,” but “they like Kid Rock, I like Kid Rock. Maybe they were trying to defend him.”

Army spokesman Major Montrell Russell said earlier in the day that the military “has confirmed that on March 28, two Apache helicopters from the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade at Fort Campbell conducted a flight in the Nashville area that has attracted public and media attention.”

“The personnel involved have been suspended from flight duties while the Army reviews the circumstances surrounding the mission,” including compliance with Federal Aviation Administration regulations as well as “aviation safety protocol and approval requirements,” Russell said in a statement.

Kid Rock performed at the 2024 Republican National Convention as well as the “All-American Halftime Show” that was billed as an alternative to the Super Bowl halftime performance by Puerto Rican headliner Bad Bunny.

FIFA President Infantino confirms Iran will play World Cup matches in US despite war

By AFPApril 01, 2026 09:00 (EAT)

S. President Donald Trump and Gianni Infantino, President of FIFA, react following the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Final match between Chelsea FC and Paris Saint-Germain at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on July 13, 2025. Photo by DAVID RAMOS / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / AFP

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FIFA president Gianni Infantino told AFP Tuesday that Iran “will be at the World Cup” and will play their group matches in the United States as scheduled, despite the Middle East war.

“Iran will be at the World Cup,” Infantino said at half-time as Iran beat Costa Rica 5-0 in a friendly in southern Turkey.

“That’s why we’re here. We’re delighted because they’re a very, very strong team, I’m very happy.”

“I’ve seen the team, I’ve spoken to the players and the coach, so everything is fine,” added Infantino, whose attendance at Tuesday’s game was unannounced.

Infantino went on to stress that Iran’s “matches will be played where they are supposed to be, according to the draw”.

The World Cup, being hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, starts on June 11.

Iran are set to play their first Group G game against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15. They are then scheduled to play Belgium in Los Angeles on June 21 and Egypt in Seattle on June 26.

Iran’s participation had been thrown into doubt by the war with the US and Israel that broke out on February 28.

“For us, what matters most are FIFA’s rules and regulations. We will comply with whatever FIFA decides. Every host country has made commitments to FIFA and must honour them,” Mehdi Mohammad Nabi, the vice president of the Iranian Football Federation (FFIRI), told AFP at the match.

The FFIRI had said earlier this month it was “negotiating” with FIFA to relocate the country’s World Cup matches from the United States to Mexico.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum also said that her country is prepared to host Iran’s first-round matches at the tournament if needed.

-‘Fruitful discussion’ –

Infantino initially said that US President Donald Trump had given assurances that the Iranian team would still be welcome.

But Trump then stated that Iran’s team should not travel to the tournament “for their own life and safety”.

Iran hit back at Trump’s comments, saying that “no one can exclude Iran’s national team from the World Cup”.

On Tuesday, Mohammad Nabi said Infantino had been en route from Mexico to Qatar.

“Having learnt that we were organising friendly matches here, he came to see us in person, and we had a fruitful discussion,” Mohammad Nabi said.

“Given our history in this competition, it is only natural that FIFA should support the Iranian team. Mr Infantino is providing the necessary support to our national team and has given our players a great boost.”

Asked before the game if Iran would be at the World Cup, back-up striker Dennis Eckert Ayensa told AFP: “Inshallah” (god willing).

Iran, who also played a friendly against Nigeria in the Turkish town of Belek last Friday, crushed Costa Rica, who have not qualified for the World Cup, 5-0 on Tuesday.

Skipper Mehdi Taremi, with two penalties, Ali Gholizadeh and Mohammad Mohebbi put Iran four goals up by the break. Half-time substitute Mehdi Ghayedi added a fifth in the 51st minute by which time coach Amir Ghalenoei had started to empty his bench.

Before the game, Iran’s players wore black armbands and posed with photos of what officials said were young victims of the war, including those killed in an airstrike on a primary school in Iran on the first day of the conflict.

The airstrike on the school in the southern Iranian city of Minab on February 28 killed at least 170 people, including students and teachers.

The New York Times has reported that the preliminary findings of a US military investigation indicate that a US Tomahawk cruise missile hit the school due to a targeting mistake.

Chelsea’s Cucurella laments ‘instability’ caused by Maresca exit

By AFP April 01, 2026 08:00 (EAT)

Marc Cucurella of Chelsea FC plays during the UEFA Champions League football match between Atalanta BC and Chelsea FC in Bergamo, Italy, on December 9, 2025, at New Balance Arena. (Photo by Emanuele Comincini/NurPhoto) (Photo by Emanuele Comincini / NurPhoto / NurPhoto via AFP)

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Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella believes former manager Enzo Maresca’s departure and the club’s policy of signing young players is behind the London side’s recent struggles.

Maresca left Stamford Bridge by mutual consent on New Year’s Day after just 18 months in charge following a breakdown in his relationship with the London side’s hierarchy.

Chelsea were then fifth in the Premier League table — 15 points adrift of leaders Arsenal.

The Italian was initially replaced by Under-21s coach Calum McFarlane before current manager Liam Rosenior arrived from Strasbourg — a club also owned by Blues supremo Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital.

Chelsea, however, have won only four of their last 12 matches, suffering a humiliating 8-2 aggregate defeat by holders Paris Saint-Germain as they crashed out of the Champions League and slipping to sixth in the Premier League.

While Chelsea and Spain defender Cucurella said Rosenior’s “football ideas are good”, he believes changing managers in mid-season has caused “instability” at Stamford Bridge.

“These are decisions taken by the club. If you asked me, I would not have made this decision,” the 27-year-old told the Athletic.

“To make a change like that, the best thing is to wait until the end of the season. You would give everyone, the players and the new manager, time to get ready, have a full pre-season.

“The instability around the club comes from this, in a nutshell. We had a caretaker manager first, then a new manager, with new ideas and no time to work on them. It is what it is.”

Cucurella also believes Chelsea’s policy of primarily recruiting younger players has left them lacking the experience to compete for trophies

“We have a good core of players,” he added. “The foundations are there. But to fight for major trophies such as the Premier League or the Champions League, you need more.

“Signing young players only might complicate achieving those goals. Against PSG, we lacked players that had gone through situations like that.”

Snow shines in South Africa to secure Sunshine Tour card

By RFA Sports April 01, 2026 10:00 (EAT)

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Kenyan professional golfer Greg Snow has earned a coveted Sunshine Tour card for the 2026/27 season following an impressive performance at the Theo Manyama Qualifying School – Final Stage held from  March 25-29, 2026 at Parys Golf & Country Estate and Vaal de Grace Golf Estate in South Africa. 

Competing against a strong field of 178 players from across Africa and beyond, Snow delivered a composed and consistent display over the grueling 90-hole tournament that featured a cut after 72 holes for the top 65 players and ties to finish tied 21st at 15-under par 345.  

He carded rounds of 68, 68, 67, 72 and 70 to secure a place among the top 25 players and ties, earning Sunshine Tour membership in Category 9.

This category provides players with higher chances of entry into events, particularly when fields are oversubscribed  

On the final day, Snow opened with a 34 on the front nine, including birdies at the par-4 sixth and par-5 ninth. Despite back-to-back bogeys at holes 12 and 13, the experienced golfer recovered strongly with birdies at the par-4 17th and par-5 18th to record a strong finish. 

Reflecting on the achievement, Snow said: “Securing my Sunshine Tour card for the 2026/2027 season is an incredible feeling. It’s something I’ve worked towards for a long time, so there’s a real sense of pride and relief knowing that the hard work has paid off.

“At the same time, it’s only the beginning. I see it as an opportunity to compete consistently at a high level, keep improving, and really test myself against some of the best players out there. I’m excited for what’s ahead, grateful for the support around me, and motivated to make the most of this next chapter.” 

Snow earned the right to play in the final stage of Q School by finishing 5th in the Sunshine Development Tour Order of Merit, which qualified him among the top 30 players for the 90-hole final qualifying event in South Africa.   

On his decision to take part in Q School, Snow added: “Taking the leap to come to South Africa for Q School was driven by a belief in my game and a desire to compete at a higher level. I knew that if I wanted to grow and give myself the best opportunities, I had to step out of my comfort zone and test myself in a stronger, more competitive environment.” 

The Muthaiga Golf Club player becomes the fourth player from the Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing to secure a Sunshine Tour card for the 2026/27 season.

e joins Njoroge Kibugu, Celestin Nsanzuwera , and Dismas Indiza, who finished first, second and third respectively on the Order of Merit during the Tour’s inaugural season. 

Speaking on Snow’s achievement, Sunshine Development Tour East Africa Swing Promoter Charles Gacheru praised the golfer’s consistency and highlighted the pathway the tour continues to create for regional talent. 

“Greg’s achievement is a perfect example of what the Sunshine Development Tour East Africa Swing was designed to do. It provides our players with a clear and competitive pathway to the Sunshine Tour and beyond. Finishing fifth on the Order of Merit and then going on to secure a tour card at the final stage of Q School shows the level of talent we have in this region,” said Gacheru.

“For Greg, this is a well-deserved milestone. He has been one of the most consistent professionals in the region, and earning his Sunshine Tour card is both a reward for his persistence and a great moment for Kenyan golf. It also sends a strong message to upcoming players that if you perform well on the Development Tour, the opportunities to progress to the next level are very real,” he added. 

He was one of three Sunshine Development Tour players in the field, having earned his place through the Tour.

Rizwan Charania finished tied 114th after posting a total of 293 (+5), missing the cut to the final round, while Uganda’s Ronald Rugumayo impressed with an 8-under par 352 to finish tied 56th.

Although Rugumayo narrowly missed out on a Sunshine Tour card, his performance secured him Big Easy Tour membership, making him eligible to compete on both the Big Easy Tour and Sunshine Development Tour this season.  

The tournament was won by Chile’s Agustín Errazuriz, who produced a dominant performance to finish at an outstanding 26-under par. 

Looking ahead to the Sunshine Tour, Snow said: “I know it’s still early, but I’m really looking forward to competing week in and week out against such a strong field. The Sunshine Tour gives you the chance to test every part of your game, and that’s something I’m excited to embrace. 

“I’m also looking forward to traveling, experiencing different courses, and learning how to adapt to different conditions. That’s where you really grow as a player. Most importantly, I’m excited to keep improving, put myself in contention, and hopefully give myself chances to win. It’s a big step up, but it’s exactly the kind of challenge I’ve been working towards.” 

Reflecting on the impact of the Sunshine Development Tour, Snow noted: 

“I’d tell everyone back home that the Sunshine Development Tour East Africa Swing is a genuine game changer for golfers in our region. It’s no longer just about dreaming of competing internationally; it’s about having a clear, structured pathway to get there. 

“The Tour gives players consistent, high-level competition right on our doorstep, which is something we’ve always needed. You’re playing in professionally run events, under pressure, with ranking points and real consequences that’s exactly what prepares you for bigger stages. 

“Further, it creates a direct link to the Sunshine Tour and beyond. If you perform well, you’re not just gaining confidence you’re earning status, opportunities, and exposure that can take you onto global tours like the DP World Tour. 

Sunshine Development Tour Tournament Director David Kihara hailed Snow’s achievement as a strong endorsement of the Tour’s impact in developing competitive talent within the region.  

“We’re really proud of what Greg has achieved this week. He handled the pressure impressively and showed real maturity in his game. You could see his confidence grow throughout the tournament, and it’s clear the work he’s been putting in is now paying off. This is a big step for him, and a strong signal of the progress we’re seeing in the game across the region,” said Kihara.  

Snow’s success adds to the growing list of East African golfers making strides on the international stage, underlining the Sunshine Development Tour’s role as a critical bridge between regional competition and global professional golf.  

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