Matasi remains one of Kenya's most experienced goalkeepersFormer Harambee Stars goalkeeper Patrick Matasi is eyeing a return to football as Kenya prepares to host a team of Arsenal greats in the Legends Cup at Nyayo National Stadium.The highly anticipated exhibition match is scheduled for Friday, 13 November, and will pit 20 former Arsenal players against 20 retired Kenyan internationals.
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Sam Fender lights up John Lewis 2026 Christmas advert with iconic Rolling Stones cover
Well LADs, it’s officially that time of year: the John Lewis advert is here.
And 2026 marks the 20th edition of its iconic Christmas ad, so they’ve pulled out all the stops and given us a banger of a tune to go with this year.
That’s as king of the North East is providing vocals – yep the one and only Sam Fender is this year’s choice.
Hoping for a Christmas number one, he covers The Rolling Stones’ classic ‘You Can’t Always Get What You Want’. Fender has called this opportunity a ‘privilege’ with all proceeds from the record going to charity.
Releasing today (3 November), the John Lewis advert features Dame Kristin Scott Thomas alongside ‘Pickles the dog’, an old school toy from the retailer voiced by TV royalty, Paul Whitehouse.
The campaign, created by Saatchi & Saatchi and the ad directed by Lucy Forbes, follows Gloria (Scott Thomas) and her faithful companion (and childhood toy) Pickles, on a hunt to connect with her grandchildren,
“Set against the festive tagline ‘Don’t give up on giving,’ the story touches on a relatable modern truth: the fear of not finding the ‘perfect gift’ can overshadow the simple pleasure of giving something thoughtful this festive season,” John Lewis explains.
And that’s where ‘You Can’t Always Get What You Want’ comes in perfectly.
It honestly feels like a banger for the retailer, likely to get in everyone’s heads these next few weeks – following Fender’s record-breaking success with ‘Rein Me In’ around the world.
The singer said: “It was a privilege to rework such an iconic song by such a legendary band. In the spirit of Christmas, we re-recorded the children’s choir with the kids from my old school, John Spence Community High School, and we arranged a brass section with the Easington Colliery Band.”
It’s a bit of a full circle too, with Rolling Stones’ Mick Jagger having spoken earlier this year about his admiration for Fender.
“I’m a fan of Sam’s work, so I was pleased to hear he was covering one of my songs. I think he’s done a great job with it,” the rock legend said.
Well LADs, keep an eye out for the ad on your tellies and social media and I’m sure it won’t be long until ‘You Can’t Get Always What You Want’ is being played at every possible opportunity.
The song is being released today, and physical copies will be available soon on 7” and CD from the John Lewis website. The single is backed with Sam Fender’s 2020 cover of Winter Song, available physically for the first time.
All John Lewis profits from each record sold will be donated to UK leading charity Action for Children, John Lewis' charity partner for its Building Happier Futures programme.
Physical copies will also be available from https://shop.samfender.com/. All profits from the physical sales via Fender’s store will be donated to Teenage Cancer Trust.
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Fernando Alonso’s data from Mexico GP is astonishing after lap 6 retirement
Fernando Alonso's power unit issues were so extreme during the Mexico City Grand Prix that he laughed over the team radio before ultimately retiring from the race on lap six.
Both Alonso and team-mate Lance Stroll were both forced to stop their cars in the early stages of the Grand Prix, with Aston Martin telling both drivers that they had 'abnormal pressure levels in the PU systems'.
The two drivers ran at the back of the field at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez and, while Alonso was at least able to get his car back to the pits, Stroll was told to stop the car by the side of the circuit, resulting in a virtual safety car (VSC). In the context of all of that, new data has emerged from Alonso's Grand Prix that is staggering.
The lack of performance of the Honda power unit has been a major concern all season for Aston Martin, and the vibrations it caused during the opening Grands Prix were even flagged as a safety issue by then team principal Adrian Newey as it could not complete full race distances.
The team have worked tirelessly to improve the chassis over the season to the point where it is now one of the most driveable cars on the grid; Alonso's fastest lap time in qualifying for the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia was 2.6 seconds off Max Verstappen's pole time, and it later emerged that Aston Martin were losing at least two seconds per lap on the straights.
During the race in Mexico City, Alonso and Stroll were comfortably slower than the rest of the field in the first sector. Except Valtteri Bottas (28.2 average), every other driver in the field was in the 27s, with Alonso and Stroll averaging 28.5 seconds and 28.7 seconds respectively.
In the shorter third sector, Alonso was more competitive in 17th but was still 0.6 seconds behind Lewis Hamilton, who was the fastest driver across the race in that part of the circuit. Stroll was down in 21st and only ahead of Bottas.
But it is in the second sector where things get fascinating. Alonso (32.126) recorded the ninth-highest sector two average across the entire field. He was faster than McLaren's Oscar Piastri, who finished seventh but dropped out of the points due to a time penalty.
When you add in the other factors affecting Alonso – the already under-performing power unit on top of the abnormal pressure levels, high fuel loads and a green track at the beginning of the race – it really does put into some perspective just how competitive the Aston Martin could be with a better engine.
It is worth noting, as well, that drivers were allowed to change tyres on the grid during the lap 45 red flag period, meaning that, combined with much lower fuel loads, more cars could theoretically have surpassed Alonso in the sector charts. But that didn't happen.
"Hopefully not one to forget – we can learn," Alonso told F1TV on his Mexico City Grand Prix weekend. "The car is very good. The problem is just that we cannot do more laps than a certain number, apparently, with the engine. As I say, hopefully we learned the lesson and we come next year more prepared.
"We try again [in Brazil], yes. I'm doing my best. Every lap I do, every morning I wake up, every preparation I do. Every food I take. Everything is focused on performing at my best behind the wheel. But I'm not able to accommodate enough laps."
His team-mate Stroll was even more brief in his assessment of what proved to be his two-lap race: "An issue with the engine. We were having issues with the engine for those two laps, so yeah. We'll see how we go in Brazil."
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Oil prices slide as Iran signals progress in talks with US
Oil prices fell to their lowest level in more than two weeks on Monday as fresh hopes emerged of a possible breakthrough in efforts to end the Iran war.
Brent crude, the international benchmark, dropped by more than 6.5 per cent to Ksh13,709 a barrel, its lowest level since October 16. The decline lifted airline shares and pushed down government borrowing costs.
The drop followed reports from Tehran that contacts between Iran and the United States aimed at ending their eight-month war were continuing.
“Consultations through mediators are very intensive. We have presented our conditions and proposals and everything depends on the political rationality of Washington,” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said, according to state media outlet IRNA.
Over the weekend, Qatari officials attempted to negotiate the release of more than Ksh779.64 billion in Iranian assets, in a move that could pave the way for Tehran to allow the Strait of Hormuz to reopen.
US President Donald Trump had earlier adopted a tougher stance, telling voters in Iowa on Sunday that Iran would receive “the hammer” unless progress was made.
“The only reason why I’m not finished with Iran is I want to be nice. I want to try and save all those lives if I can … But at some point we’re going to have to give them the hammer,” he said during a campaign rally ahead of the US midterm elections.
Investors were also encouraged by reports on Monday that Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei had granted his government “powers” to negotiate with the United States in efforts to end the Middle East war.
Chris Beauchamp, chief market analyst at investment and trading platform IG, said: “The news is manna from heaven for stock markets, which have felt increasingly pressured by oil’s rise, but of course there is still a risk that Trump will try one last throw of the iron dice after the midterms.”
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350 Kenyan workers denied entry to Saudi Arabia after latest travel ban
More than 350 Kenyan workers who travelled to Saudi Arabia for employment have been forced to return home after authorities denied them entry over concerns linked to Ebola cases in Kenya.
The workers, who had travelled with valid work visas, spent four days stranded at Sharjah Airport in the United Arab Emirates before boarding a flight back to Kenya. The plane landed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport at about 1.30 pm Kenyan time on Monday, November 2, 2026.
The returnees have asked the Kenyan government to intervene through diplomatic channels, warning that the disruption could affect their employment plans and leave them with expiring visas.
Saudi Arabia introduced an indefinite travel ban on arrivals from Kenya following an assessment of the Ebola situation. The measures, announced on October 30, 2026, through the Saudi Press Agency, include suspending travel by Saudi citizens to Kenya and halting the issuance of all visa categories for people travelling from the country.
The restrictions also bar entry to travellers who have stayed in Kenya or another country experiencing an active Ebola outbreak within the 21 days before their arrival. The rule applies even where travellers pass through a third country.
The measures build on health protocols first introduced in 2019 and strengthened in May 2026.
One of the affected workers, Mary Njau, described the experience at Sharjah Airport as frustrating and said the group had travelled with expectations of starting work.
“Tumerudi and it is very frustrating. We were stuck and stranded at Sharjah. Tulienda na matarajio lakini tukifika pale we were treated bad,” she said.
She appealed to the Kenyan government to address the matter before the workers’ visas expire. Other returnees reported limited meals and spending nights on airport floors.
The Association of Skilled Migrant Agencies of Kenya (ASMAK) has called for urgent diplomatic engagement between Nairobi and Riyadh.
Assistant Secretary General Elab Muridi said more than 350 workers were returning, while about 150 others were still in transit. He added that documents for approximately 2,200 workers had already been processed, with the applicants expected to travel.
“Already, more than 350 workers are on their way back, and most of them are here. We estimate that about 150 are still in transit,” Elab Muridi, Assistant Secretary General of the Association of Skilled Migrant Agencies of Kenya (ASMAK) said.
ASMAK Chair Francis Wahome said recruitment partners in Gulf Cooperation Council countries were also surprised by the restrictions. He said agencies had not received formal communication from the Kenyan government.
“Even our partners in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and other Gulf Cooperation Council countries were shocked. They have been calling us to ask what is happening. Everyone in the recruitment sector is seeking answers from colleagues and the government because we have not received any formal communication from the government,” Francis Wahome, Chair of ASMAK, said.
Secretary General Monica Mwema said the decision had disrupted confirmed bookings and scheduled departures, leaving recruiters seeking clarification on the 21-day restriction.
“We have people who are coming back because they were not allowed to enter Saudi Arabia. Others have confirmed tickets, with some scheduled to leave tonight and others tomorrow. We have been caught off guard and are seeking clarity on the 21-day restriction. What does it mean?” Monica Mwema, Secretary General of ASMAK, stated.
The agencies want the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to engage Saudi authorities and establish how the restrictions will affect workers whose travel arrangements are already in place.
The restrictions come as Kenya responds to nine confirmed cases of Bundibugyo-strain Ebola and two deaths. The cases have been linked to one cluster originating from an imported case involving a Kenyan man who travelled from the Democratic Republic of Congo through Uganda before arriving in Nairobi on October 3, 2026.
The Ministry of Health reported that Kenya had gone 10 days without recording a new infection as of October 30, 2026. It has also started releasing contacts who completed the required 21-day monitoring period.
Principal Secretary for Public Health Mary Muthoni said the release of people under monitoring was being carried out progressively, with full clearance targeted around mid-November.
Kenyan workers and recruitment agencies have warned that prolonged restrictions could affect employment opportunities, trade and tourism. They want the two governments to reach an agreement that will allow affected workers to travel once the necessary health requirements are met.
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Former NFL star who flew on exact plane last month shares heartbreaking message about pilots
Ex-NFL star Joe Mixon says he previously flew on the same Bahamas-bound plane that crashed in South Florida, claiming the lives of nine people.
The free agent, 30, wrote on social media on Monday (2 November) that he was ‘absolutely devastated by yesterday's tragic plane crash in Florida’.
“I flew on that exact aircraft last month with those same two pilots,” he said after 20-year-old co-pilot Nathalia Gadelha Filgueiras was identified as one of the nine who died.
“They were incredible professionals and genuinely wonderful people.
“Hearing the young woman's story and learning about the bright future she had ahead of her makes it even more heartbreaking that her life was cut so short.”
The running back said his ‘heart, thoughts, and prayers go out to the grieving families and loved ones of everyone on board’.
“A tragic reminder of how fragile life is. Love on your loved ones while you can, because you never know what tomorrow may bring,” he added.
In a previous interview with a local news affiliate of CBS News, Filgueiras said she was able to pick up her pilot's licence while still a senior in high school.
"I like being different than everyone," she said back in 2023.
"Some people think that it's weird that I can fly planes, but I can't drive a car, I mean I can but, a lot of people think it's funny."
Filgueiras's mother, Camila Corteleti, told the New York Times: "She loved the freedom. It was completely different seeing the world from the top."
The victims include tech entrepreneur Adam Robinson, his wife Helen Sharp, and their two children, Emma, four, and Charlie, two.
In a joint statement, Adam and Helen’s family said: “Adam and Helen were devoted parents, and Emma, 4, and Charlie, 2, were the light of their lives. Helen and Adam were the love affair that will last forever. Their warmth, generosity and gift for making people feel welcome touched so many lives. Their loss will be felt deeply by all those who loved them and who they loved in return.”
Rachel Reed, Charmi Fehr and Anita Maria Cetina were also travelling with their children.
Reed and Fehr were described in the joint family statement as ‘full of joy and adventure’.
"They loved their people fiercely, fully and without hesitation. From the moment they met, they were all in on each other and the life they were building," it said.
Captain Jeff Gregory, 55, has been identified as the pilot of the plane.
"We are deeply saddened to learn that Captain Jeff Gregory was among those who lost their lives in yesterday's tragic aviation accident in Palm Beach," a spokesperson from East Coast Jets said.
National Transportation Safety Board Member Tom Chapman confirmed during a press conference yesterday that 'ice and turbulence' was 'certainly a factor' in their investigation.
Chapman said: "The crew transmitted that they were at 35,000 feet with moderate turbulence with altitude deviations of about 700 feet.
"The crew reported the outside temperature was -47 Celsius, which is -53 Fahrenheit, and they were managing the ice but were in moderate turbulence.
"Very soon after the crew transmitted 'we are picking up precipitation requesting to climb to 37,000 feet if able', which was approved by FAA air traffic control.
"Less than 30 seconds later a transmission from the aeroplane announced the descent followed by a Mayday call about 12:48 Eastern, the aeroplane transmitted 'we are in an overspeed condition descending' with the rest unintelligible.
"Subsequent communications described that the aeroplane was descending rapidly and gave an altitude callout. Sadly all aboard were lost."
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Families of seven passengers killed in Florida plane crash issue heartbreaking statement
The families of the seven passengers who tragically died in a plane crash in Florida have issued a heartbreaking statement.
Nine people – seven passengers and two crew – were killed after a Learjet 60 private jet plunged from the sky and smashed into the ground.
The relatives of the seven passengers have now shared a joint statement confirming seven passengers aboard the private jet as Adam Robinson, 45, his wife, Helen Sharp, 40, and their two children, Emma, two, and Charlie, four as well as their children’s nanny Anita Maria Cetina; and another couple, Rachael Reed and Charmi Fehr.
The statement read: “With broken hearts, our families share that Adam Robinson and Helen Sharp, their children Emma and Charlie, Rachael Reed and Charmi Fehr, and Anita Maria Cetina were among those lost aboard the flight that went down near Greenacres, Florida, on November 1.
“Adam and Helen were devoted parents, and Emma, 4, and Charlie, 2, were the light of their lives. Helen and Adam were the love affair that will last forever. Their warmth, generosity and gift for making people feel welcome touched so many lives. Their loss will be felt deeply by all those who loved them and who they loved in return.
“Charmi and Rachel were full of joy and adventure. They loved their people fiercely, fully and without hesitation. From the moment they met, they were all in on each other and the life they were building. They are deeply loved, and we will miss them endlessly.
“Anita Maria cared for Emma and Charlie with tenderness and devotion, and she was truly part of the family. She showed us a legacy of unconditional love and devotion.”
The statement went on to say the families were ‘deeply grateful’ to emergency responders, investigators and ‘the Palm Beach County community for their care, and to everyone who has reached out with love’.
“Our hearts are also with the families of the pilots, who are grieving alongside us,” it added.
The heart-wrenching statement concluded by asking for privacy as the families come to terms with the tragedy.
Co-pilot Nathalia Gadelha Filgueiras, who was just 20-years-old, has also been identified as one of the victims.
Robinson was the CEO and founder of Retention, RB2B and Moltsets.
His company has also paid tribute, saying in a statement: “We are heartbroken by the loss of Adam Robinson, our CEO and co-founder, his wife Helen and their two young children, who died in a tragic plane crash in Palm Beach County, Florida, on November 1, 2026.
“Adam was much more than our CEO. He was a friend, a mentor and a bold, outspoken leader who lived life to the fullest. He cared deeply about the people around him and brought energy and conviction to everything he built. His loss is deeply felt across our team and the tech community, as we collectively mourn this significant loss.
“Our hearts are with Adam and Helen’s family and loved ones, and with everyone affected by the crash. We ask that their privacy be respected during this difficult time.
“Our immediate focus at Retention.com, RB2B, and Moltsets is supporting our employees and Adam and Helen’s family. We are grateful for the kindness and support extended to them and our team.”
An investigation into the cause of the crash has been opened, with investigators saying earlier today (2 November) that the weather conditions were part of the focus.
According to Filgueiras step-dad, the co-pilot had sent a text message to her boyfriend just 10 minutes before the crash, saying: “I’ve got turbulence, I’ve got ice.”
Pilots and aviation experts have told LADbible that 'severe icing' and weather conditions could have caused the plane to plummet and explained exactly how it happens.
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Ebola Fears Add To Pressure On Kenya’s Tourism Industry
Malindi, Kenya: Less than a month after Kenya announced its first ever Ebola case, players in the tourism industry are already reporting disruptions in bookings, adding to pressure in an industry that is already facing stiff competition from neighboring destinations prompted by high park fees, Visa fees and rising travel costs.
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Posta Kenya invests Ksh96M in new specialised vehicles as it shifts beyond mails
What happens when a post office can no longer depend on letters and parcels to keep its business running? For Postal Corporation of Kenya (Posta), the answer lies in finding new ways to make money from its nationwide network, from transporting medicines and fresh produce to handling online shopping deliveries and digital payments.
The corporation is pursuing this shift as traditional mail volumes fall and its liabilities rise to about Ksh7.2 billion. Its latest move, a Ksh96 million investment in 11 specialised vehicles, is part of a wider plan to turn the postal operator into a modern logistics and digital services provider.
The changes are intended to give Posta new sources of income while making better use of its branches and delivery network. However, the corporation must also address its financial obligations and compete with private courier companies that have taken a growing share of the parcel market.
The decline in postal services is reflected in industry figures. Communications Authority data show Posta handled 577,694 domestic letters between April and June 2026, a 70.2 per cent drop compared with the same period a year earlier.
Its domestic parcel volumes also fell by 33.2 per cent to about 993,099 during the 2025/26 financial year. Private courier companies handled 14.4 million domestic parcels in the same quarter, underlining the competition facing the state-owned operator.
Posta is responding by expanding into cold-chain logistics through its Post4Health initiative. The specialised vehicles will transport goods that require controlled temperatures, including medical supplies, blood products, medicines and fresh agricultural produce.
The funding involves the Universal Postal Union, through its Quality of Service Fund and Post for Health programme, and Kenya’s Communications Authority, through the Universal Service Fund.
Information, Communications and the Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo said the project would help address needs in healthcare and food security while creating a role for postal workers in receiving, sorting, transporting and delivering the consignments.
“Posta is undergoing significant changes under the Government Owned Enterprises Act, 2025. The corporation, now operating as a commercial enterprise, is expected to finance its operations through revenue generated from the services it offers,” Kabogo noted.
Communications Authority Director-General David Mugonyi has described the changes as part of a wider shift in the postal industry, saying: “The Post is not disappearing; it is evolving,” with future opportunities in logistics, parcel delivery, fulfilment, financial services and digital solutions.
Posta’s transformation strategy was reviewed by the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Communication, Information and Innovation in October 2025.
Postmaster General John Tonui told the committee that the plan seeks to reposition the corporation as a financially sustainable provider of logistics, e-commerce and digital financial services while maintaining its Universal Service Obligations.
The committee heard details of the corporation’s liabilities, including salary arrears, unremitted pension contributions, supplier debts and amounts owed to the Communications Authority.
Members called for stronger financial controls and clear targets for implementing the turnaround plan. Committee member Kiarie said: “We want Posta to succeed, but success must be measurable, timely, and accountable.”
Among the proposals discussed were restoring Posta as a payment channel for the Inua Jamii programme, integrating PostaPay with school-capitation payments and using its branches to distribute National Government Constituencies Development Fund bursaries.
These services could bring more transactions through post offices while expanding access to government payments.
At the 152nd World Post Day, Public Investments and Assets Management Principal Secretary Cyrell Odede Wagunda said the corporation should make better use of its network of more than 600 outlets under the Government Owned Enterprise Act 2025.
The framework requires the corporation to operate on commercial principles without routine Exchequer support, while designated public-service obligations in remote areas would be separately costed and funded.
Tonui has also announced a strategic agency agreement with a Chinese logistics company aimed at positioning Posta as a super-agent for Eastern and Central Africa. The arrangement focuses on cross-border e-commerce, warehousing and last-mile delivery for Kenyan micro, small and medium-sized enterprises.
Meanwhile, the Communications Authority is modernising selected post offices through local-area networks, installing radio-frequency identification tracking in dozens of branches and reviewing the postal market structure to reflect the growth of online commerce.
The proposed changes offer Posta several ways to generate income from its existing network. But the real test will be whether the corporation can turn these investments and partnerships into regular business, improve its financial management and settle its outstanding obligations.
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Govt announces Diwali dates and issues fireworks rules
The Hindu community in Kenya will celebrate Diwali and Hindu New Year from Friday, November 6 to Sunday, November 8, 2026, with the government setting conditions for the use of fireworks during the three-day festivities.
The Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs has reminded organisers that fireworks displays must be approved and conducted in line with the Explosives Act, Cap 115 of the Laws of Kenya.
In a public notice issued through the State Department for Mining on November 2, 2026, through MyGov, Cabinet Secretary Hassan Ali Joho said the celebrations are traditionally marked with fireworks at authorised venues. He urged the community to ensure displays are conducted “in an orderly manner so that the general public are not inconvenienced.”
Organisers planning fireworks displays must obtain permits from the State Department for Mining offices at Madini House or the respective County Mining offices.
The displays will only be allowed at approved venues, including clubs, hotels, temples, sports grounds and school compounds. Other locations may be used where they have been approved by an Inspector of Explosives.
The government has also restricted fireworks displays to between 7 pm and 11 pm on the three authorised dates.
Organisers are required to make the necessary arrangements before the celebrations to ensure their displays meet the requirements set out in the notice.
Display shells in these areas must not exceed four-inch calibre unless an exemption is granted by an Inspector of Explosives.
The government has also restricted the handling of aerial fireworks to qualified, experienced and sober individuals. This requirement applies to people firing aerial shells and other aerial display fireworks.
The measures are intended to ensure that fireworks are handled by people with the necessary experience and that displays take place at approved locations.
The State Department for Mining has also issued rules for dealers selling fireworks ahead of the celebrations.
Under the Explosives Act, dealers are prohibited from selling fireworks to children below the age of 13. Anyone who sells fireworks to a child below this age commits an offence under the law.
Aerial display fireworks, including shells, rockets, Roman candles and cakes, may only be sold to people holding valid display permits signed by an Inspector of Explosives.
The restrictions place responsibility on both event organisers and dealers to ensure fireworks are obtained and used within the law.
The government said the requirements would help maintain public safety and order during the festivities.
Joho concluded the notice by extending the ministry’s wishes to the Hindu community, saying: “We take this opportunity to wish the Hindu Community a Happy Diwali and a Prosperous New year.”