NASA's Artemis II splashes down off southern U.S. California coast Four astronauts have safely returned to Earth after completing a 10-day mission around the Moon, the NASA has confirmed. The Orion capsule splashed down in the Pacific Ocean at about 17:07 local time (0007 GMT Saturday), roughly 96 kilometres off the coast of San Diego, California. The mission marked the first crewed lunar flight since Apollo 17. Following the landing, Artemis II Commander Reid Wiseman said all four crew members were in good condition. The crew also included Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen of the Canadian Space Agency. NASA reported that the astronauts travelled approximately 1.12 million kilometres during the mission. Weather conditions at the recovery site were favourable, with wind speeds and wave heights within required safety limits. The Orion capsule re-entered Earth’s atmosphere using a modified flight path aimed at reducing heat stress on the heat shield. The adjustments were made following issues identified during the Artemis I test flight. A U.S. Navy recovery team aboard the USS John P. Murtha was deployed to retrieve the crew shortly after splashdown. “We are back in the business of sending astronauts to the Moon and bringing them back safely,” said NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman. NASA noted that the crew set a new record for the farthest distance travelled by humans from Earth, describing Artemis II as a major milestone in its Artemis programme. The initiative aims to return astronauts to the lunar surface by 2028 and eventually establish a sustained human presence on the Moon.

File image of Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru and Former DP Rigathi Gahagua A section of governors has criticised former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of disrespecting and publicly lecturing President William Ruto. The leaders, including Anne Waiguru, Muthomi Njuki, Ahmed Abdullahi, Gladys Wanga, Abdi Guyo, Irungu Kang’ata and Mahmood Mohamed, said Gachagua’s remarks undermined the dignity of the presidency. Speaking in Buuri Constituency, Meru County, during the burial of the mother of Council of Governors CEO Mary Mwiti, the governors urged Gachagua to exercise political tolerance and maturity despite his differences with the Head of State. Waiguru maintained that the Mt Kenya region will continue supporting President Ruto’s re-election, dismissing the opposition as lacking a clear agenda for wananchi. “We will stay in government and not join the opposition. Like his predecessors Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta, Ruto should be allowed to complete his two terms,” she said. She further called on politicians to stop fence-sitting and clearly declare their political positions ahead of the 2027 General Election, accusing some leaders of sending mixed signals to their constituents. Njuki termed it unacceptable for any leader to lecture the President in public, saying such conduct fuels division and undermines national unity. “You cannot lecture the President when he is seated next to you. Show respect for the office he holds. If you are former, you remain former even after that,” Njuki said, referring to Gachagua’s remarks during the burial of former Ol Kalou MP David Kiaraho. On his part, Abdullahi warned that continued public attacks on the President could set a dangerous precedent as the country heads towards the next election cycle. “The presidency is a symbol of national unity and must be respected at all times. Disrespecting the office is disrespecting the nation,” he said. Kang’ata urged leaders to tone down political rhetoric and focus on service delivery, noting that the country is only sixteen months away from the elections. Meanwhile, Wanga, Guyo and Mahmood steered away from political exchanges, instead calling on Kenyans to maintain peace and cohesion.

File image of Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah National Assembly Majority Leader and Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah has written to Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, calling for heightened security in Kikuyu Town ahead of a planned rally by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua scheduled for Saturday, April 11, 2026. In a letter dated April 10, 2026, Ichung’wah urged the National Police Service to ensure adequate protection for residents, businesses, and public facilities, citing growing tensions linked to the planned political gathering in the constituency. “The last two weeks have seen Rigathi Gachagua embark on a deliberate campaign of incitement, hate and violence targeting the people of Kikuyu Constituency, intending to create disharmony amongst my constituents,” he stated. Security concerns ahead of rally In his correspondence to the Inspector General, Ichung’wah noted that political mobilisation in the past two weeks had heightened tensions in Kikuyu Constituency. He warned that the planned rally could trigger unrest and called for early security planning to maintain order. The MP maintained that residents had resisted attempts to divide the community, adding that Kikuyu remains open to leaders from across the political divide. He said his responsibility as the area legislator includes ensuring the safety of residents and protection of property. Past incidents cited Ichung’wah referenced previous incidents of violence in the constituency, including the burning of Kikuyu NG-CDF offices on June 25, 2024. He also cited events on June 25, 2025, when the Kikuyu Law Courts and County Government offices were torched. He further pointed to attacks on his private residence and his parents’ home during the same period, noting that the incidents led to arrests and investigations and remain on public record. The Majority Leader also claimed that intelligence reports indicated mobilisation of groups from Kiambu, Nairobi, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, and Nyandarua counties ahead of the rally. He said information received suggested coordination of transport for individuals travelling to Kikuyu Town, urging police to closely monitor the situation. Call for police deployment Ichung’wah raised concerns about possible targeting of businesses linked to his family in Kikuyu Town and asked the National Police Service to take preventive measures. He also cited remarks made during recent public gatherings, which he said had escalated tensions surrounding the event. “Kesho Ichung’wah aambiwe hakuna mtu ako na mtoto kwa mgongo, na hata yule ako na yeye atawachia nyanyake,” he quoted from remarks allegedly made during a funeral in Laikipia. He cautioned against any withdrawal of police presence in Kikuyu, stressing the need for adequate deployment to protect residents and property during the rally. Ichung’wah noted that the constituency has previously hosted leaders from different political formations without incident. He cited a rally held on March 12, 2026, where former Chief Justice David Maraga addressed supporters at Kikuyu Bus Park peacefully. The development comes days after Ichung’wah criticised Gachagua for what he described as inappropriate political remarks during a requiem mass in Ol Kalou attended by President William Ruto, accusing him of disrespecting the bereaved family.