News
Kenyan Chef Targets Guinness World Record with 100-Hour Cooking Marathon

BY OLIVIA MUNGWANA
MOMBASA, Kenya — In a remarkable test of endurance and culinary artistry, Kenyan chef Yusuf Ali Garani has successfully completed a 100-hour home kitchen cooking marathon in Utange, Mombasa County. The record attempt, which ran from September 5 to October 7, 2025, is now under review by Guinness World Records, potentially earning Garani global recognition for the longest individual cooking session in a home kitchen.
The existing record — 68 hours, 30 minutes, and one second, set by American chef Rickey Lumpkin in 2018 — could soon be broken if Guinness verifies Garani’s documentation. His feat marks a major milestone for Kenya’s evolving culinary landscape and celebrates the country’s growing influence beyond athletics.
A Culinary Dream Rooted in Passion and Heritage
Professionally known as Chef Yusuf, Garani has spent years perfecting his craft. Before his solo record attempt, he served as a sous-chef during two Guinness World Record efforts led by celebrated Kenyan chef Maliha Mohamed.
Encouraged by those experiences — and deeply motivated by his late mother’s memory — Garani applied to Guinness in May 2025, receiving confirmation months later. “This was more than just cooking,” he said. “It was about honoring my mother and showcasing the beauty of Swahili cuisine to the world.”
Inside the Record Attempt: 100 Hours of Culinary Focus
The marathon was conducted under strict Guinness World Record regulations, which permit only five minutes of rest per hour, or one accumulated hour of rest every 12 hours. To maintain transparency, Garani’s team used continuous video recording and independent timekeeping, led by experienced timekeeper Ken Kimweli.
“The rules are very strict, and we followed them to the letter,” Kimweli said. “We wanted to ensure there would be no reason for disqualification during Guinness verification.”
Chef Yusuf’s team, led by sous-chef Sarah Wanjiru, worked in rotating shifts to manage logistics, prep ingredients, and maintain hygiene standards. “It required mental and physical strength,” Wanjiru shared. “But we believed in the mission and what it represented for Kenya.”
Celebrating Swahili Cuisine on the Global Stage
During the 100-hour session, Chef Yusuf prepared an impressive variety of Swahili-inspired dishes, including pilau, biryani, chapati, samaki wa kupaka, and ugali with chicken stew. Each meal was recorded, weighed, and served to supporters who gathered daily to witness the culinary spectacle.
The event quickly became a community celebration, drawing volunteers and food lovers from Mombasa and beyond. For many locals, it was not just about a record — it was about pride in Kenya’s food culture and its global potential.
“This wasn’t just cooking; it was storytelling through food,” Garani said. “Each dish represents a part of who we are as Kenyans.”
The High Cost of Making History
While the achievement drew admiration, it also revealed the financial hurdles African chefs face when attempting international records. Bringing in an official Guinness adjudicator would have cost over KSh 1.6 million, excluding accommodation and travel expenses.
To manage costs, Garani’s team opted for video documentation and approved local witnesses, a legitimate but lengthier route to verification. Chef Maliha Mohamed, who has also navigated Guinness procedures, explained that many valid attempts fail due to poor recordkeeping or technical non-compliance.
Despite financial challenges, the event thrived thanks to grassroots support. Volunteers, local businesses, and friends donated ingredients, utensils, and energy to sustain the effort. “We had no big sponsors,” Garani noted, “but we had something even stronger — community.”
A Tribute to His Late Mother
Behind the record attempt lies a deeply emotional story. Garani dedicated his 100-hour feat to his late mother, whose passion for cooking inspired his career. His sister, Nassir Salim, shared heartfelt words after the marathon: “Our mum would have been so proud. She’s the reason Yusuf pursued this dream. Her spirit guided him through every minute.”
What Happens Next?
With the cooking marathon successfully completed, Garani and his team are now focused on compiling hours of video footage, witness statements, and official documentation for submission to Guinness World Records. Once verified, the recognition would mark a historic first for Kenya’s culinary scene, showcasing local talent and innovation on a global scale.
Industry experts believe the record attempt could spark new interest in Kenyan gastronomy and culinary tourism. “Chef Yusuf’s accomplishment goes beyond personal triumph,” said one local hospitality consultant. “It positions Kenya as a serious contender in global cuisine and creative food experiences.”
Beyond the Record: Inspiring a New Generation
If certified, Chef Garani’s record will not only be a victory for Kenya but a symbol of resilience, creativity, and cultural pride. His journey demonstrates that world-class talent can emerge from anywhere — even a humble home kitchen in Mombasa.
“This is just the beginning,” Garani said. “Kenyan chefs have what it takes to compete internationally. All we need is belief and opportunity.”
Conclusion
The Kenyan Chef Guinness World Record attempt by Yusuf Ali Garani embodies more than endurance — it reflects a nation’s spirit, creativity, and culinary evolution. As the world awaits official confirmation, Garani’s story serves as an inspiring reminder that greatness is not confined to professional studios or international kitchens — it can rise from home, fueled by culture, love, and determination.
Whether or not Guinness validates the attempt, Garani has already achieved something profound: uniting a community, inspiring a generation, and bringing global attention to Kenya’s culinary artistry.
News
Federal Judge Revokes Citizenship of North Carolina Man Convicted of Child Sex Crimes

RALEIGH, N.C. — A federal judge has revoked the U.S. citizenship of a 72-year-old Durham County man who admitted to making false statements during the naturalization process while concealing criminal conduct, federal authorities announced.
Cyril Domaquik Clemens, a native of Liberia, was sentenced to time served on September 17, 2026, after pleading guilty to naturalization fraud. The court also revoked his naturalized citizenship and ordered him to leave the United States at his own expense, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Federal prosecutors said Clemens made false statements under penalty of perjury on his citizenship application and during an interview with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
According to prosecutors, Clemens answered “no” when asked whether he had ever forced or attempted to force someone into sexual contact or committed a crime for which he had not been arrested.
Clemens became a naturalized U.S. citizen in February 2021. Authorities said the criminal conduct at issue began before he applied for citizenship, meaning the information he withheld was relevant to his naturalization proceedings.
Clemens subsequently pleaded guilty to naturalization fraud in federal court in June 2026, acknowledging the false statements that formed the basis of the prosecution.
The federal case followed his earlier guilty plea in Durham County Superior Court in April 2023 to three counts of indecent liberties with a child. According to the Justice Department, the offenses occurred over an extended period, beginning before Clemens submitted his citizenship application.
The state criminal proceedings and the federal fraud case addressed separate offenses. The state case involved the child sex crimes, while the federal prosecution concerned the false statements made during the process of obtaining U.S. citizenship.
The federal judge revoked Clemens’ citizenship after the fraud conviction and ordered him to leave the country at his own expense. The order to depart is a separate consequence from the revocation of his citizenship. The available announcement does not establish whether he has completed his departure from the United States.
Federal law permits the government to seek denaturalization when citizenship was illegally obtained or secured through concealment of a material fact or willful misrepresentation. The legal requirements are outlined in Section 1451 of Title 8 of the U.S. Code.
The investigation involved U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations, Homeland Security Investigations, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Authorities said the case was pursued as part of Operation False Haven, an initiative targeting immigration fraud involving individuals who allegedly concealed disqualifying criminal histories or other material information.
The case highlights the potential legal consequences of providing false information during the U.S. naturalization process, particularly when the concealed information concerns serious criminal conduct.
For additional details, readers can consult the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina, which publishes federal prosecution announcements and information about cases handled in the district.
KSN Media Hub will continue to follow developments involving federal court rulings, immigration enforcement, and public safety.
This report is based on publicly available government announcements and legal information. Allegations and case details are attributed to prosecutors and official records.
News
Woman Interrupts Church Wedding With Children, Claims Groom Is Her Husband

A wedding ceremony was reportedly interrupted after a woman arrived at a church with her children and confronted a groom she claimed was still her husband.
The woman, who was carrying a baby on her back, reportedly approached the altar and called on her other children to stand beside her as she addressed the congregation.
The incident attracted attention online after footage circulated showing the confrontation unfolding in front of the bride, who was dressed in a white wedding gown, and other wedding attendees.
According to an account published by TUKO.co.ke on October 12, the woman claimed that she and the groom had neither divorced nor separated.
The video, attributed to Ripple Effects in the report, ended without revealing how the confrontation was resolved or whether the wedding eventually proceeded.
Woman says she received information about the wedding
According to the woman’s account as reported by TUKO.co.ke, the man had left home earlier that morning, telling her he was travelling upcountry.
She alleged that she later received information suggesting he was preparing to marry another woman.
The tip-off reportedly prompted her to go to the church, where she confronted the groom in front of the congregation.
During the exchange, she maintained that their relationship had not formally ended and called their children forward as she challenged the ceremony.
Her statements formed the centre of the confrontation, although the groom’s response and his account of the relationship were not included in the material available for this report.
Bride caught in an unexpected confrontation
The incident reportedly left the bride and other people attending the ceremony visibly surprised.
According to the description accompanying the footage, the bride remained near the altar as the woman addressed the congregation. The groom was also present during the exchange, while the priest and other church participants watched.
The available video did not establish whether the ceremony was suspended, cancelled or later continued.
It also did not provide independent confirmation of the woman’s marital status or clarify whether any legal proceedings had taken place before the planned wedding.
Similar incidents have been reported before
Church confrontations involving disputed relationships are not entirely new in news coverage.
In October 2014, The Standard reported a separate incident in Kariobangi South, Nairobi, in which a woman disrupted a church service while alleging that her husband had neglected her and their child.
The circumstances of that earlier incident were different, and there is no evidence linking it to the current video. It nevertheless illustrates how disputes over family responsibilities and relationships can sometimes become public during religious gatherings.
Read The Standard’s 2014 report.
Questions remain unanswered
The latest wedding incident has generated questions about the groom’s relationship with the woman, the bride’s knowledge of the alleged marriage and the eventual outcome of the ceremony.
However, the available footage and published account do not answer those questions conclusively.
KSNMediaHub.com could not establish an independent report confirming the identities of those involved, the location of the church or the legal status of the relationship.
The woman’s statements should therefore be understood as allegations rather than established findings. A response from the groom, the bride or other people directly involved could provide additional context.
News
Fred Machoka Breaks Silence Over Golden Jubilee Rhumba Concert Drama Involving His Niece, Gloria Owoba

Veteran Kenyan broadcaster Fred Machoka has expressed gratitude following his Golden Jubilee Rhumba concert, reflecting on the concerns that surrounded the event before it brought together celebrated musicians from Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The landmark celebration attracted Rhumba enthusiasts eager to watch established performers, including Congolese music star Koffi Olomide, legendary singer Mbilia Bel, Them Mushrooms and Les Wanyika.
However, the concert also generated online discussion following separate incidents involving Koffi Olomide and former nominated senator Gloria Orwoba, drawing attention away from some of the evening’s musical highlights.
In a post-event message cited by TUKO.co.ke, Machoka opened up about the uncertainty the organising team faced before the concert, including concerns about weather conditions and fears that an Ebola-related scare might affect attendance.
Despite those worries, the veteran broadcaster expressed relief that the event went ahead as planned.
Fred Machoka reflects on concerns before the concert
Machoka said the organising team had been anxious about whether external circumstances would disrupt the celebrations, particularly the possibility of rain affecting the event.
He also recalled concerns about whether Ebola-related fears might discourage people from attending.
In his post, Machoka credited God for helping the organisers overcome their worries and deliver the celebration.
His remarks offered a glimpse into the pressures associated with organising a major live music event featuring internationally recognised performers and a large audience.
The broadcaster also thanked fans who turned up to support the concert, praising their enthusiasm and the reception given to the musicians.
Koffi Olomide delivers an extended performance
Koffi Olomide was among the evening’s headline performers, with Machoka praising the Congolese star for entertaining fans during an extended set.
According to the remarks quoted by TUKO.co.ke, Koffi performed for approximately two hours, while his wife, Cindy Le Cœur, and other musicians also contributed to the programme.
Mbilia Bel, Them Mushrooms and Les Wanyika were among the established acts associated with the concert, which celebrated the enduring popularity of Rhumba music across East Africa.
The event highlighted the genre’s continued appeal among audiences who appreciate its distinctive guitar arrangements, harmonies and dance rhythms.
Machoka also recognised the contribution of the event’s presenters and hosts, including Jeff Koinange, Mwalimu Churchill, Eric Latiff, Dee and Patrick Igunza.
He thanked those involved in making the programme possible and indicated that another edition could be considered in the future.
Gloria Orwoba incident draws attention
Despite the music performances, the event attracted controversy after former nominated senator Gloria Orwoba reportedly encountered a difficult moment on stage.
TUKO.co.ke reported that Orwoba was asked to leave the stage amid chants from some members of the audience.
The incident generated discussion online, with attention also directed at her relationship with Machoka, who is her uncle.
However, the circumstances surrounding the exchange and the motivations of individual audience members should not be assumed beyond what can be established from verified footage and accounts.
The episode added a political dimension to an event primarily organised to celebrate music and Machoka’s milestone.
Disagreement involving Koffi Olomide also discussed
A separate incident involving Machoka and Koffi Olomide also attracted attention after footage and accounts of an apparent disagreement circulated on social media.
The exchange became another talking point following the concert, prompting discussion about what had happened between the veteran broadcaster and the Congolese musician.
The available account does not, on its own, establish the full circumstances of the disagreement or either man’s complete perspective on the incident.
Further details should therefore be attributed to verified footage or direct statements from the individuals involved rather than speculation.
Machoka focuses on gratitude and the possibility of another concert
Despite the controversies, Machoka’s post-event message emphasised appreciation for the fans, musicians, presenters and other people who contributed to the celebration.
His remarks suggested that he regarded the event as an important milestone, notwithstanding the challenges and public discussion surrounding it.
He also left open the possibility of organising another edition, while acknowledging that a repeat event was not guaranteed.
The Golden Jubilee celebration brought together generations of Rhumba performers and audiences, underlining the genre’s lasting place in Kenya’s entertainment scene.
For Machoka, the response from music lovers appeared to be a central part of the experience, even as the incidents involving Orwoba and Koffi continued to generate debate after the final performances.
Tech1 year agoVIDEO: iPhone 17 Air Leak Reveals Ultra-Thin Design: A Bold Leap Beyond the iPhone 16 Pro
News1 year agoHow U.S. Remittance 5% Tax Bill Could Impact Kenyan Diaspora: What You Need to Know
Tech1 year agoMotorola Launches $1,300 Razr Ultra Foldable Smartphone with AI Features, Swarovski-Enhanced Earbuds
Insurance Basics1 year agoPopular Apps May Be Secretly Tracking Your Driving – And Raising Your Insurance Rates
Tech1 year agoMotorola Razr Ultra (2025) Launches With Free 1TB Storage Upgrade
News1 year agoWhat would you do if your Gold Digger girlfriend behaved like this?
News1 year agoBox Office: ‘Sinners’ Holds No. 1 Spot With $13M Friday; ‘The Accountant 2’ Debuts With $9.4M
Insurance Basics1 year agoFlorida House Passes ‘Pam Rock Act’ Requiring Dog Registry and $100K Liability Insurance











