AFC Leopards SG decries unfair treatment from FKF, demands accountability after Mashemeji Derby fiasco
AFC Leopards Secretary General Isaac Mulindi has called out the Football Kenya Federation for targeting the club unfairly from various angles, including national team selection and failing to address poor officiating issues in the FKF Premier League matches involving the club.
Harambee Stars selection
Taking to his official Facebook page on Thursday, April 30, 2026, Mulindi urged the federation to stop overlooking AFC Leopards players in the national team, the Harambee Stars, squad selection.
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Referring to the recently staged Mashemeji Derby, where Ingwe lost 1-0 to their arch rivals Gor Mahia on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at the Nyayo National Stadium, Mulindi argued that Leopards goalkeeper Humphrey Katasi was on top of his game to deny K’Ogalo more goals, just like the rest of the season in other fixtures, but he never receives national team recognition.
“When we speak, people get offended, so they want AFC Leopards to keep quiet. Who are these guys fighting against AFC Leopards? Let us be honest; in the Mashemeji Derby, Gor Mahia were on top of their game with several shots on target, but what did Katasi do? He was on top of his game, not only in that match, do analysis of Katasi in other fixtures; he is great. Why is he not part of Harambee Stars? Mulindi posed.
“They are unfair to AFC Leopards, and we are not happy at all. What is FKF doing to streamline football in this country? Unfortunately, we cannot keep on like this. We have to strengthen these institutions to perform well,” Mulindi added.
On poor officiating, Mulindi said, “To the referees, if it is a penalty, award it. How can a player play roughly with his opponent and go without a card? But you want us to remain silent. When others complain, it becomes a right; when the Leopards complain, it becomes a problem. We need accountability; let them streamline football matters in this country,” he added.
Ambani frustrated
Mulindi’s concerns come shortly after the club chairman, Boniface Ambani, also called out the federation for allowing poor officiating drag the Kenyan Premier League behind.
In a strongly worded tirade on Monday, April 27, 2026, following Leopards’ loss to Gor Mahia in the Mashemeji Derby, Ambani faulted the federation for prioritising cash stipends and grants from football governing bodies over addressing what he termed ‘systemic officiating failures’ across the national leagues.
“FKF, your only work is fighting for money coming into the federation from FIFA, CAF, the government, etc. You are doing nothing of substance to improve the levels of officiating and football in this country. That is all you know…” Ambani said.
Central to the club’s and fans’ frustration were the failure to send off Gor Mahia’s Enoch Morrison, who escaped a red card, and a contested penalty claim that was waved away in the 99th edition of the Mashemeji Derby.
