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FKF demotes match officials over match-influencing decisions
11th February, 2026 03:06 PM
The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has taken firm disciplinary action against several match officials after determining that their decisions had a direct impact on the outcome of recent Premier League matches.
Following an extensive assessment conducted by the FKF National Referees Committee on Tuesday, February 19, 2026, three officials have been relegated to lower-tier duties for failing to meet the required officiating standards at the top-flight level.
The evaluation was conducted during a virtual meeting of the FKF Instructors Technical Group on Tuesday, February 3, 2026. During the session, refereeing performances were thoroughly scrutinised through detailed examination of match footage, official reports, and explanations submitted by the referees involved.
The review process, FKF says, is part of its ongoing effort to enhance refereeing quality and safeguard fairness and integrity within the game.
Among those found culpable were referee Susan Nyambura, alongside assistant referee Jane Cherono, who handled Match No. 155 between KCB FC and Tusker FC.
Also cited was referee Emmanuel Ochieng, who officiated Match No. 168 involving Shabana FC and Bandari FC. The committee concluded that their decisions significantly influenced the course of the games and fell short of expected professional standards.
As a corrective measure, the trio has been downgraded to officiate in the National Super League for the next five rounds. Their performances during this period will be closely tracked by match commissioners and instructors, whose reports will inform decisions on whether they will regain Premier League appointments.
In a separate review, the committee assessed the displays of FIFA referee Kelvin Maina during Kakamega Homeboyz’ clash with Mara Sugar FC, Evans Kirimi in the Ulinzi Stars versus Murang’a Seal fixture, and Lucy Juma in the APS Bomet encounter against Shabana FC. Although their calls did not directly alter match outcomes, shortcomings such as hesitation, weak game management, and lapses in focus were observed.
Verbal warning
As a result, the three officials have received formal verbal cautions and will remain under strict performance monitoring, with expectations of marked improvement in authority, consistency, and application of the Laws of the Game.
Meanwhile, the committee also reviewed the progress of Jackson Opiayo, who had previously been suspended from top-tier matches. After a series of closely monitored assignments in the National Super League, reports indicated notable improvement in his positioning, decision-making, and overall control of matches. Consequently, he has now been cleared to resume officiating SportPesa Premier League fixtures with immediate effect, subject to continued assessment.
