The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has announced the suspension of five individuals, including referees Meshack Omondi, Jacqueline Barongo, and Stephen Adeya, FC Talanta goalkeeper Kevin Otieno Olang’o, and Kibra United Team Manager Abdulkarim Amele, over match-fixing allegations.

The announcement came from FKF CEO Barry Otieno, who stated that the federation had initiated an investigation into the matter. Otieno also cautioned the five individuals against participating in any sporting activities. Simultaneously, the public was warned not to engage with these individuals while the investigations are ongoing.

“In light of these allegations, the above-named individuals have been provisionally suspended from all football-related activities with immediate effect.

This suspension will remain in force until the investigations are concluded and the FKF Disciplinary Committee decides,” the statement from the federation reads.

The accusation involves the alleged fixing of a match between FC Talanta and Nairobi City Stars, which took place at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos two weeks ago.

The match ended 3-0 in favour of City Stars, with three penalties awarded, two to FC Talanta, which they missed, and one to City Stars, which was converted late in the game.

This is not the first time the Federation has taken such action against rogue match officials. In 2021, Raymond Onyango, Samuel Mwaura, Isaac Memusi, Collins Opiyo, and Japheth Juma were suspended. Last year, four more referees were sanctioned: Tony Kidiya, Nyabera Libese, Boniface Gikonyo, and Hassan Omondi. However, investigations into the allegations have yet to be concluded, and the nine referees remain suspended.

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