FC Talanta tactician asks coaches to name culprits when talking about match fixing

However, Gatheru warned against making public accusations without solid proof, stressing that speculation could unfairly tarnish players who are working hard to compete honestly.

“Those people commenting about match-fixing may have seen it in their own teams, but for me, I have never witnessed anything of that sort within my team. I have not even had any suspicions,” Gatheru said.

He further emphasised that accountability is essential when raising such sensitive allegations.

“Also, when commenting on matters like match-fixing, it is important to have evidence. You cannot make claims about match-fixing and then, when asked to name the culprits, be unable to do so. That kind of speculation only undermines the morale of the players,” he called out.

His remarks come at a time when several coaches in the Kenyan top flight have openly discussed the existence of match manipulation.

Kenya Police FC head coach Nicholas Muyoti recently admitted that offers to fix matches continue to reach clubs and players.

“We are receiving calls up to now from Asia and everywhere about fixing matches. If we were not strong, we would have gone in that direction, but we have not because we have integrity.

I have been talking about match fixing for about four years, and not just now. It is there. We cannot lie about that. Match fixing is there,” Muyoti said.

Former Tusker FC head coach Charles Okere also acknowledged earlier this year that the vice exists within the local football ecosystem.

Okere noted that individuals involved in fixing matches are “operating among us,” suggesting that the networks behind such activities may be embedded within the football community.

Similarly, Abdallah Juma of Sofapaka alleged that manipulation has become widespread in the FKF Premier League, claiming that it involves a network of officials, referees, and players.

Back in 2023, George Owoko of Vihiga Bullets made a dramatic appeal for help after arresting a suspected match fixer who had allegedly approached his players.

Owoko revealed at the time that it was not the first attempt to manipulate matches involving his team, highlighting the persistent threat facing clubs across the country.

While acknowledging that match-fixing concerns continue to surface, Gatheru insisted that discussions around the issue must be handled responsibly, with clear evidence, to protect the credibility of players and the sport.