FKF demotes two referees for questionable calls in three games

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has sustained its purge on poor officiating, taking yet another decisive step aimed at restoring confidence in match officials and upholding integrity in the top-flight.

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The latest action has seen FIFA-accredited referee Erick Njogu demoted following a performance review conducted by the FKF National Referees Committee.

The decision was passed during a virtual meeting of the FKF Instructors Technical Group held on Wednesday, 10 December, where recent FKF Premier League fixtures were subjected to detailed scrutiny.

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According to FKF, the committee reviewed match footage, officials’ reports and explanations provided, and found Mr Njogu at fault in two league fixtures, Match No. 56 between Kariobangi Sharks and Shabana FC, and Match No. 94 involving Nairobi United and Mathare United.

In both matches, the committee concluded that the referee displayed inconsistency in key decisions, which fell short of the standards expected at the highest level of domestic football.

Match No. 56 between Kariobangi Sharks and Shabana FC ended in a goalless draw at Kasarani Stadium, a contest that was not without controversy.

In the second half, Harambee Stars forward Austin Odongo appeared to have won the match for Shabana FC with a spectacular overhead kick, only for the effort to be controversially overturned by the match official, a decision that ultimately denied the Kisii-based side maximum points.

Meanwhile, Match No. 94 saw Mathare United grind out a narrow 1-0 victory over Nairobi United in an encounter staged at Dandora Stadium.

“As a corrective and developmental measure,” FKF announced, “Mr. Erick Njogu will be demoted to officiate National Super League (NSL) matches for the next five rounds.”

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The federation added that his performances during this period will be closely monitored, with evaluation reports determining his readiness for reinstatement to the Premier League referees’ panel.

The clampdown did not stop there. Assistant referee Fredrick Kajongo was also sanctioned after the committee reviewed his performance in Match No. 90 between Kenya Police FC and Mathare United. An incorrect offside decision was identified in the match, which Kenya Police eventually won 1-0.

As a result, Kajongo has been issued a formal written warning, with FKF stressing that his future assignments will be closely monitored, and improved decision-making is expected.

In an official statement, FKF reiterated its stance:

“These measures form part of our ongoing referee development framework to ensure accountability, consistency, and excellence in officiating.”

The latest sanctions come barely a fortnight after FKF punished three other match officials over questionable calls.

Assistant referee Jackson Opiayo was demoted to the National Super League for three rounds, while centre referee David Serem received an official warning for an unjustified corner kick decision.

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Assistant referee Gladys Kamuren was also cautioned for erroneous calls during the Kakamega Homeboyz versus Murang’a Seal match last month.