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FKF wrath falls on three erratic referees in crackdown on controversial officiating
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Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 10.12.25. | 18:47
In a statement released to the public, FKF confirmed that the disciplinary actions stemming from a review of Match No. 68, played between Kakamega Homeboyz and Murang’a Seal at Bukhungu Stadium on 9 November has been taken
The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) National Referees Committee has taken decisive action, in its ongoing effort to curb poor officiating in the FKF Premier League, after demoting and issuing multiple warnings to match officials.
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In a statement released to the public, FKF confirmed that the disciplinary actions, stemming from a review of Match No. 68-played between Kakamega Homeboyz and Murang’a Seal at Bukhungu Stadium on 9 November, have been taken.
Following a sitting held on Monday, 17 November, the committee has announced the demotion of second assistant referee of the match Jackson Opiayo, who will not officiate in the top-tier in the next three rounds.
“Mr. Jackson Opiayo has been removed from FKF Premier League match appointments for three rounds and reassigned to the National Super League,” the statement read.
“This action follows an offside decision made from an incorrect positioning, which denied the attacking team a legitimate promising opportunity. His performance during NSL assignments will be closely monitored, and a detailed report will be required before consideration for reinstatement, " added the statement.
Opiayo had been promoted to the top tier at the start of the season after consistent performances in the NSL, and was part of the group that recently attended the FIFA MA Elite Referees Course in Nairobi.
The match in question ended 1-1 after Paul Ngugi’s second-half goal cancelled out Potiphar Odhiambo’s 13th-minute penalty for Homeboyz.
However, the fixture was marred by what observers described as a string of dubious decisions.
Reports indicate questionable corner-kick calls, disrupted transitions, and repeated stoppages that broke down promising attacks for both sides marred the game.
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Murang’a Seal were believed to be the most affected, with two suspicious offside calls flagged against them while in dangerous positions.
Observers also pointed to a controversial opening spell in which Kakamega Homeboyz allegedly received five to seven corners within the first two to three minutes.
FKF also issued an official warning to referee David Serem over an unjustified corner-kick decision in the same match.
“Mr. Serem has been issued with an official warning for an incorrect corner-kick decision taken without clear justification and without supportive input from the assistant referee,” FKF said.
“Available footage did not support his decision, and his explanation during the review was found unsatisfactory.”
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First Assistant Referee Gladys Kamuren has also being cautioned for her role in the same incident.
“Despite being best placed to determine whether the ball had left the field of play, her communication and signalling were deemed insufficient, contributing to an incorrect final decision,” the committee added.
