Harambee Stars skipper calls out officiating blunders in the NSL
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Reading Time: 3min | Fri. 31.10.25. | 08:44
The incident has since raised fresh debate about the quality of officiating in the national league, with many calling for stricter oversight and improved match management
Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga has questioned the standard of officiating during Thursday’s National Super League (NSL) match between his side, Michael Olunga Football Academy (MOFA), and newcomers Kabati Youth, at Thika Stadium.
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MOFA took early control of the game, opening the scoring in the second minute through Kevin Bulimo, who was making his first start of the season.
However, the encounter turned chaotic after the break, particularly in the final 20 minutes.
In the 69th minute, referee Joseph Mudhiga awarded Kabati Youth a controversial penalty after an incident involving Amos Mbogo and Tyson Sifuna inside the MOFA box.
In the build-up, Mbogo had beaten his marker before squaring the ball to Sifuna, who miscontrolled it, allowing defender Fredrick Onyango to intercept.
As Sifuna lost possession, he went down under no contact whatsoever, seemingly after a poor touch, and even his teammates appeared frustrated by the decision.
To the shock of many, the referee pointed straight to the spot, a call that reignited Kabati’s hopes. Vincent Oduor converted the penalty past Paul Odhiambo to level matters.
Moments after the match, an agitated Olunga took to his X (formerly Twitter) account, posting:
“Cheki reaction ya ball boy nyuma ya post 😂😂😂 na two red players next to the one on the ball 😂😂.”
Cheki reaction ya ball boy nyuma ya post😂😂😂 na two red players next to the one on the ball😂😂.
— MICHAEL OLUNGA (@OgadaOlunga) October 30, 2025
Ref even gave two yellow cards to a player and didn't give a red card 👀. Shakaaa https://t.co/yU6NbbJYt2
The controversy did not end there; shortly after the equalizer, tempers flared between Kelvin Mwaura and Brian Ombura of the White Rhinos, leading to a confrontation that forced the referee to issue yellow cards to both players.
But confusion deepened when it emerged that Mwaura had already been booked earlier in the 33rd minute, meaning the second caution should have resulted in a red card.
By the laws of the game, that should have resulted in an automatic red card and expulsion.
Yet, the referee inexplicably allowed Mwaura to continue playing, sparking outrage and an eight-minute stoppage as players and officials confronted the decision.
Match officials later claimed Mwaura’s first yellow card “had not been recorded." Despite visible frustration, MOFA and technical players eventually agreed to resume play.
Olunga again took to social media, questioning the credibility of the officiating:
“Ref even gave two yellow cards to a player and didn’t give a red card 👀. Shakaaa. Even the two other players in the box were wondering why he didn’t pass the ball while the referee had other ideas 😂😂. Gave a player two yellow cards and never sent him off 😂😂😂.”
Even the two other players in the box were wondering why he didn't pass the ball while the referee had other ideas😂😂. Gave a player two yellow cards and never sent him off 😂😂😂 https://t.co/mmIrHe2YiW
— MICHAEL OLUNGA (@OgadaOlunga) October 30, 2025
After the final whistle, Mozzart Sport, in the company of MOFA Team Manager Nickolas Otulo, sought clarification from the match commissioner.
They presented their own match notes showing Mwaura’s first booking in the 33rd minute.
In response, the match commissioner, alongside the fourth official, changed stance, claiming the second yellow had actually been issued to jersey number 15, Stanley Njoroge, and not Mwaura.
However, eyewitnesses confirmed Njoroge was nowhere near the altercation between Mwaura and Ombura.
The incident has since raised fresh debate about the quality of officiating in the NSL, with many calling for stricter oversight and improved match management.
