The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has provisionally suspended Ezekiel Odera and Salim Abdallah pending investigations into their alleged involvement in match manipulation.

The two individuals are set to appear before the FKF Integrity Department, where a thorough inquiry into the matter will take place.

FKF statement confirmed

In a statement released by the FKF, it emphasized its commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity within the sport.

“As part of ongoing efforts to protect the integrity of the FKF Leagues and Competitions, Football Kenya Federation has provisionally suspended two individuals pending investigations into their alleged involvement in match manipulation,” FKF announced in a statement.

“The two, Ezekiel Odera and Salim Abdallah are set to appear before the FKF Integrity Department for a thorough inquiry into the matter,” the statement confirmed.

During this period of suspension, all FKF members are advised to avoid any form of sporting contact with the duo.

“All FKF members have been advised to refrain from any form of sporting contact with Odera and Abdallah,” FKF said.

FKF call on stakeholders

The FKF has issued an appeal to all stakeholders, including players, officials, and fans, to rally behind its efforts in upholding the integrity of Kenyan football.

Just six months ago, the FKF took a similar stand by suspending 15 players, including Willis Ochieng Oganyo, Vincent Misikhu, Michael Idovolo Madoya, Isaac Kipyegon, and Du Monde Selenga, for their alleged roles in match manipulation.

Recognizing the gravity of the issue, the FKF has been actively advocating for legislative measures to criminalize match-fixing.

In April, FKF President Nick Mwendwa urged the National Assembly Committee for Sports and Culture to expedite the enactment of a law that would address this growing threat to the game.

Mwendwa emphasized that match-fixing not only undermines the integrity of football but also has far-reaching consequences for the sport’s credibility and growth.

The FKF shed light on the fact that match-fixing operations are primarily orchestrated by syndicates operating predominantly out of Asia. These syndicates target players and match officials, enticing them to manipulate games for personal gain.