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Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has sounded a warning to four clubs over reported involvement in cases of harassment of match officials.

The incidents involved a National Super League (NSL) fixture at Moi Stadium pitting Embu (3K FC) against Kibera Blackstars FC and a Division One fixture involving Compel FC and Eldoret-based GFE 105 in Webuye on Sunday, January 12, 2025.

Through its Leagues and Competitions Committee (LCC) chairman Peter Kamau, the federation has reiterated its non-tolerant stance on such anti-sporting behaviours as it seeks to ensure the safety of all participants in the sport.

Highest standards

“As a federation, we reiterate our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of match officials and promoting the highest standards of sportsmanship and integrity in the game. Violence or intimidation against match officials is unacceptable and will be addressed decisively,” FKF stated on Tuesday, January 14, 2025.

FKF has further revealed that investigations into the allegations levelled against the four clubs have been opened, pending their verdict this Thursday, January 16, 2025.

“Football Kenya Federation (FKF) acknowledges reports of alleged harassment and physical assault of match officials during matches held on Sunday, 12th January. The incidents were reported during the National Super League fixture at Moi Stadium, Embu (3K FC vs Kibera Blackstars FC), and the Division One fixture at Ilala Stadium, Webuye (Compel FC vs GFE 105 FC),” FKF added.

“The federation has received detailed match reports from the referees’ department concerning these incidents. The FKF Leagues and Competitions Committee (LCC) is following up with the clubs involved to obtain their responses regarding these matters promptly.”

“The LCC, in collaboration with the FKF Leagues and Competitions Manager, will convene a meeting on Thursday to deliberate on the reports and determine the necessary course of action. Following this meeting, the committee will issue a comprehensive statement outlining its findings and decisions,” FKF added.

League newcomers, 3 K FC, will be walking the federation’s tight disciplinary rope after the team’s failure to control its home fans in the Sunday clash. The fans were pictured hauling plastic chairs as some rained blows on the referees as he was being led to safety.

With the loss, Kibera Black Stars displaced town rivals, Darajani Gogo, to third. The club is now level on points with Nairobi United, who trail leaders AP Bomet by one point.

Meanwhile, 3KFC positions are ranked ninth in the NSL log with 21 points after taking to the pitch 15 times.

The three teams, Kibera, APS Bomet, and Darajani Gogo, have emerged as early favourites for the promotion to the Kenyan Premier League.