The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has yet to release a statement regarding the controversy surrounding the officiating.
In a heated aftermath of their Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) match against Gor Mahia at Mumias Stadium, Kakamega Homeboyz have demanded immediate action against linesman Stephen Yiembe following a series of controversial officiating decisions. This contentious encounter, which saw Gor Mahia secure a narrow 1-0 victory, has reignited discussions on the quality of officiating in Kenyan football.
Kakamega Homeboyz Demand Accountability
Kakamega Homeboyz chairman Cleophas Shimanyula revealed that the club has formally written to the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), requesting that Yiembe be barred from officiating their future matches. Shimanyula pointed to several questionable calls during the game, with the most contentious being the disallowance of Moses Shummah’s late equalizer, which was flagged offside.

“He made some questionable calls, some of which were deliberately unfair and clearly aimed at benefiting our opponents. We do not want to see him in any of our matches due to his bias. Teams spend a lot of effort and resources to prepare, and results should be determined fairly, not by one man who comes to matches with a fixed mind,” Shimanyula stated.
The Controversial Offside Decision
The decision to disallow Shummah’s goal has drawn widespread criticism, with Azam TV’s freeze-frame analysis suggesting that the striker was onside when he received a cross from Ben Stanley. The footage appeared to show Shummah behind Gor Mahia defender Kennedy Onyango, raising questions about the accuracy of Yiembe’s call.
| Moses Shumah’s disallowed goal.
Be the judge pic.twitter.com/GFAUbAQ2kB
— Kakamega Homeboyz FC (@FcHomeboyz) January 26, 2025
Earlier in the first half, another contentious decision occurred when Moses Mudavadi’s goal for Kakamega Homeboyz was ruled out by center referee Joseph Wanjiku, citing a foul in the build-up.
Officiating in the Spotlight
This incident is the latest in a string of officiating controversies that have plagued the FKFPL. Last week, Sofapaka head coach Ezekiel Akwana criticized refereeing decisions during his team’s 2-0 loss to Gor Mahia at Dandora Stadium. Akwana accused referee Isaac Hamisi of favoritism, claiming that the officiating undermined his team’s efforts.
“We played well, but if you look keenly, the referee had a fixed mind. He gave them a lot of advantages in midfield, and the second goal was awarded by the linesman despite it not being his call. We prepared well, but the officiating made Gor Mahia win today,” Akwana said.
Similarly, in the National Super League (NSL), 3K FC fans confronted match officials after two of their goals were ruled out during a match against Kibera Black Stars, further highlighting the growing dissatisfaction with refereeing standards across Kenyan football.
FKF Silent Amid Rising Criticism
Despite the mounting complaints, the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has yet to issue an official statement addressing the growing concerns over officiating. The lack of communication has fueled frustrations among clubs and fans, who are calling for reforms to improve refereeing standards in the league.
The Need for Transparency and Fairness
Kakamega Homeboyz’s appeal to the FKF emphasizes the need for accountability and transparency in officiating. With clubs investing significant resources in preparation and performance, the integrity of match results remains a crucial aspect of the league’s reputation.
The incidents in the Kakamega Homeboyz-Gor Mahia match have also reignited calls for technological interventions, such as the introduction of VAR (Video Assistant Referee), to minimize human error and ensure fair play in Kenyan football.
Broader Implications for Kenyan Football
The ongoing officiating controversies have broader implications for the growth and credibility of Kenyan football. Poor officiating not only affects the outcomes of matches but also undermines the confidence of players, coaches, and fans in the league’s governance. Addressing these issues will require concerted efforts from the FKF, including enhanced training for referees, stricter oversight, and the potential adoption of modern technologies.
A Call to Action
As Kakamega Homeboyz await a response from the FKF, their call for action serves as a rallying point for other clubs facing similar challenges. The demand for fairness and accountability underscores the importance of maintaining the integrity of the sport, ensuring that results are determined by the players on the field rather than the decisions of match officials.
The FKF now faces the challenge of addressing these issues decisively to restore trust and ensure a level playing field for all teams in the league. The resolution of this controversy will be closely watched by stakeholders across Kenyan football, with the hope that it leads to meaningful reforms and improved standards in officiating.
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