Gor Mahia FC head coach Johnathan McKinstry says match fixers in the country should get the harshest of punishments, with the vice fast becoming a major threat to Kenyan football.Match manipulation is on the rise in Kenyan football, with the latest case being one that happened a fortnight ago when three people were arrested while trying to fix the City Stars vs. Sofapaka game. A trap laid resulted in the three being arrested; they were later released on bond by the court.##NAJAVA_MECA_7117136##Three Kenyan players, Moses Chikati, Festo Omukoto, and Festus Okiring, are currently serving FIFA bans after they were caught involving themselves in the vice. A number of players, coaches, and referees have also been suspended by the federation over alleged involvement in the vice.The Irish tactician whose side sit at the helm of the FKF Premier League has weighed in on the issue, saying some of those involved in the vice have been getting away with a slap on the wrist and wanting harsher punishments issued.”For me, football is a privilege, and if it is abused, you should not be given a second chance. It should also not be a one- or two-year ban, but the punishment should be severe and stiffer,” he said in an interview with NTV.Sad state of Match fixing in Kenya Premier League football. pic.twitter.com/WsZ0jue7lZ— Cyprian, Is Nyakundi (@CisNyakundy) March 15, 2023 He nevertheless warns that proper investigations should be carried out to ensure that those punished are guilty, as he observes that innocent people have in the past been punished.”However, we have to make sure there is enough evidence, the information is proven, and the investigation is robust. There are instances where people have been accused and punished yet there is no evidence.”.The federation has in recent months intensified the fight against the vice that some stakeholders believe is down to the financial struggles that teams and the league in general are facing.Harambee Stars coach warns moles within the team
