Veteran coach Edward Manoah has launched a scathing attack on the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), accusing them of turning a blind eye to the deepening crisis of poor officiating in Kenyan football.Follow Our WhatsApp Channel For More NewsManoah’s frustrations boil over as a growing number of league matches—across all FKF structures—continue to be marred by controversial calls, with some incidents branded by fans and officials as nothing short of “daylight robbery.”The most recent case involved Shabana FC’s disputed Mozzart Bet Cup loss to Kakamega Homeboyz.##NAJAVA_MECA_8867583##In a letter to the FKF Head of Leagues and Competitions, the Glamour Boys expressed outrage over the disallowed last-minute equaliser by Dennis Okoth, despite what they say was clear video evidence and eyewitness confirmation that it was a legitimate goal.“The decision to cancel the goal was not only unjustified but also deeply frustrating,” the club’s statement read. “Our fans, players, and officials believe Sunday’s events were a classic case of daylight robbery.”But Shabana’s complaint is not an isolated case.NSL Warp: Nairobi United falter in title race as Migori Youth’s struggles persistClashes like Mara Sugar versus AFC Leopards, Nairobi United versus Migori Youth, and Sigalagala versus Green Commandos have all sparked outcry over questionable officiating that has increasingly put referees at odds with fans and club officials.On Saturday, Manoah’s Vihiga United found themselves in similar waters during their NSL fixture against Naivas FC at Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos.After a tense game, Vihiga thought they had earned a point on the road—until a late, controversial goal from Naivas handed them a bitter defeat.“The referee was against us from the first whistle,” lamented a member of the Vihiga technical bench. “Despite how hard we pushed, it was clear the result had already been decided. That goal should never have stood.”##NAJAVA_MECA_8868273##Visibly disheartened, Manoah did not hold back in his post-match reaction, calling for FKF President Hussein Mohammed and his administration to resign if they cannot fix what he calls a deeply rooted culture of corruption among referees.“If Hussein and his administration cannot rein in corrupt referees, they should just resign,” Manoah said. “We cannot continue like this—referees are turning corruption into the new normal under this administration. ##NAJAVA_MECA_8867633##What happened today in Machakos was one of the worst cases of open corruption I’ve ever seen. That set of referees should never officiate again.”Manoah, who has previously coached Migori Youth and Vihiga Bullets, called for immediate and decisive action from FKF, warning that the credibility of the sport is under serious threat.The Naivas versus Vihiga United clash was the second NSL match in just one weekend to be rocked by officiating controversy.Gor Mahia’s title hopes dented by Sofapaka’s last gasp goalOn Friday, the tie between Kibera Black Stars and Muhoroni Youth at Jamhuri Sports Complex was dramatically halted in the 20th minute after Muhoroni head coach Phelix Ogutu instructed his players to walk off the pitch. His reasoning? He claimed the game was “already compromised.”At the time, Kibera led 3-0, but Ogutu insisted two of the goals were offside and that the officiating team was part of a larger conspiracy.Before kickoff, Ogutu had already raised concerns, even reaching out to Matchcom with allegations of planned match-fixing involving external investors and compromised officials.The match between Kibera Black Stars and Muhoroni Youth at the Jamhuri Sports Complex was temporarily halted late in the first half.Muhoroni head coach, Phelix Ogutu, instructed his players not to continue with the game, citing concerns that the match has been compromised.… pic.twitter.com/lSoSaUYvd5— Brian Odhiambo (@Odhiambo_Brian1) April 18, 2025 With four of his key players already suspended, Ogutu believes his side was being deliberately targeted.“I couldn’t let my players stay on the pitch under those circumstances,” he said. “It’s clear what’s going on here.”The growing list of grievances now puts FKF under immense pressure to restore order and credibility to the leagues.
