In a powerful move underscoring a commitment to match integrity, the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has taken disciplinary action against match officials following a thorough review of several high-profile SportPesa League fixtures.
The message from the FKF’s National Referees Committee is clear: poor officiating will be met with immediate sanctions.
The Demotion: A FIFA Referee Penalized
The most significant action was taken against Mr. Erick Njogu, a respected FIFA-badged referee. Following an assessment of two matches Kariobangi Sharks vs Shabana FC and Nairobi United vs Mathare United the committee found several key decisions to be “inconsistent with the standards expected at his level.”
As a direct result, Mr. Njogu has been demoted to officiate the National Super League (NSL), second tier, matches for the next five rounds.
This decision is a stark reminder that international status does not grant immunity from accountability. The demotion is termed a “corrective and developmental measure,” emphasizing that officials must maintain excellence, regardless of their rank.
His return to the top flight will depend on evaluation reports proving his readiness.
Other Officials Face Sanctions
The review didn’t stop there:
Assistant Referee Fredrick Kajongo was also sanctioned after a review of the Kenya Police vs Mathare United match. He was found to have made an incorrect offside decision and has been issued a formal written warning. Like Njogu, his future assignments will be under close scrutiny.
The FKF emphasized that these measures are part of an ongoing referee development framework designed to ensure consistency, accountability, and excellence in match officiating—values that every regional league, including our own, strives to uphold.
