FKF Suspends Three Match Officials After Review of Matches, Including Gor Mahia Fixture

The Football Kenya Federation (FKF)Referees Committee has suspended and demoted three match officials after reviewing recent SportPesa Premier League matches.

In a statement dated Saturday, May 9, 2026, the committee said referees Phanuel Omire, Samuel Kuria, and Edwin Bobiya did not meet the required officiating standards for top-flight matches.

“The FKF Referees Committee, in conjunction with the Instructors’ Technical Group, has taken disciplinary action against 3 match officials, i.e Phanuel Omire, Samuel Kuria & Edwin Bobiya, following a review of recent #SPL fixtures,” read part of the statement.

FKF Cracks Down on Three Match Officials

The decision was reached together with the Instructors’ Technical Group during a virtual meeting held on April 30, 2026.

According to FKF, the review looked at match videos, reports from assessors, observations by match commissioners and technical evaluations of the referees’ performances.

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FKF said the three officials failed to meet the standards expected in the top league. The committee identified problems in decision-making, application of the Laws of the Game, match management, concentration, teamwork and coordination among officials.

As a result, Omire has been suspended for three match rounds and demoted to the FKF National Super League pending further technical assessment.

Kuria and Bobiya have each been suspended for two match rounds and also demoted to the National Super League.

Phanuel Omire Faces Backlash Following Gor Mahia Bandari Game

Omire recently faced criticism following a controversial incident during the SportPesa Premier League match between Gor Mahia and Bandari FC at Kasarani Stadium in April 2026.

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During the match, Omire first awarded a late penalty to Gor Mahia after Shariff Musa was fouled in the box. However, he later changed the decision after consultations and protests from players.

The decision angered Gor Mahia fans, leading to a pitch invasion and heated confrontations inside the stadium.

The incident also attracted criticism from Gor Mahia officials, including chairman Ambrose Rachier, who demanded answers from FKF over the handling of the match.

FKF said the affected officials will remain under close monitoring by match commissioners, assessors and instructors. Their return to top-tier matches will depend on improvement and future technical reviews.

The federation said it remains committed to maintaining high officiating standards, accountability and continuous training for referees in all competitions.

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Hussein Mohammed-FKF President during the FIFA Forward Programme 4.0 held in Nairobi on April 14, 2026
PHOTO/FKF