Who Is John Sulwe? Meet the Referee Who Officiated Kariobangi Sharks vs Mombasa United

John Sulwe has found himself at the centre of attention after the Kariobangi Sharks and Mombasa United promotion-relegation playoff ended in chaos at the Ulinzi Sports Complex. He was the centre referee for the crucial second-leg match on Tuesday, October 6, 2026.

The game was abandoned after he awarded Mombasa United a penalty, with the decision triggering protests from Sharks players before supporters invaded the pitch.

But away from the dramatic scenes in Nairobi, Sulwe is also a primary school teacher who has been involved in football officiating in Kenya. Sulwe teaches at Oyani Primary School in Uriri Sub-County, Migori County, according to Education News.

His work in the classroom runs alongside his career as a football referee, making him one of the officials who balance teaching with responsibilities in Kenyan football.

His profile received wider attention after the events at Ulinzi Sports Complex, where security personnel had to escort him from the pitch after the situation became unsafe.

Referee John Sulwe Role in Kenyan Football

Sulwe has officiated in Football Kenya Federation competitions. FKF’s official records show that he was appointed as a reserve referee for the SportPesa League fixture between APS Bomet and Bidco United in March 2026.

He was also listed as a reserve referee for the AFC Leopards versus Tusker match later that month. These appointments show that Sulwe had already been involved in top-flight match officiating before receiving the centre-referee role in the high-stakes playoff.

Appointment to the Sharks-Mombasa Playoff

Sulwe was appointed to take charge of the decisive return leg between Kariobangi Sharks and Mombasa United.

The match officials included Jane Cherono as the first assistant referee, Gladys Kamuren as the second assistant referee and Israel Mpaima as the fourth official. Nasur Doka served as the match commissioner.

The appointment came with the match carrying major consequences for both clubs. Kariobangi Sharks were fighting to retain their place in the top flight, while Mombasa United were seeking promotion to the FKF Premier League.

Also Read:FKF Launches Mentorship Programme for National Teams Led by Football Legends

Questions Over His Experience

Sulwe’s appointment attracted attention before the match. Reports said he had served mainly as a fourth official in the previous season and had taken charge of only two matches as a centre referee during that campaign.

The appointment was also questioned publicly by Gor Mahia official Sally Bolo, who raised concerns about the selection of officials for such an important fixture.

However, the concerns reported before the match were about his appointment and experience. They do not, by themselves, establish that Sulwe had acted improperly.

Also Read:Drama as Referee John Sulwe Attacked, Kariobangi Sharks Vs Mombasa United Abandoned

The Penalty Decision That Changed the Match

The second leg was finely balanced when Sulwe made the decision that would bring the match to an abrupt end.

Kariobangi Sharks had come from behind to lead 2-1, levelling the aggregate score at 3-3 after Mombasa United had won the first leg 2-1 in Mombasa.

Sulwe then awarded Mombasa United a penalty after an incident inside the Sharks box. Sharks players immediately protested the decision. The situation escalated when supporters entered the pitch, forcing security personnel to intervene.

The penalty was never taken. Sulwe was eventually escorted from the field as the situation became increasingly dangerous, and the match was abandoned.

Sulwe Escorted to Safety

Security personnel moved quickly to protect the referee as the crowd surged onto the playing surface. Sulwe was chased around the pitch before security officers managed to escort him and the other officials to safety.

The incident left the promotion-relegation playoff unresolved, with the Football Kenya Federation expected to determine what happens next.

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Photo collage of Kariobangi Sharks players and fans attacking referee John Sulwe at Ulinzi stadium on October 6
PHOTO/Screen grab