Kenyan Referees Break Silence After John Sulwe Assault at Ulinzi Stadium

Kenyan referees have condemned the assault of centre referee John Sulwe following the chaotic promotion-relegation playoff between Kariobangi Sharks and Mombasa United.

Sulwe officiated the crucial second-leg match at the Ulinzi Sports Complex on Tuesday, October 6, 2026. The match was abandoned after Sulwe awarded Mombasa United a penalty.

His decision sparked protests from Kariobangi Sharks players before supporters invaded the pitch. The incident has since drawn condemnation from the refereeing fraternity, with officials calling for action against those involved.

Kenyan Referees Led by Caleb Amwayi Condemns Incident

FKF Referees Committee Chair Caleb Amwayi said referees should not be sent to matches where their safety is at risk.

“I want to take this opportunity to join other Kenyans of goodwill and also referees to condemn the incident that happened yesterday,” Mwai said.

He described the incident as unfortunate, unwarranted and unnecessary, saying referees should be able to perform their duties without fear.

“When we appoint referees, we don’t want to appoint them to death traps. We want to appoint them to go and enjoy what they like the most. That is officiating,” he said.

Amwayi called on security agencies to investigate the incident and take action against those responsible.

“I’m also requesting the security agents to take the necessary actions, because those who misbehaved are well known, can be identified, so that the law takes its course,” he said.

Referees Seek Better Protection

Amwayi also said the referees’ department had made recommendations to the FKF National Executive Committee aimed at improving the safety and welfare of match officials.

“My department, which is referees department, we have made many strong recommendations to the National Executive Committee to ensure that referees are safe, their welfare are well taken care of,” he said.

He urged referees to remain focused despite the incident and reminded players and supporters that football can produce only three results.

“Football has three results: win, draw, or lose. A good sportsman should be able to accept either of the results,” Amwayi said.

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

Gordon Taro Calls for Prosecution

National Super League referee Gordon Taro also condemned the incident and called for those responsible to face the law.

Taro spoke alongside fellow referees after their training on Wednesday, October 7, as they raised concerns about the safety of match officials.

“This is a group of referees who are participating in National Super League. We are here to talk about the welfare of referees, and especially the safety of referees,” Taro said.

He stressed that football should bring people together regardless of their backgrounds.

“First we must say that football unites, brings all tribes and races together,” he said.

Taro said referees had witnessed several incidents within the league and described Sulwe’s assault as unacceptable.

“We are here as one team to condemn it, and we are asking the relevant authorities to bring the perpetrators to book, because we can’t continue like this,” he said.

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

Referee’s Family Left to Watch Assault

Taro also highlighted the personal impact of attacks on referees, noting that match officials have families and lives away from football.

“Someone being beaten that way is apparent. He is in another profession. He has a wife and children. Imagine your family watching you being beaten,” he said.

He said the incident had also raised concerns among referees preparing for upcoming league matches.

“We as referees, we have just finished our training today. We don’t know what awaits us when the league starts,” Taro said.

The referees are now calling on the relevant authorities to investigate the assault on Sulwe and ensure that those involved face prosecution.

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Photo of Kariobangi Sharks Vs Mombasa United Centre Referee John Sulwe under the security care after sharks fans invaded the pitch on October 6 at Ulinzi Stadium
PHOTO/File