13 hours ago
Kenyan referee suspended over protest violence allegation
NAIROBI: Kenya's football association confirmed Saturday it had suspended one of its referees over social media clips appearing to show the official harassing protesters in the capital.
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Tensions have risen in the east African country ahead of the anniversary of last year's massive Gen Z-led demonstrations, with small rallies breaking out in Nairobi this week.
Demonstrators were attacked by armed thugs known as 'goons' during anti-police brutality protests in the city on Tuesday. The scenes, widely recorded and shared on social media, have provoked fury in Kenya.
Football Kenya Federation's (FKF) county sub-branch chairman Bernard Omondi confirmed to AFP they had 'launched an investigation' against one of their Nairobi-based referees.
The individual, who AFP is not naming but who adjudicates lower league matches, was investigated 'after video footage, which was widely circulated on social media, identified his participation in the aggression against the protesting youth and the police on Tuesday,' Omondi said.
'He will not be allowed to referee any matches,' Omondi said, adding that he would appear before the body's disciplinary committee.
'Further action will be taken against him after a hearing,' he added.
Kenyan football has long been mired in corruption and match-fixing scandals, with players and officials suspended over the years.
In 2021, the government disbanded the national football federation over corruption allegations and sought to prosecute its officials.
