A storm is brewing over matchday management in the FKF Premier League after seasoned journalist Margaret Shasha publicly condemned what she termed as “rogue stewards” following her ordeal during the clash between Kakamega Homeboyz and Gor Mahia at Mumias Sports Complex.
Shasha did not hold back, calling out what appears to be a growing culture of unprofessionalism that is now threatening media operations in Kenyan football.
“Journalists can’t keep complaining about rogue stewards on some matchdays,” she stated firmly.
Harassment Despite Valid Accreditation
In a troubling account, Shasha revealed that fully accredited journalists were subjected to unnecessary confrontation and delays by stewards who failed to recognize official FKF media passes.
Despite arriving at the venue as early as 11:30 AM, she found herself in avoidable disputes, forced to explain and defend legitimate accreditation to uninformed matchday personnel.
Her frustration points to a systemic failure:
- Stewards lacking basic briefing on accreditation procedures
- Breakdown in communication between club management and security teams
- Disruption of professional media coverage
“Journalists come to the stadium with cameras and microphones, not to argue, exchange insults, or deal with uninformed stewards,” she added.
Warning Ahead of AFC Leopards Clash
With A.F.C. Leopards set to face Homeboyz in an upcoming fixture, Shasha issued a clear warning: failure to address these lapses could lead to repeated chaos if the same stewarding personnel are deployed without proper training.
A Bigger Problem in Kenyan Football
This incident exposes deeper cracks within FKF Premier League matchday operations. While attention often focuses on results on the pitch, off-field organization remains a critical pillar of professionalism.
Poor handling of accredited media:
- Undermines league credibility
- Strains club-media relations
- Damages the image of Kenyan football
For a league striving for growth, visibility, and commercial appeal, such incidents risk dragging progress backward.
Time for Accountability
The spotlight is now firmly on Kakamega Homeboyz F.C. management to take corrective action. Prper steward training, clear accreditation protocols, and respect for media personnel are not optional, they are fundamental.
If left unchecked, the “rogue stewards” narrative could become a recurring stain on matchdays across the league.
