The Kenya Premier League is once again under the spotlight, but for all the wrong reasons.
A wave of controversial refereeing decisions is sweeping across the 2025/2026 season, leaving fans furious, clubs protesting, and serious questions being asked about the integrity of Kenyan football.
“How Was That a Penalty?”, Shabana vs Bandari Drama
It started with chaos in the clash between Shabana FC and Bandari FC.
Referee Emmanuel Ochieng pointed to the spot in the 26th minute, awarding Shabana a penalty for a supposed handball.
But replays told a completely different story, the ball clearly struck the defender’s chest.
Outrage followed instantly.
Bandari coach Bernard Mwalala did not hold back, while the club went a step further, releasing video evidence to challenge the decision publicly.
The backlash was so intense that the Football Kenya Federation reportedly demoted the referee, terming the call a “non-existent handball.”
More Drama: AFC Leopards Match Raises Eyebrows
Just days later, more controversy erupted during the match between AFC Leopards and Murang’a Seal.
With Leopards leading 1-0, Murang’a Seal were awarded a penalty in the 66th minute after Joe Waithira went down inside the box.
Goalkeeper James Ssetuba stepped up with a huge save but that wasn’t the end of the story.
Replays showed players had already encroached into the penalty area before the kick was taken—a clear breach of FIFA rules.
By law, the penalty should have been retaken.
It wasn’t., Play continued., No explanation., No correction.
AFC Leopards eventually sealed a 2-0 win, but the officiating decision left fans questioning everything.
Fans Are Asking: What Is Really Happening?
From “ghost” penalties to ignored rules, the pattern is becoming impossible to ignore.
Supporters across the country are now openly questioning whether these are just mistakes—or something more serious.
At a time when the title race is heating up, every decision matters. And when those decisions are questionable, the damage goes beyond just one match.
KPL’s Reputation on the Line
The Kenya Premier League has long been one of East Africa’s most competitive leagues, but incidents like these risk dragging its reputation down.
If confidence in officiating continues to decline, the consequences could be far-reaching, from fan trust to continental credibility.
One thing is clear: Kenyan football is at a crossroads, and how these issues are handled next could define the future of the league.
