Reviewed by Peris WambuKenya sports betting writer
Published 14 October 2026
The Football Kenya Federation Leagues and Competitions Committee has awarded the abandoned play-off second leg to Mombasa United 2-0 and named them the aggregate winners of the tie with Kariobangi Sharks.
The committee ruled on Friday 9 October, after reviewing the match reports and holding hearings, that Kariobangi Sharks forfeited the match. It cited Articles 3.3.2 and 3.3.3 of the Rules and Regulations Governing Kenyan Football, the 2019 edition.
What happened in the 64th minute
The second leg was played at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi on Tuesday 6 October and was halted in the 64th minute after Kariobangi Sharks players protested a penalty awarded to Mombasa United by referee John Sulwe. The committee found that the players confronted the referee, and that the club’s kit manager Patrick Paul Otieno and a section of supporters came onto the pitch and assaulted him.
Security personnel intervened and escorted the referee to safety. After a medical assessment the referee was unable to continue, and the match commissioner abandoned the fixture. The incident was recorded at Lang’ata Police Station under OB number 56/6/10/2026.
How the tie stood
Mombasa United had won the first leg 2-1 at the Mbaraki Sports Club in Mombasa. Kariobangi Sharks led the second leg 2-1 when it was abandoned, which left the tie level at 3-3 on aggregate.
Mombasa United are the aggregate winners of the play-off and take a place in the Kenyan top flight for the 2026/2027 season, and Kariobangi Sharks go into the National Super League. Both clubs now know their division for the season ahead in football in Kenya.
The disciplinary case
The committee referred the violence and misconduct to the FKF Disciplinary Committee for prosecution and any sanctions against those involved.
