NAIROBI, Kenya — The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has hailed the selection of Kenyan match officials for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, describing it as a reflection of the quality and professionalism of local referees.
In a statement on Monday, December 22, FKF President Hussein Mohammed congratulated Stephen Yiembe, Peter Waweru Kamaku, and Dickens Nyagrowa, who are scheduled to officiate matches at AFCON 2025.
“All the best to Stephen Yiembe, Peter Waweru Kamaku, and Dickens Nyagrowa as they take charge at #AFCON2025 in Morocco today. Your presence on this stage speaks to the quality, discipline, and professionalism of our referees,” Mohammed said.
He added that the federation regards refereeing as a critical component of football development and pledged continued institutional support to ensure officials perform at the highest level without undue pressure or risk.
“As a federation, we remain committed to raising refereeing standards and safeguarding the welfare of our match officials, because strong officiating is key to the growth of Kenyan football,” Mohammed noted.
Kenya also has another representative at the tournament, Gilbert Cheruiyot Kipkoech.
Elsewhere, FKF moved swiftly to address incidents of hooliganism that disrupted the Nairobi United versus Gor Mahia match at Dandora Stadium on Sunday, December 21. The match was abandoned following violent disturbances.
“I strongly condemn the acts of hooliganism that forced the abandonment of today’s Nairobi United vs Gor Mahia match. This behaviour will not be tolerated in Kenyan football,” Mohammed said.
He confirmed that the federation has activated its disciplinary mechanisms, involving both internal football justice systems and state authorities, to address the incident.
“FKF has formally initiated disciplinary processes, and the matter is being referred to our judicial bodies for determination. Club and match officials are required to record statements while criminal investigations are being pursued with the relevant authorities,” he added.
Mohammed also expressed solidarity with Azam TV, whose broadcast equipment was vandalised during the disturbances, emphasizing the need to protect partners who invest in Kenyan football.
“I also stand with Azam TV following the vandalism of their broadcast van. Our partners must be protected, and those responsible will be held accountable,” he said.
The dual announcements come at a critical time for Kenyan football, highlighting both the progress of local referees on the international stage and the ongoing challenges of maintaining safety and discipline in domestic competitions.