Kenyans Demand Tough Action Following Matasi’s Ban for Match-Fixing Allegations

Former international footballers from Kenya have united in urging the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) to take decisive action against match-fixing, following the suspension of national team goalkeeper Patrick Matasi for 90 days over similar allegations.

The FKF’s decision to suspend the 37-year-old Matasi came after he was implicated in serious match-fixing claims due to a secretly recorded video that allegedly showed him attempting to strike a deal to influence a match result.

This covertly recorded footage, taken from behind a seat by an unidentified individual, captured Matasi engaged in a discussion about manipulating the outcome of the game. The precise date of the recording remains unknown.

“I repeat again before the boss,” the person on the recording states, to which Matasi responds with a nod. “This is the deal, and you know, I have never let you down,” the unidentified individual continues, with Matasi listening attentively and nodding in agreement.

“Whatever will be given to me, I will forward it to you,” the person adds, receiving a simple ‘Okay’ from Matasi. “Once I pass it on to you, I’ll give you a call, and the boss will confirm that you’ve received the message. What we want is for the first half to end in a draw, hope that’s a deal…” and then the video abruptly concludes.

This widely circulated video has cast a shadow over Matasi’s career, prompting the FKF to announce a collaborative investigation with FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to establish the truth surrounding the allegations.

The FKF’s statement confirmed that Matasi is suspended from all football-related activities for 90 days, as stipulated under Section VII (2) of the FKF Anti-Match Manipulation Regulations (2016). Kakamega Homeboyz, his current club, has been informed of the decision.

“The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has provisionally suspended goalkeeper Patrick Matasi from all FKF-sanctioned events and competitions for a period of 90 days, following concerns raised by circulating videos suggesting potential match manipulation,” the FKF statement reads.

“This decision, made in accordance with Section VII (2) of the FKF Anti-Match Manipulation Regulations (2016), has been communicated to Kakamega Homeboyz FC and the player.”

The statement went on: “FKF, in partnership with FIFA, CAF, and other relevant authorities, has initiated a formal investigation into the matter. The Federation is committed to maintaining integrity within football and ensuring a fair and transparent process for all involved. Further updates will be provided as the investigation continues.”

Match-fixing: A persistent issue in Kenyan football

Former Nairobi City Stars coach Nicholas Muyoti commented that the situation surrounding Matasi serves as a critical wake-up call for the federation to do everything possible to combat the entrenched issue of match-fixing, which he describes as a disease in Kenyan football.

Muyoti, who captained Harambee Stars to victory in the Castle Lager Cup in 2002, stated: “Match-fixing has become excessively prevalent in Kenya, and urgent action is required. Unfortunately, it involves all stakeholders in the sport.”

“We’re losing some of our top players, coaches, and administrators to this scourge. It’s vital that we all unite against match-fixing; the integrity of the game is at stake. For example, I cannot attend a match knowing the predetermined outcome unless I have ulterior motives. Let’s collectively reject match-fixing.”

Former Harambee Stars striker Boniface Ambani urged the Kenyan government to introduce legislative measures to tackle match-fixing decisively.

“It is imperative for our parliament to consider enacting stringent laws to address match-fixing once and for all. Offenders must face imprisonment, and all accomplices should be held accountable. No one should be exempt, including club officials, coaches, and players,” he said.

Ambani further remarked: “This problem is damaging our beloved sport. I recently discussed how our goalkeepers have been allowing avoidable goals. The circulating clip of one of our top keepers in a compromising situation has only heightened my concerns.”

Kakamega Homeboyz stands by Matasi until proven guilty

Kakamega Homeboyz chairman Cleophas Shimanyula asserted that the club will await conclusions from the ongoing investigation before taking any action against Matasi.

“All I’ve seen is a video (featuring Matasi) circulating online; we cannot ascertain the video’s authenticity or the intent behind it. We must investigate the source of the footage and the claims it makes before deciding on the next steps,” Shimanyula commented.

Shimanyula continued: “Matasi only joined our team a month ago and has played three matches, maintaining clean sheets in all of them, including saving two penalties in our recent domestic Cup match. While I’m not here to defend him, it’s possible these events occurred while he was with a previous club.”

“He played for Harambee Stars and Police, so maybe those clubs could assist with the investigation; however, since Matasi has joined us, he has displayed nothing suspicious. I appreciate FKF for addressing the matter, and we at Homeboyz are prepared to assist in the investigations.”

Before his time at Homeboyz, Matasi played for Kabrass United, AFC Leopards, Posta Rangers, and Tusker, and signed a three-year contract with Ethiopian Premier League team Saint George in October 2018. He returned to Kenya to play for Tusker and Kenya Police, but after losing his starting spot, he joined Kakamega Homeboyz during the recent transfer period, signing a two-year renewable contract. Matasi made his debut for Kenya in 2017 and has featured in 35 matches. However, he was dropped by then-coach Engin Firat after Kenya’s 4-1 defeat to Cameroon in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying round.

He was recently overlooked by new coach Benni McCarthy, as Ian Otieno, who plays for Richards Bay in South Africa, started in Kenya’s two 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Gambia away and Gabon at home.