The 2025 Trans-Nzoia County secondary school games were thrown into disarray following widespread cases of cheating, indiscipline, and fan violence—resulting in the suspension of matches and disqualification of several schools.
What was meant to be a celebration of student talent quickly turned chaotic as multiple schools were found guilty of fielding ineligible players—often referred to as “mamluki”—while unruly fans stormed pitches, forcing the relocation of key matches from the zonal level to the county stage.
The most dramatic incident unfolded at Kwanza Girls High School, the scheduled venue for a blockbuster semi-final between arch-rivals St Anthony Boys ‘Solidarity Boys’ and St Joseph’s Boys ‘Jobo.’ An overwhelming crowd prompted officials to shift the match to the Ndura Sports Complex in Kitale the following day.
But even at Ndura, calm was elusive. The tension-filled match was abandoned in the 82nd minute after St Joseph’s Boys were denied a late penalty. This came after St Anthony had already been awarded—and converted—two penalties in the first and second halves, taking a 3-2 lead. The controversial decision sparked protests from fans, forcing officials to end the match prematurely.
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The high school sports disciplinary committee has since launched an investigation, with a verdict on whether the match will be replayed expected after the upcoming school break, as school heads travel to Mombasa for their annual meeting, which begins on Monday.
In another dramatic semi-final clash between Goseta Boys and Bwake Boys, which was moved to Kiminini Primary School grounds, chaos erupted when a fan invaded the pitch and punched a Goseta player. The altercation escalated, forcing security officers to fire shots in the air to disperse the crowd.
The violence wasn’t limited to football. The volleyball final between defending champions Andersen Boys and St Anthony Boys, scheduled for Weaver Bird grounds in Kitale, was also cancelled due to crowd trouble.
Meanwhile, technical hitches in the player registration portal led to the disqualification of Endebess Centre and Kolongolo High School, both of which were ruled out of the competition due to incomplete data.
In response, the Trans-Nzoia County Games Organising Committee, in collaboration with the County Education Office, has formed a special committee to investigate the events. A final report and decisions on disciplinary action are expected after the half-term break.
By our reporter
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