Sad scenes unfolded at the Kitale Club grounds on Sunday during the Allan Chesang Cup knockout clash between Rafiki FC and Shanty FC, after the referee was assaulted and smeared with dark marking oil by irate Shanty FC players and fans following a disputed late decision.
The referee identified as Wanyonyi, is a respected teacher from St. Joseph’s Boys High School, Kitale.
The tension erupted in the final minutes of the match when Rafiki FC scored to take a 1–0 lead, a goal that Shanty FC players claimed was offside.
Despite heated protests, the referee stood by his decision, prompting a section of Shanty FC players and supporters to lose control.
They stormed the pitch, confronting Mr. Wanyonyi and smearing him with marking oil in a shocking act of aggression that left fans and officials stunned.
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Security personnel and match officials quickly intervened to protect the referee from further harm as the situation spiraled out of control. The match was briefly halted before Rafiki FC were declared winners and advanced to the next round.
Tournament officials have strongly condemned the incident, describing it as “unsportsmanlike and unacceptable.”
They promised immediate disciplinary action and called for improved security at future fixtures.
“The Allan Chesang Cup is about unity, talent development, and sportsmanship. What happened at Kitale Club completely goes against the spirit of the tournament,” one official said.
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Community members and fellow teachers have since rallied behind Wanyonyi, expressing disappointment over the attack.
“This is a referee, a teacher, and above all, a father. It was totally wrong for fans to handle him this way. This is not sportsmanship,” one witness lamented.
The incident has reignited calls for better protection of match officials and stronger enforcement of fair play rules in grassroots football.
Such acts have no place in the game. Referees deserve respect and protection not violence.
By Philip Koech
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