In their bid to hire curb referee laxity in the Sportpesa League, the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) had demoted referee Jackson Opiayo to the National Super League.
Opiayo blew his whistle for a offside call on a Murang’a Seal player when he was through on goal in their last month’s clash against Kakamega Homeboyz at the Bukhungu Stadium.
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In a statement released on Wednesday, the Federation has cracked the whip on the officials who oversaw the game with Opiayo being the mostly affected. The referee has been demoted to the National Super League (NSL), where his performers will be monitored before being reconsidered for top flight games.
Opiayo assistant referees in the game David Serem and Gladys Kamuren have been issued with official warning letters too on a different incident of the game where they gave a wrong corner kick.
FKF Decision in Full
The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) wishes to notify the public and all stakeholders of the decisions arising from the review of SportPesa League Match No. 68, contested between Kakamega Homeboyz FC and Murang’a Seal FC.
Following the assessment conducted by the National Referees Committee on Monday, 17th November 2025, the following rulings were issued:
1. Disciplinary Action – Second Assistant Referee Mr. Jackson Opiayo
Mr. Jackson Opiayo has been removed from SportPesa League match appointments for three (3) rounds and reassigned to the National Super League.
This action follows an offside decision made from an incorrect positioning, which denied the attacking team a legitimate promising opportunity.
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His performance during the NSL assignments will be closely monitored, and a detailed report will be required before consideration for reinstatement to SportPesa League duties.
2. Official Warning – Referee Mr. David Serem
Mr. Serem has been issued with an official warning for an incorrect corner-kick decision taken without clear justification and without supportive input from the assistant referee.
The Committee noted that available footage did not support his decision, and his explanation during the review was found unsatisfactory.
3. Official Warning – First Assistant Referee Ms. Gladys Kamuren
Ms. Kamuren has also been issued with an official warning over the same corner-kick incident.
Despite being best placed to determine whether the ball had left the field of play, her communication and signalling were deemed insufficient, contributing to an incorrect final decision.
FKF remains committed to enhancing the quality, consistency, and integrity of officiating within the SportPesa League and all FKF-managed competitions. The Federation will continue supporting referees through training, evaluations, and corrective measures aimed at continual improvement.
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