Whistleblown: The Silent Struggles of Kenyan Referees Unveiled

In a stark revelation, the Chairman of the Kenya Referees Association Nairobi, Richard Obare, has shed light on the dire plight of Kenyan referees, who have been silently suffering due to unpaid and delayed payments by the Kenya Football Federation.

This disclosure echoes the sentiments recently expressed by former FIFA referee Mr. David Gikonyo, bringing to the forefront the harsh realities faced by these unsung heroes of the game.

Obare highlighted that for the past eight years, Kenyan referees have been enduring financial hardships, going up to seven months without receiving their due payments. The struggle is not just confined to the financial realm; these referees traverse from one region to another, grappling with basic necessities such as food and a decent place to spend the night before officiating league matches.

The ordeal extends beyond the referees themselves, impacting their ability to sustain not only their own lives but also those of their families.

Adding fuel to the fire, Obare spoke vehemently about the intimidations and threats issued by the federation leadership against the referees. He revealed that any attempt by a referee to demand fair treatment and prompt payment often results in severe consequences.

Referees daring to raise their voices are sidelined, effectively banning them from officiating any matches again. This culture of fear and suppression has created a toxic environment within the refereeing community, preventing them from advocating for their rights.

The revelations came to light during a meeting convened by all county football associations to discuss various issues, including the upcoming FKF Elections, the proposed electoral code 2020, the voter register, and the progress of county football associations’ leagues.

The silence has been broken, and the plights of Kenyan referees have been exposed, urging the football community to address these issues promptly and ensure that those who contribute significantly to the beautiful game are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.