Former Harambee Stars Player Charged With Assaulting Sugababe In England

Former Harambee Stars forward Taiwo Leo Atieno has been charged with assault and coercive behavior against his ex-girlfriend, Sugababes singer Keisha Buchanan, over a period of approximately 13 years.

Taiwo Atieno, aged 39, faces eight charges related to his relationship with Keisha Buchanan.

The accusations, which encompass physical harm and controlling behaviors, paint a grim picture of a relationship marked by manipulation and fear.

He allegedly read Ms. Buchanan's letters, forbade her from wearing red lipstick, managed her money, and decided when she could take a shower or go to the gym.

The charges span from 2012 to 2015, indicating a long-term abusive pattern.

Atieno appeared in court via video link, dressed formally in a suit and tie.

He has been released on conditional bail, with a plea hearing scheduled for August.

The court has imposed restrictions, including surrendering his passport and avoiding contact with Buchanan.

During the Harrow Crown Court case (sitting at Southwark), the judge ordered him to give up his passport, refrain from contacting Ms. Buchanan, and stay out of the Barnet district.

In 1998, Ms. Buchanan joined Mutya Buena and Siobhán Donaghy as one of the original members of the Sugababes while still a teenager.

The Sugababes have had significant commercial success, with numerous number-one singles and albums, and have experienced various member lineup changes over the years.

Buchanan, along with her original bandmates, reformed the group in 2011 and regained rights to the Sugababes name in 2019.

Born on August 6, 1985, he played for the Kenya national team in World Cup and African Cup of Nations qualifiers and had a club career in England and the United States.

In England, Atieno played for Walsall, Rochdale, Chester City, Darlington, Torquay United, and Barnet, and later joined the Puerto Rico Islanders and Rochester Rhinos in the USL First Division.

He began his football career at Walsall at age 15 and faced personal tragedy with the loss of his mother.

After notable spells at various clubs, he returned to England in 2010, playing for Luton Town before signing with Stevenage in 2011.

Atieno expressed a long-standing desire to represent Kenya, eventually making his debut in 2009 and returning to the national team in 2012 after a brief absence.