Referee John Sulwe is whisked away to safety by CAF Senior Safety and Security Officer (SSO) Jasper 'Musjo' Mutuku/HANDOUT Football Kenya Federation (FKF) head of referees Edward Lumbugu has defended the appointment of John Sulwe to officiate the explosive Kariobangi Sharks-Mombasa United promotion play-off, insisting the referee went through the federation’s normal vetting process.
Sulwe was at the centre of controversy on Tuesday when he awarded Mombasa United a penalty in the 66th minute of the return leg at Ulinzi Sports Complex, triggering furious protests from Sharks players and supporters.
The situation later descended into violence, with Sulwe assaulted and chased from the pitch before the match was abandoned. Questions had been raised about his appointment before kick-off, with critics pointing to his limited recent workload. Sulwe had officiated only two matches as a centre referee last season, spending much of the campaign as a fourth official.
Lumbugu, however, said appointments are not made casually, with referees subjected to detailed assessments before being assigned matches. “Before a referee is selected to officiate a match, his performance is analysed,” Lumbugu said, adding that a review panel considers an official’s “officiating trends, operational history” and individual strengths before making an appointment.
His defence comes amid growing scrutiny over whether the officiating crew was suitable for a high-pressure fixture carrying a place in the SportPesa League. Lumbugu condemned the assault on Sulwe, describing it as a criminal act and warning against attempts to resolve disagreements through violence. He declined to comment on the penalty decision, saying the matter is now before the FKF committee.
“I wouldn’t want to preempt the decision that is likely to be made tomorrow. Let’s give the committee time to come up with a suitable verdict,” he said. FKF Referees Department chairman Caleb Amwayi, who also serves as a Western NEC member, separately condemned the attack and stressed that the safety of match officials must remain a priority.
Amwayi said referees should never be assigned to environments where their safety is compromised. “When we appoint referees, we don’t want to appoint them to the death traps,” he said. He called for players and supporters found culpable to face firm legal and disciplinary action, warning that violence should not be excused as part of football passion.
“We want to appoint them to go and enjoy what they like most, that is officiating,” Amwayi said, insisting officials must be able to perform their duties without fear of attack.
He also urged clubs, match organisers and law-enforcement agencies to strengthen security arrangements around the stadiums, saying the protection of referees requires a collective effort.
“Whatever happened at Ulinzi Sports Complex was very unfortunate,” Amwayi said. Kariobangi Sharks and Mombasa United have been directed to submit written reports on the events that led to the abandonment.
The two clubs are expected to appear before the FKF Leagues and Competitions Committee on Friday, when disciplinary action and the fate of the abandoned promotion play-off will be ruled.
