The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has permanently barred referee Adwera Gwangi from officiating in any FKF-sanctioned leagues following his alleged involvement in terrorising Kenyans during protests in Nairobi on June 17, 2025.
The disciplinary action, announced on June 19, 2025, comes after a viral video captured Gwangi among individuals intimidating and attacking protesters, reportedly in response to the death of Albert Ojwang in police custody, sparking widespread outrage across social media platforms.
The FKF Leagues and Competitions Committee acted swiftly, citing Gwangi’s actions as a violation of the federation’s code of conduct, which demands integrity and professionalism from its officials.
“Adwera Gwangi’s behaviour is unacceptable and has no place in football. The permanent ban is effective immediately,” stated FKF chairman Michael Majua in a press release.
The decision underlines FKF’s dedication to upholding the sport’s integrity, especially amid recent disciplinary challenges, including match-fixing scandals and referee assaults in Kenyan football.
The protests, linked to demands for #JusticeForAlbertOjwang and an end to police brutality, turned violent when groups, including Gwangi, were filmed engaging in aggressive acts against demonstrators.
The incident has reignited debates about public safety and the role of individuals in positions of authority, such as football referees, in community conflicts.
Gwangi, previously a recognized referee in FKF’s lower-tier leagues, now faces exclusion from all federation activities, including the FKF Premier League and National Super League.
This marks one of the harshest sanctions issued by FKF in recent years, following incidents like the 2023 suspension of 14 players for match-fixing and a 2025 referee assault case involving Migori Youth FC.
The federation has vowed to continue cracking down on misconduct to protect football’s reputation.
