A video allegedly showing former AFC Leopards goalkeeper Ezekiel Owade admitting to involvement in match-fixing has gone viral, sparking widespread condemnation and renewed concern over integrity in Kenyan football.
In the undated clip circulating on social media, Owade appears to discuss plans to deliberately concede two goals in the first half of an unspecified match.
The former shot-stopper, who has played for several clubs including Mara Sugar FC, Muhoroni Youth FC, Nakumatt FC, Bidco United, and AFC Leopards, has yet to comment publicly on the allegations.
The video has provoked outrage among fans and stakeholders. One user, posting under the name Mirage Kitchenware, stated:
“Such people should be dealt with the same intensity as those who vandalize stadiums or attack referees. Anyone who undermines the integrity of the game should face harsh consequences.”
Another social media user, Carlo Too, offered a different perspective, highlighting underlying systemic issues:
“Let’s not just chase results let’s address root causes like poor player salaries and struggling team finances. Some players don’t fix matches out of greed, but to survive.”
Meanwhile, William Aballah dismissed the financial justification, pointing to the role of sports betting:
“This argument is misplaced. Betting is a business. If it wasn’t profitable, betting companies wouldn’t be sponsoring teams. The solution lies in purging these rogue elements from our clubs.”
The incident comes just a day after FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee handed a major sanction to Kenyan side Muhoroni Youth FC, relegating the club to the FKF Division One League over match manipulation charges.
The global football body found the team guilty of fixing matches in Kenya’s second-tier National Super League.
In a statement released on Friday, May 2, 2025, the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) confirmed receiving the directive from FIFA:
“Football Kenya Federation confirms receipt of official communication from FIFA regarding the relegation of Muhoroni Youth Football Club to Division One, following their involvement in match manipulation.”
The latest controversy also mirrors a similar scandal involving former Harambee Stars goalkeeper Patrick Matasi.
A video that allegedly implicated him in match-fixing surfaced earlier this year, prompting FKF to impose a 90-day provisional suspension while investigations continue.
As Kenya’s football community grapples with these successive scandals, calls are growing louder for comprehensive reforms to safeguard the integrity of the game and support vulnerable players who may be drawn into criminal networks.
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