Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has permanently banned referee Adwera Gwangi from officiating in any FKF-sanctioned activities following his alleged involvement in violence during protests in Nairobi on June 17.
Gwangi went viral after videos circulated on social media appearing to show him among a group reportedly attacking protesters during nationwide demonstrations sparked by the death of teacher and influencer Albert Ojwang while in police custody.
The protests, which began peacefully in Nairobi’s Central Business District, quickly turned chaotic as alleged thugs attacked demonstrators and bystanders.
In a statement, FKF said Gwangi’s conduct violated the federation’s code of ethics and was inconsistent with the standards expected of football officials, prompting the immediate and permanent ban.
Gwangi however denied the accusations claiming he was falsely accused without evidence.
“Why me? I’m being accused falsely. Where is the proof that I was among those goons?” he wrote on his Facebook account.
He also suggested the disciplinary action might be politically motivated, linking it to his public support for Bunge la Mwananchi President Calvin Gaucho’s stance on the proposed 2025/2026 Finance Bill.
“Demonstration and picketing is allowed under Article 37 of the Constitution. Why am I being denied my rights just because I supported Gaucho in a video?” he questioned.
Gwangi also expressed hurt over what he described as abandonment by his colleagues in the refereeing community.
“My home was in the hands of the Referee Association and I believed you would stand with me in the darkest part of my life. But I am sorry to say, you have disappointed me,” he concluded.
