Kariobangi Sharks players Patillah Omoto, Erastus Chesara arrested over play-off violence

Police have arrested football players Patillah Omoto and Erastus Chesara in connection with the assault of referee John Sulwe during a Football Kenya Federation Premier League promotion/relegation play-off match between Mombasa United and Kariobangi Sharks held last month.

The arrests follow a decision from Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Ingonga to prosecute the two over Sulwe’s assault at Ulinzi Sports Complex on October 6.

The referee filed an assault complaint with police.

Omoto and Chesara will be charged with assault and creating a disturbance.

The second-leg match of the Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKF-PL)/National Super League (NSL) play-off had drawn a lot of interest since it was to determine which team between the two sides played in this season’s FKF-PL and which one was to be relegated.

Mombasa headed into the encounter holding a 2-1 advantage, thanks to their home win.

Trouble started when Sulwe awarded Mombasa United a penalty late in the second half after one of their players was fouled inside the box.

Sharks were then leading 2-1 with the match-up tied 3-3 on aggregate.

Incensed Sharks players surrounded Sulwe protesting the call. Videos of the incident showed some of the players manhandling the referee. Moments later, irate fans breached the perimeter wall and went after the referee.

Sulwe was assaulted as he tried to escape with the help of Kenya Defence Forces officers and match stewards.

The match was abandoned following the violence.

The FKF Leagues and Competition Committee later ruled that Sharks forfeited the match and awarded Mombasa United a 2-0 win. Consequently, the coastal side were promoted to the top-flight league while Sharks were relegated to NSL.

Further, the Leagues and Competition Committee directed that all acts of violence and misconduct in the match be referred to the FKF Disciplinary Committee for prosecution and sanctions.

Police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said that investigations led to a conclusion that the scuffle was beyond on-pitch sports action, hence the decision to recommend prosecution of the two footballers.

“There were some incidents of prima facie criminal behaviour. The one that is most visible first and foremost is beating the referee and assaulting fans. That is pure criminality,” Mr Nyaga told the Nation on phone.

Omoto and Chesara will be charged on Monday.

This will be the first time in recent memory that Premier League players are being charged for violent conduct on the field of play.

Many incidents of violence perpetrated by players in the Kenyan Premier League never reach the criminal justice system.

The same can be said for acts of hooliganism perpetrated by fans inside the stadium.

FKF president Hussein Mohammed said violence had no place in Kenyan football and his federation would deal firmly with people who engaged in the vice.

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