Mombasa United in seventh heaven after Premier League promotion
Mohammed Hussein (right) of Kariobangi Sharks tussles for the ball with Hakimu Msami of Mombasa United during their FKF Premier League promotion play-offs second leg match at Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi on October 6, 2026.
What you need to know:
- Sharks forfeited the match, which was awarded 2-0 to Mombasa United, who were declared aggregate winners.
- Mombasa United will now join Bandari as the second club from the coast region in the FKF Premier League.
Mombasa United have acknowledged their promotion to the Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKF-PL|) with an emotional tribute to their supporters.
The FKF Leagues and Competitions Committee (LCC) awarded them the abandoned promotion play-off second leg match against Kariobangi Sharks.
The committee released its verdict on Friday night, just hours before the 2026/27 FKF-PL season kicked off, confirming Mombasa United as aggregate winners and duly promoted to top flight football.
Kariobangi Sharks fans assault centre referee John Sulwe during the FKF Premier League promotion play-offs second leg match against Mombasa United at Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi on October 6, 2026.
The coastal side, nicknamed the Sultans, thanked their fans for standing by them through the highs and lows of the season.
“Mombasa, we made it! Through every battle, every setback and every challenge, we never gave up. Now, the Sultans are Premier League-bound,” read the statement.
The club paid tribute to its supporters for their unwavering loyalty throughout the campaign, including the two-leg promotion play-off that ultimately determined their top-flight status.
“To our incredible fans, you stood with us throughout the entire last season and never abandoned us, even when the journey took us into the playoffs. From Mombasa to Nairobi, through every high and every difficult moment, your unwavering support, sacrifices and belief carried us through.
“You stood by this team when it mattered most, and this achievement belongs to you as much as it belongs to the team,” the club said.
The Sultans also dedicated their promotion to the people of Mombasa and the wider Coast region, describing the achievement as a collective triumph.
“This is more than a win for Mombasa United. It is a win for the people of Mombasa and the entire Coast region. We have carried the pride of our city and our region through every challenge, and today, we celebrate together. This one is for all of us. Mombasa, your time is here,” the club said.
According to the two-page ruling signed by committee chairman Peter Chege, the decisive second leg at Ulinzi Sports Complex on Tuesday was abandoned in the 64th minute after a penalty was awarded to Mombasa United.
Kariobangi Sharks players protested the decision before the club’s kit manager, Patrick Otieno, and a section of supporters invaded the pitch and assaulted centre referee John Sulwe, who was unable to continue officiating after the attack.
Kariobangi Sharks Douglas Omanga (left) wrestle with Mombasa United Hassan Mzee during FKF Relegation/Promotion play-offs match on 6th October 2026 at Ulinzi Sports Complex.
The incident was subsequently reported at Lang’ata Police Station under OB number 56/6/10/2026.
Citing Articles 3.3.2 and 3.3.3 of the federation’s regulations, the committee issued three unanimous orders.
Kariobangi Sharks forfeited the match, which was awarded 2-0 to Mombasa United, who were also declared aggregate winners and promoted to the Kenyan Premiership.
The committee further referred allegations of violence and misconduct to the FKF Disciplinary Committee for consideration of additional sanctions.
Mombasa United will now join Bandari as the second club from the coast region in the Premier League, while Sharks’ 10-year tenure in the Premier League comes to an end.
The promotion play-off was ordered by the High Court after Sharks challenged their initial relegation. The club argued that FKF could not rely on the 2025 Rules and Regulations, which it said had not come into effect, insisting that the 2019 regulations apply.
The court subsequently directed that a two-leg play-off determine the final Premier League slot.
Forfeiture rulings following match abandonment are not uncommon in Kenyan football.
In April 2023, Kakamega Homeboyz were awarded a match against AFC Leopards that was abandoned at Bukhungu Stadium following crowd trouble.
The April 16 encounter was stopped in the 34th minute, with Homeboyz leading 1-0, after Leopards supporters invaded the pitch and assaulted centre referee Michael Obuya following a disputed decision involving Homeboyz goalkeeper Farouk Shikalo.
FKF awarded Homeboyz a 2-0 victory, fined Leopards Sh500,000. Ingwe were ordered to play four home matches behind closed doors and directed to cover the referee’s medical expenses.
Mathare United and APS Bomet battled to a barren draw at Police Sacco Stadium in the opening match of the new season on Saturday.
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