Nairobi’s Ulinzi Sports Complex became the scene of a disturbing end to a promotion decider on Tuesday, when referee John Sulwe was chased and assaulted after awarding a penalty against Kariobangi Sharks.
The match carried major consequences for Kenya’s top flight. Kariobangi Sharks, the Nairobi side, were leading Mombasa United 2-1 when Sulwe pointed to the spot in the 68th minute. Mombasa had won the first leg by the same 2-1 scoreline, meaning a successful penalty would have put the visitors from Kenya’s second city in a strong position in the fight for promotion.
Instead, the contest collapsed before the kick could change the score. Sharks players, wearing white and green, surrounded Sulwe immediately after his decision and appeared to shove him. Spectators then entered the field in large numbers, turning the stadium into a dangerous scene for the official.
Footage from the ground showed Sulwe, in a red referee’s shirt, running from dozens of people as stadium security tried to escort him away. Several fans struck him in the face, while a plastic chair thrown in his direction passed close to his head. Images also showed a man in a yellow cap punching the referee as he attempted to escape.
A promotion match abandoned in chaos
The referee was removed from the pitch under security protection and the game was halted soon afterwards, with the score still 2-1 to Kariobangi Sharks. There was no further play after the 68th-minute incident.
Neither the Football Kenya Federation nor either club had issued a public response at the time of the reports. The fixture had been intended to settle a dispute that had overshadowed Kenyan football for months, but instead ended with an alarming attack on the match official and fresh uncertainty around the promotion contest.
