Mombasa United promoted to KPL as Kariobangi Sharks relegated after FKF ruling

Mombasa United have officially earned promotion to the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) for the 2026/2027 season after the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Leagues and Competitions Committee awarded them their abandoned playoff match against Kariobangi Sharks.

​The decision delivered on Friday by a panel chaired by Peter Kamau Chege, ruled that Kariobangi Sharks forfeited the second-leg fixture, sending them down to the National Super League (NSL) and awarding Mombasa United a 2-0 win.

“In accordance with Art. 3.3.2 as read with Art. 3.3.3 of the Rules and Regulations Governing Kenyan Football (2019), the Committee declares that the match shall be forfeited by Kariobangi Sharks FC and the same shall be awarded to Mombasa United FC on a 2-0 score,” the committee chair said in a statement.

​The high-stakes clash played at the Ulinzi Sports Complex on Tuesday, October 6, was called off in the 64th minute following pitch invasion after the referee awarded a penalty to Mombasa United.

Sharks were leading 2-1 when referee John Sulwe awarded Mombasa United a penalty in the second half, a decision that triggered protests from Sharks players and officials before supporters invaded the pitch.

The match could not resume after security personnel intervened and escorted the match officials to safety. The result left the tie level at 3-3 on aggregate after Mombasa United had won the first leg 2-1 in Mombasa.

According to the committee's findings, the trouble began when Kariobangi Sharks players accosted the center referee to protest the controversial penalty.

​The situation deteriorated further when Sharks’ kit manager, Patrick Paul Otieno, alongside a section of fans from the Kariobangi Sharks stands, invaded the pitch and physically assaulted the center referee.

Following a medical assessment, the referee declared he was unable to continue, forcing the match commissioner to abandon the fixture.

​Citing Articles 3.3.2 and 3.3.3 of the Rules and Regulations Governing Kenyan Football (2019), the committee unanimously ruled that Kariobangi Sharks forfeit the match.

Mombasa United were awarded a 2-0 victory for the second leg, sealing their spot as aggregate playoff winners and securing their promotion to the top flight.

​Additionally, the committee resolved that all incidents regarding acts of violence and misconduct during the match be referred to the FKF Disciplinary Committee for further prosecution and sanctions against the offending parties.