The fallout from the latest Mashemeji Derby between AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia is far from over.

AFC Leopards chairman Boniface Ambani has come out strongly against the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), accusing the federation of ignoring the real problems hurting Kenyan football while focusing more on money and internal power struggles.

His anger was triggered by a controversial moment in the second half of the derby, where AFC Leopards believe they were denied a clear penalty — a decision that could have changed the outcome of one of Kenya’s biggest football matches.

But for Ambani, this was not just about one penalty.

To him, it was another painful example of a much bigger problem that has been eating away at Kenyan football for years: poor officiating.

“You Care More About Money Than Football”

In a strongly worded statement, Ambani did not hold back.

He accused FKF of being more interested in fighting over money from FIFA, CAF, government support, and other funding sources than actually improving the game on the pitch.

According to him, while millions are spent on nationwide meetings and administrative gatherings, little is being done to improve refereeing standards — something he says is now destroying trust in the league.

“FKF, your main focus seems to be fighting over the money that comes into the federation from FIFA, CAF, the government and other sources. Beyond that, there is nothing meaningful you are doing to improve officiating and football in this country,” he said.

That frustration reflects what many fans have been saying for a long time.

Week after week, controversial refereeing decisions continue to dominate headlines, with clubs, players, and supporters left questioning whether matches are being decided fairly.

“You Have Turned Referees Into Match Fixers”

Ambani’s strongest criticism came when he suggested that the officiating crisis has reached dangerous levels.

He said FKF has allowed referees to become what he described as “match fixers,” accusing the federation of failing to protect the integrity of the game.

He pointed out that the problem starts from grassroots football and stretches all the way to the top leagues.

According to him, the signs are already there — angry fans, frustrated players, and referees needing heavy police protection to leave stadiums safely.

“When your officials have to be escorted out of stadiums under heavy police security and are pelted with bottles, that should tell you the true state of our football,” he said.

For many supporters, this statement hit close to home.

The growing tension between fans and match officials has become a worrying trend, and many believe it reflects a serious lack of trust in the system.

AFCON Funds and Power Politics

Ambani also took aim at what he sees as misplaced priorities within FKF leadership.

He claimed that instead of fixing football problems, federation officials are busy planning how future AFCON funds will be shared and building political alliances within the federation.

He criticized the lack of proper committees to address officiating concerns and described internal meetings as nothing more than power games.

“Meetings and discussions only revolve around alliances, who supports who, who holds power at the federation or branch level. It is nonsense,” he said.

His remarks add to the growing criticism surrounding FKF leadership under Hussein Mohammed, especially at a time when Kenyan football is preparing for bigger continental responsibilities.

A Cry From the Heart of Kenyan Football

What made Ambani’s statement powerful was not just the anger — it was the sense of disappointment behind it.

This was not simply a chairman defending his club after a derby result.

It sounded like someone speaking for frustrated fans, players, and stakeholders who feel Kenyan football deserves better.

The Mashemeji Derby should be remembered for the football, the passion, and the rivalry.

Instead, once again, the conversation has shifted to referees, controversy, and federation politics.

That says a lot.

Fix It or Step Aside

Ambani ended with a direct message to FKF President Hussein Mohammed and his team: fix the problem or leave.

His words may be harsh, but they reflect a growing mood across the football community.

Fans are tired.

Clubs are frustrated.

And patience is running out.

If Kenyan football is to grow, trust in officiating must return.

Because without fairness on the pitch, everything else loses meaning.