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Kenyan international goalkeeper Patrick Matasi was Thursday, March 27, 2025, provisionally suspended from all football activities for 90 days as investigations into alleged match manipulation intensified.
The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) announced the decision shortly after confirming that an inquiry into the allegations against the 37-year-old had been launched. The case emerged following the circulation of an online video appearing to show Matasi discussing a deal to influence the outcome of a game.
Matasi, who plays for Kenyan Premier League club Kakamega Homeboyz and has earned over 30 international caps, has yet to publicly respond to the allegations. However, Kakamega Homeboyz club owner Cleophas Shimanyula stated that the goalkeeper denied any involvement in match-fixing.
“He was shocked at what he was seeing in the video and he told me he doesn’t know about match-fixing,” Shimanyula said. “Kakamega Homeboyz is against any form of match manipulation.”
Matasi’s last appearance for the national team came during Kenya’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Cameroon last October, where Harambee Stars suffered a 4-1 defeat.
FKF has enlisted the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to assist in probing the allegations against Matasi. Citing Section VII (2) of its Anti-Match Manipulation Regulations (2016), FKF confirmed that the goalkeeper is barred from all FKF-sanctioned competitions pending the outcome of investigations.
In formal correspondence to both agencies, FKF underscored the severity of match manipulation, equating it to obtaining money by false pretense—a criminal offense under Section 313 of the Penal Code. Additionally, the federation pointed out that attempts or conspiracies to engage in match-fixing fall under Section 47A of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act.
While match-fixing is not explicitly addressed within Kenya’s criminal justice framework, FKF reaffirmed its commitment to tackling the issue in collaboration with relevant authorities. The federation also confirmed that an internal investigation is ongoing, in accordance with its regulations, but emphasized the need for external law enforcement support to thoroughly examine Matasi’s actions and any potential accomplices.
“Your assistance in this matter will be highly appreciated as the Federation works towards curbing this vice and engaging the relevant body for the necessary legislative amendments to criminalise this vice,” FKF stated in its letter to state agencies.
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