In the world of football, where the passion of fans meets the skill of players, there exists a different kind of fan — one who doesn’t just cheer for the beautiful game, but fights tirelessly to preserve its integrity. Kiarie Mbugua, also known to his close friends by a myriad of nicknames, such as “Tosh”, “Wuod Min Shiko”, and “Jamboka” (a nod to his Kisumu roots), is one such person. A staunch Kenyan football fan, Kiarie’s story is one of unflinching dedication to the game, both as a supporter and a protector against its darker side — match-fixing.
From Fan to Fighter: A Personal Calling
Kiarie Mbugua’s journey into the fight against match-fixing began from a place of deep personal connection to football. Growing up in Kisumu, Kenya’s third-largest city, Kiarie was a young footballer himself, playing for the Urusi Under-14 team before high school beckoned. His passion for the sport never waned, and it was this fervor that led him to become an ardent supporter of Zoo FC, a club from Kericho. His love for the game was unshakeable, even when his mother urged him to focus on academics instead of continuing his football career.
In 2017, Zoo FC’s promotion to the Kenyan Premier League was a highlight for Kiarie, and his unwavering support for the club was visible in his active promotion of the team online. However, his loyalty was tested in 2021 when six players from the club were implicated in match-fixing by FIFA’s integrity unit and expelled from the league. This revelation shook Kiarie to his core and ignited a deep-seated hatred for the vice.
“Seeing the players I had once supported so passionately being involved in match-fixing was a blow,” Kiarie says. “I knew then that I couldn’t sit by and watch the game I loved be tainted.”
Fighting Demons: The Battle Within
Behind his courageous public fight, Kiarie also has a powerful personal story of resilience. He is a recovered addict, having battled and overcome a substance use disorder earlier in his life. The struggle with drugs and substances had once threatened to derail his ambitions and dreams.
Recovery was not easy, but it shaped him into a stronger, more determined individual — one who understands the importance of discipline, and the urgent need to protect vulnerable young athletes from temptations like match-fixing.
Today, he uses his experience to inspire others, especially young people in sports, to steer clear of harmful behaviors and make better choices.
Uncovering the Truth: A Shocking Exposé
In March 2025, Kiarie took matters into his own hands, revealing one of the biggest match-fixing scandals in Kenyan football. Through a carefully hidden camera, a conversation was captured between Patrick Matasi, a long-time Harambee Stars goalkeeper, and an off-camera individual. The footage, which showed Matasi negotiating to manipulate the result of an upcoming match, was a bombshell. The video went viral, sparking widespread debate and bringing international attention to the issue.
The expose caught the attention of major international media outlets such as The Sun and Mail Online, shedding light on the dirty underbelly of Kenyan football. But for Kiarie, this wasn’t just about the fame or recognition; it was about taking a stand for the future of the sport in Kenya.
A Day in the Life of Kiarie Mbugua
Kiarie’s work as a police officer and security expert is far from ordinary. As an Event Safety and Security Officer, certified by CAF (Confederation of African Football), Kiarie has extensive experience managing security for major sporting events. His resume includes consulting for FIFA during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where he handled crowd control, disaster prevention, and problem mitigation.
Back home, Kiarie has been involved in numerous high-profile events, including the Mozzart Bet Cup and the annual Bramwel Karamoja Super Cup. But his real passion lies in combating match-fixing. His day-to-day duties include gathering information on potential match-fixing rings, apprehending suspects, and raising awareness about the dangers of match-fixing.
Despite the risks, Kiarie remains undeterred. He is well aware of the dangers he faces in his fight, having received threats and intimidation from various quarters. But the calls to end match-fixing in Kenya keep him going.
“There are moments when the pressure gets overwhelming,” Kiarie admits. “But the passion I have for this game, and the need to protect its integrity, keep me going. I want the next generation of footballers to play the game with honor.”
The Road Ahead: Advocacy and Criminalization of Match-Fixing
Kiarie’s fight isn’t over. Despite the challenges, he remains vocal about the need for stronger laws against match-fixing in Kenya. Currently, there are no stringent legal measures to tackle match-fixing, which leaves the issue largely unchecked. Kiarie continues to advocate for the criminalization of match-fixing in Kenyan law and emphasizes the importance of public sensitization.
“My work isn’t just about exposing wrongdoers; it’s about creating a culture where match-fixing isn’t tolerated,” he says. “Football is more than just a game to many people in Kenya. It’s about hope, community, and pride. We can’t let a few bad actors destroy that.”
Kiarie’s determination has not only made him a hero in the eyes of many Kenyan football fans but has also raised the bar for what it means to be a responsible, passionate supporter of the sport.
The Human Side of Kiarie
When Kiarie isn’t working or exposing match-fixing rings, he’s often found at the football pitch, not as a player, but as a fan, cheering on the game he loves. Despite his demanding job, Kiarie finds time for his studies, pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Counselling Psychology at the Technical University of Kenya. He’s also a certified mental health awareness ambassador, committed to raising awareness about mental health challenges, particularly among athletes.
“I believe in using football to create positive change,” Kiarie reflects. “The game teaches us a lot about teamwork, resilience, and discipline. But it also has the power to heal. We need to protect it for future generations.”
A Legacy in the Making
Kiarie Mbugua’s work has only just begun. Through his relentless fight against match-fixing and his dedication to the game, he’s not only preserving the integrity of Kenyan football but also setting an example for fans and stakeholders alike.
In the end, Kiarie’s message is clear: football is not just a game; it’s a way of life. And for him, it’s worth fighting for — every single day.
