Nairobi, Kenya – May 3, 2025
Kenyan football is once again in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons as a shocking new video has emerged implicating goalkeeper Ezekiel Owade in an alleged match-fixing scheme.
The undated footage, released by whistleblower and Stadium Safety and Security Officer Kiarie Mbugua, shows the former Nakumatt FC, Bidco United, AFC Leopards, Muhoroni Youth FC, and Mara Sugar shot-stopper allegedly agreeing to concede two goals in the first half of a match while turning out for Muhoroni Youth.
Owade was recently unveiled by Mombasa-based FKF National Super League side Mombasa United in March 2025. He currently plays for the club and was on the bench during their most recent fixture against Kisumu All Stars.
In the video — which appears to have been taken either via a video call or self-recorded — Owade can be heard saying: “Hi, Owade here, keeper. I’m ready for the job over the weekend, to concede 2 goals first half.”
This revelation comes just weeks after veteran Harambee Stars goalkeeper Patrick Matasi was caught up in a similar scandal. A video allegedly showing Matasi engaging in match-fixing discussions made rounds online in March, prompting the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) to suspend him pending investigations.
Owade’s case is even more alarming as it lands barely a day after FIFA dropped a disciplinary hammer on Muhoroni Youth FC. The global football governing body expelled the club from the FKF National Super League and ordered their relegation to Division One for match manipulation. The decision was delivered through a formal statement by FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee.
In a swift response, FKF issued a strongly-worded statement reiterating its zero-tolerance policy on match-fixing.
“Football Kenya Federation (FKF) confirms receipt of official communication from Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) regarding the relegation of Muhoroni Youth Football Club to Division One, following their involvement in match manipulation.”
“We are launching a full-scale war on match-fixing in collaboration with FIFA, CAF, and all relevant authorities,” FKF General Secretary Harold Ndege declared. “We cannot allow this vice to undermine the progress we are making to uplift the game. Anyone found culpable will face the full consequences of their actions.”
The new allegations against Owade raise fresh concerns about the depth and scale of match-fixing in Kenyan football. With two goalkeepers now in the spotlight and an entire club sanctioned, questions are swirling about whether these are isolated incidents or symptoms of a much deeper rot.
As fans reel from the latest revelations, many are now demanding a comprehensive investigation across all leagues and clubs. For now, it remains unclear whether Owade was acting alone or if his alleged actions were part of a broader scheme involving Muhoroni Youth FC.
The FKF has yet to comment specifically on the video involving Owade.
Developing story.
