By Timothy Sonic | sonictimothy6@gmail.com
Kakamega, July 6, 2025 — The much-anticipated rematch between Kakamega High School’s Green Commandos and Musingu Boys High School, scheduled to determine second and third place in the 2025 Kakamega County Secondary School Football Championship, failed to take place after Kakamega High declined to field their team.
The school, through head coach Samuel Oindo, stated that it had not received any formal communication regarding the rematch and that they are still awaiting a ruling from the KSSSA Supreme Jury on their appeal.
“We did not appear at Nyang’ori because we contested the jury’s ruling. We were not satisfied with the verdict, especially regarding Article 14(e) of the KSSSA Constitution on player eligibility. That’s why we appealed to the Supreme Jury and are now waiting for their decision,” said Oindo.
He added that they received no official information regarding the rematch and only learned about it through social media.
According to Oindo, the decision to stage a rematch is not supported by the KSSSA Constitution, which clearly states that if a team is found to have fielded ineligible players, the outcome is disqualification and not a replay.
The controversy follows a Ministry of Education circular dated July 4, 2025, signed by County Director of Education Hellen Nyang’au, declaring that both Kakamega and Musingu fielded ineligible players in violation of KSSSA rules.
The ruling stripped Musingu of the county championship title, demoted Kakamega from third place, and ordered a rematch to determine new standings.
But according to Kakamega High School, no formal appeal was filed against them by Musingu.
The school maintains that all their players are registered Form Four students, verifiable via KNEC records. They insist the ruling is not only unfair but also constitutionally flawed.
Kakamega School’s Games Master, Amos Wamanga, expressed frustration over what he termed a history of bias against the school.
“We received the ruling on Friday evening, and frankly, the communication was unclear. We could not in good conscience accept a rematch. This is not just about qualifying for regionals; it’s about restoring sanity and fairness in school sports,” said Wamanga.
He likened the situation to the biblical story of two women fighting over a child.
“It reminds me of the story where one woman was okay with the child being cut in two. That’s what Musingu is doing—embracing a flawed decision. We won’t let our boys suffer. The child is ours, and we won’t allow it to be split.”
Wamanga cited the KSSSA Constitution, specifically Article 14(e) and Section 17 (1, 2, 3), which state clearly that any team found fielding overage or ineligible players must be disqualified and banned.
“The Constitution is clear. A team fielding ineligible players must be disqualified and banned. Nowhere does it allow for a rematch,” he added.
Abbas Keya, Vice Chair of the Kakamega High School Alumni Team, backed the school’s decision to reject the rematch.
“We’ve supported this team for years, and what’s happening is injustice. We played the county games under protest. This isn’t about fear; it’s about fairness. We want integrity in school sports. Musingu has a history of fielding ineligible players. Last year it was Amalemba, in 2023 it was Brian from Kasagam.”
Keya further questioned the process that led to the jury’s ruling. “Musingu never appealed against us. So how did we end up being punished? Who appealed against Kakamega? Was it the county jury? Why?”
As the controversy drags on, members of the football fraternity are left with troubling questions. Why is a team found guilty of fielding ineligible players being offered a second chance? Is a rematch even constitutional under KSSSA rules? Is Kakamega being punished for raising concerns?
Kakamega High School insists their players are eligible and have invited the Supreme Jury to verify all student records through the KNEC portal.
“Our boys are already preparing for regionals. This case is about accountability, not just a rematch,” said Coach Oindo.
The rematch that was scheduled for July 6, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., now hangs in limbo after Kakamega’s no-show. It was to be held behind closed doors, with both schools bearing logistical costs and fielding only bonafide players.
Unless the Supreme Jury intervenes quickly, this saga could mark a turning point in school football governance in Kenya.
For now, the Green Commandos stand firm. Their position is clear: they will not play a rematch they consider unconstitutional.
Whether this moment becomes a victory for justice or a stain on school football remains to be seen, but Kakamega High School has drawn a line, and they are standing their ground.
