Mara Sugar FC has handed goalkeeper Steve Otieno an indefinite suspension, just days after he featured in their disappointing 2–2 draw against Sofapaka on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, in the FKF Premier League.
The club has not disclosed the specific reasons behind the decision, but sources suggest it may be linked to internal disciplinary concerns amid growing scrutiny over match integrity in the FKF Premier League.
FKF officials have acknowledged the suspension and are monitoring developments.
A Pattern of Pain
At the same time, APS Bomet has launched an internal investigation into its defense and goalkeeping departments following a troubling pattern of early goals conceded in the FKF Premier League.
The club, newly promoted to the top tier, has suffered repeated setbacks within the first ten minutes of matches, prompting concerns over tactical discipline and potential match manipulation.
The latest blow came on October 29 at Green Stadium, where APS Bomet fell 2–1 to Kakamega Homeboyz.
The visitors netted twice before the tenth minute, exposing glaring vulnerabilities in Bomet’s backline and reigniting concerns over the team’s defensive discipline.
Integrity Under Fire
APS Bomet’s recent fixtures have revealed a troubling pattern of early defensive collapses, leaving fans and analysts questioning the team’s preparedness and discipline.
Against Shabana FC, the club conceded two goals within the first ten minutes.
Muranga Seal capitalized on defensive errors to take a 2–0 lead early in the match.
While Kenya Police FC scored in the 41st minute, APS Bomet’s defensive frailties were still evident throughout the first half.
Most recently, Kakamega Homeboyz struck twice before the 10th minute, further exposing vulnerabilities.
These recurring lapses have led supporters to label the goals as “stupid,” reflecting widespread frustration over what many see as avoidable mistakes.
APS Bomet’s management has confirmed that the internal probe will include video analysis, player interviews, and performance reviews.
While no formal accusations have been made, the club is working closely with FKF to ensure transparency and accountability.
With just three points from five matches, APS Bomet currently sits at the bottom of the FKF Premier League table, their defensive organization now under intense scrutiny.
League-Wide Concerns
The FKF Premier League is facing a credibility crisis.
FKF is grappling with a wave of match-fixing allegations that have cast a shadow over the integrity of the FKF Premier League.
The federation is also pushing for legislative reforms to criminalize match-fixing and empower law enforcement agencies to prosecute offenders.
The most prominent case involves Patrick Matasi, the former Harambee Stars goalkeeper, who is under investigation after a viral video allegedly showed him negotiating to manipulate a match outcome.
In response, FKF launched a formal probe in collaboration with FIFA, CAF, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).
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The federation reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy on match manipulation and invoked its Anti-Match Manipulation Regulations, which prohibit betting, deliberate underperformance, and sharing insider information.
The FKF has urged the public and football stakeholders to report any credible information related to match-fixing via its dedicated integrity email.
What’s Next?
APS Bomet is set to face Bidco United in their next fixture.
The match will be closely watched not just for the result but also for signs of improvement in their defensive organization.
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Mara Sugar, meanwhile, will need to address the fallout from Otieno’s suspension as they prepare for their upcoming clash.
As investigations deepen, clubs across the FKF Premier League are being forced to confront uncomfortable truths.
Whether the early goals are the result of poor coaching, player complacency, or something more sinister, the answers will shape the future of Kenyan football.
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