Two Foreigners Among Suspects Arrested in Kenya Football Match-Fixing Probe

A Kenyan and two foreigners suspected of manipulating football matches in Kenyan football leagues for betting purposes have been arrested.

The suspects, Russian Akhiad Kubiev, Ugandan Bernard Navendi and Kenyan Martin Munga Mutua, were arrested in an investigation of a suspected match-fixing syndicate, police and the national football federation said on Saturday. 

In a statement, Football Kenya Federation (FKF) chief Barry Otieno said one Kenyan and two foreigners were arrested for being “involved in issuing bribes and match-fixing."

“Due to the sensitivity of the case, FKF will not be commenting further on the matter until investigations are concluded,” read the statement.

Police said the suspects were apprehended on Friday night as they planned to influence a league game between Nairobi City Stars and Sofapaka. 

“The men will be produced in court on Monday,” Jimmy Kimaru, Kasarani divisional director of criminal investigations, told AFP.

Otieno said FKF is committed to ensuring the integrity of the sport and was working with local and international security agencies to prosecute the individuals.

The arrests come as Kenya’s leagues face increased scrutiny over match-fixing and player corruption in competitions sanctioned by the country’s football federation.

Last month, two players from Mathare United were banned from participating in any football-related activities pending the completion of a probe into their suspected involvement in the match-fixing syndicate.

14 other players and two coaches were suspended in January for match-fixing after FKF received a tip-off about cheating in the national league.