Kenyan football has been rocked by fresh controversy after a secretly recorded video allegedly showing the national team’s (Harambee Stars’) goalkeeper Patrick Matasi negotiating a match-fixing deal was leaked online.
Matasi, currently on the books of FKF Premier League side Kakamega Homeboyz FC following a recent move from Kenya Police FC, is seen in the footage seated in the right back seat of a parked vehicle, deep in conversation with an unseen individual.
The 40-second video, circulated online on Wednesday night and evidently recorded from the left back seat by a hidden observer, captures what appears to be a damning dialogue, although the exact date and full context of the recording remain unclear.
In light of the revelations, the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), the country’s football governing body, has released a statement saying it has launched an investigation in collaboration with FIFA, CAF and other relevant authorities.
FKF has also urged anyone with credible information to come forward and assist in the investigation.
A seasoned goalkeeper with a decorated career that includes stints at Tusker FC, Posta Rangers, and AFC Leopards, Matasi has long been seen as a pillar between the posts.
Despite his credentials, fans have often questioned his inconsistency, particularly in high-stakes matches where his errors proved costly.
Harambee Stars supporters have in the past voiced their frustrations, especially when seemingly avoidable goals slipped past him at critical moments. While some chalked it up to dips in form or mental lapses, others were less forgiving. Now, with this latest video surfacing, old questions have returned with new weight.
Following the leak, ex-Kenyan international Bonface Ambani shared his frustration: “When you step onto the pitch, your teammates, coaches, club officials, and fans all look to you for a win. But when you fix a match and deliberately lose, what do you feel?” Ambani reacted.
He further called for the enactment of strict measures to curb the menace that is gaining root in the Kenyan football environment.
“This is betrayal. Parliament must enact strict laws to address match-fixing once and for all. Offenders and their accomplices – whether players, coaches, or officials – should face jail time. No one should be spared. Match-fixing is destroying our beloved game. I recently raised concerns about goalkeepers conceding suspiciously cheap goals, and now a circulating clip of one of our top keepers has only confirmed my worst fears. It’s heartbreaking and deeply disappointing.”
The video has cast doubt on Matasi’s integrity, reigniting concerns over the broader issue of match-fixing in Kenyan football – a menace that is undermining public trust.
The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and relevant authorities have been called upon to investigate the matter.
Despite the shocking leak, Kakamega Homeboyz chairman Cleophas Shimanyula has come to Matasi’s defence, questioning the authenticity of the video and saying he was not in a hurry to judge.
Shimanyula told Mozzart Sport on Thursday that Matasi will remain part of his team as the video couldn’t be authenticated at the moment.
“First of all, I am not a specialist to analyse whether it was a camera trick or if it’s true,” Shimanyula is quoted as saying by Mozzart Sport.
“People are saying all manner of things, and yet there is not enough detail in that video. Until now, there is no idea of which game he was allegedly talking about, or even where he was.
“He remains innocent until proven guilty. Most times, people are in a hurry to judge, but not me.”
Asked whether the club will institute an inquiry into the matter, he said: “No. We have no time for that if it did not happen here. When we acquired Matasi mid-season, there were already rumours everywhere about his conduct. But I am a believer in giving people second chances, and our instruction to him was very clear. We wanted him to take his job here very seriously, and that is what he has done in the past month.
“I have this morning instructed the team manager and goalkeeper trainer to show him the video when he comes for training, and if true, ask him not to engage in such activities here.”
