Court Order Throws KPL Kick-Off Into Uncertainty

By Otieno Patrick

The start of the 2026/27 Kenyan Premier League season has been thrown into uncertainty after the High Court in Murang’a issued orders stopping the competition from commencing as scheduled.

Justice Dorah Chepkwony directed that the new season should not begin before a playoff is held between Kariobangi Sharks and Mombasa United.

The order follows an application by Evans Nduta, who has challenged the planned commencement of the season and the application of the 2025 Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Rules.

The matter is expected to come up for hearing on Thursday, with the order putting FKF in a position where it must determine its next course of action.

Opening Fixtures Could Be Affected

The immediate implication is that matches scheduled for the opening weekend could be affected unless the order is varied, stayed or otherwise addressed through the legal process.

The dispute involving Kariobangi Sharks and Mombasa United centres on the circumstances surrounding the two clubs and the application of FKF regulations governing the competition.

The development comes amid ongoing legal disputes involving football administration and the courts, some of which have affected the organisation of football competitions in the country.

Earlier this week, during a Kamukunji with FKF branch chairmen, FKF President Hussein Mohammed reportedly indicated that the federation would not honour court orders seeking to stop football activities going forward.

That position could now face renewed scrutiny following the latest directive from the Murang’a High Court.

FKF Officials Ordered to Appear in Court

FKF President Hussein Mohammed and the federation’s Head of Leagues and Competitions, Frank Ogola, have been directed to appear in person before the Murang’a Court on Tuesday after being cited for contempt of court on several occasions.

Their appearance is expected to provide further clarity on the court’s concerns and the federation’s compliance with previous orders.

For clubs, players, technical teams and fans, the uncertainty comes at a crucial stage of preparations for the new campaign.

Most teams have completed their pre-season preparations, with clubs and fans expecting the league to begin according to the published schedule.

However, the latest order means FKF may have to reconsider the immediate fixtures as the legal process continues.

The court’s directive has also placed the spotlight on the dispute between Kariobangi Sharks and Mombasa United, with the proposed playoff now linked to the commencement of the new league season.

The key issue is whether FKF will comply with the order, challenge it through the appropriate legal channels, or seek further directions from the court.

The federation’s next move could affect the league calendar, clubs and thousands of football fans awaiting the return of top-flight action.

The scheduled kick-off therefore remains uncertain as the football fraternity awaits further developments from FKF and the courts.