Storm in Kakamega School soccer: Green Commandos reject falsification claims as Musingu loses title

In a circular dated July 4 and signed by the County Director of Education, Hellen Nyang’au, the Ministry found both schools guilty of fielding ineligible players, in contravention of Article 14(e) of the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) Constitution. The ruling has seen Musingu stripped of the County Championship title, while Kakamega High School has been demoted from third position.

“Using documents that are not authentic (falsification of documents), Musingu School loses the County Championship and Kakamega loses position 3,” the letter reads in part.

However, Kakamega High School, popularly known as the Green Commandos, have come out strongly rejecting any wrongdoing on their part.

Speaking to Citizen Digital, Kakamega School Games Master Amos Wamanga stated:

“While we welcome the decision to hold Musingu School accountable for fielding ineligible players as confirmed through the document verification process, we strongly reject the finding that implicates Kakamega School in any wrongdoing.

At no point during this process has any formal appeal or protest been filed against Green Commandos, nor has any credible evidence been presented to warrant such a conclusion against our team.”

Wamanga further revealed that the school has formally appealed to the County Supreme Jury to contest the verdict, aiming to protect the integrity and reputation of the storied Green Commandos Football Team.

The current controversy stems from the heated county finals held on June 21 at the Mumias Sports Complex, where Kakamega lost 4-5 to Musingu Boys on post-match penalties after a barren draw.

Kakamega later assumed third place after Munyuki Secondary failed to turn up for the classification match while Musingu clinched the county championship after a 2-0 win over Butere boys.

Following the recent ruling, both Musingu and Kakamega have been directed to present bonafide players for a replay to determine second and third positions, scheduled for Sunday, July 6 at 10:00 am. The venue is yet to be confirmed. Notably, fans will not be allowed to attend the match, and the costs will be borne by both schools.

The appeal by Kakamega High School is likely to intensify scrutiny over the enforcement of eligibility rules in school sports, even as the Green Commandos fight to restore their honour.