Mombasa United have secured promotion to the 2026/27 SportPesa League after the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Leagues and Competitions Committee awarded them a 2-0 victory in the abandoned promotion/relegation playoff against Kariobangi Sharks.

The decision, delivered on Friday, October 9, follows the chaotic scenes that forced the decisive second leg to end prematurely at Ulinzi Sports Complex on Tuesday, October 6, after referee John Sulwe awarded Mombasa United a penalty in the second half.

In its ruling, the committee declared that Sharks had forfeited the match under Articles 3.3.2 and 3.3.3 of the Rules and Regulations Governing Kenyan Football (2019), handing the coastal side victory and confirming them as aggregate playoff winners.

The outcome brings an end to a contentious promotion battle that had been expected to be decided over two legs on the pitch.

According to the committee’s findings, the match was disrupted in the 64th minute when Sharks players confronted Sulwe over his decision to award Mombasa United a penalty.

The situation escalated when Sharks kit manager Patrick Paul Otieno and a section of supporters entered the field of play and physically assaulted the centre referee.

The committee further established that the injured official was assessed by the medical team but subsequently informed match commissioner Nassur Doka that he was unable to continue officiating, forcing the match to be called off.

The incident was reported at Langata Police Station under Occurrence Book number 56/6/10/2026.

The committee reached its decision after considering reports from match officials and other relevant parties, alongside submissions from representatives of both clubs, the match commissioner and the FKF security officer.

The ruling ends Sharks’ hopes of retaining their top-flight status, despite having been in front when the match was abandoned.

Mombasa United had opened the scoring through Christian Lubulu’s seventh-minute header before Patillah Omoto levelled with a free-kick in the 28th minute. Douglas Omanga then completed Sharks’ comeback with a goal in the 45th minute to give the hosts a 2-1 lead.

Sharks had entered the return leg trailing 2-1 from the first meeting at Mbaraki Sports Club, leaving them needing a victory to overturn the aggregate deficit and preserve their Premier League status.

Their comeback had put them in a promising position before the penalty incident and subsequent violence brought the contest to an abrupt end.

However, the committee awarded Mombasa United a 2-0 victory for the abandoned fixture, declaring the coastal side aggregate playoff winners and confirming their promotion to the 2026/27 SportPesa League.

The decision settles the immediate question of which club takes the final Sportpesa League slot, but the matter is not entirely closed.

The committee directed that the reported acts of violence and misconduct be referred to the FKF Disciplinary Committee for prosecution and appropriate sanctions.

The disciplinary body will now consider the incidents surrounding the abandonment and determine the consequences for those found responsible.

Following the ruling, Mombasa United took to social media to celebrate their promotion, describing the achievement as a triumph for the club, its supporters and the entire Coast region.

“MOMBASA, WE MADE IT!” the club declared, announcing that the Sultans were Premier League-bound after a campaign marked by challenges and a final battle through the playoffs.
The club paid tribute to its supporters for remaining loyal throughout the season, including during the difficult moments that saw the team forced to fight for promotion through the two-legged playoff.

“To our incredible fans, you stood with us throughout the entire last season and never abandoned us, even when the journey took us into the playoffs,” the statement read.

Mombasa United also recognised the commitment of supporters who travelled from the Coast to Nairobi for the decisive return leg, saying their sacrifices and belief had helped carry the team through the campaign.
The club further described the achievement as a victory for the people of Mombasa and the wider Coast region, whose pride the team had carried throughout its promotion push.

“This is more than a win for Mombasa United. It’s a win for the people of Mombasa and the entire Coast region. We have carried the pride of our city and our region through every challenge, and today, we celebrate together,” the statement added.

The club concluded with a message to its supporters: “This one is for all of us. Mombasa, your time is here.”