Gor Mahia chairman Sc Ambrose Rachier has sounded a strong warning over the standard of officiating in Kenyan football, calling for urgent reforms to safeguard the integrity of the game.

Speaking during a press briefing at Maa Hotel in Hurlingham Nairobi, Senior Counsel Ambrose Rachier distanced himself from club bias, positioning his remarks as a broader concern for the entire football ecosystem. He questioned whether stakeholders are truly satisfied with how matches are being handled, noting that trust in competition depends heavily on fairness and transparency.

“I am speaking not on behalf of Gor Mahia, but for the entire football fraternity in the country. Are we, as stakeholders, satisfied with the standard of officiating?” he posed.

Rachier emphasised that refereeing remains a critical pillar in maintaining credibility, urging officials to uphold professionalism and adhere strictly to the laws set by FIFA. He noted that the issue extends beyond the top flight, affecting competitions at every level of the game.

The chairman’s remarks follow Gor Mahia’s controversial draw against Bandari FC at Kasarani, a match overshadowed by disputed decisions. A late penalty initially awarded to Gor Mahia was overturned after protests from Bandari players, creating confusion and tension on the pitch. The situation escalated further when the referee ended the match before the full added time had elapsed, raising fresh concerns about match control.

SC Rachier confirmed that the club had opted for a formal approach, taking up the matter directly with the Football Kenya Federation instead of airing grievances publicly.

“We have complained about the decisions, but instead of addressing the public, we have addressed the federation and we are inviting them to look into those two decisions,” he explained.

Even amid the controversy, SC Rachier praised supporters for maintaining order, noting the absence of crowd trouble despite the frustration surrounding the decisions. He urged fans to preserve that discipline, especially with the Mashemeji Derby approaching.

As Gor Mahia prepare to face AFC Leopards this Sunday 26th April , he called for calm and responsible support, highlighting the progress made in recent derby matches.

“Let us enjoy the match peacefully. These derbies have improved in conduct, and we must protect that progress,” he urged.

Rachier also turned attention to the matchday experience, encouraging organisers to consider more affordable ticket pricing in light of the current economic realities. He stressed that fans remain central to the game and should not be priced out.

While the immediate trigger was the Bandari fixture, SC Rachier maintained that his message goes beyond a single result. With the season nearing its conclusion, pressure now shifts to football authorities to respond decisively and restore confidence in officiating standards across the country.