By Joshua Otieno | February 20, 2026
Just days after parting ways with Tusker FC, former coach Charles Okere has raised serious allegations about match-fixing in Kenyan football, claiming the problem extends from the Premier League down to lower-tier competitions.
Speaking to Sporty FM on Thursday, February 19, Okere did not hold back. He said the manipulation of matches is widespread and poses a major threat to the integrity of the game.
“The reality is that matches are being fixed. Those involved in match-fixing are numerous in the league, and it is a worrying problem,” Okere said, confirming concerns fans and analysts have long voiced about suspicious results and referee decisions.
The revelations come shortly after Tusker FC’s 3-1 defeat to Mathare United on February 15, which coincided with Okere’s exit from the club. He reflected on the challenges he faced during his tenure, including budget constraints and unfulfilled player transfers, which he says limited his ability to compete for the league title.
“At the start of the season, we had clear goals as a club, but financial limitations and other issues meant key signings didn’t materialize,” he explained. “When the players you need aren’t available, you have to work with whoever is on the roster, which affects competitiveness.”
Okere also addressed criticisms of his coaching, emphasizing that responsibility should be shared with the club’s management. “I am open to critique as a coach, but when leadership cannot provide the necessary support, I shouldn’t bear the blame alone,” he said.
During his second season as Tusker FC head coach after taking over from Robert Matano in December 2024 Okere struggled to find consistency. The recent loss to Mathare United marked his eighth defeat of the season, leaving Tusker ninth in the standings with 28 points, a full 15 points behind Gor Mahia, making a fifth consecutive league title appear increasingly unlikely.
Okere’s revelations add a new layer of controversy to Kenyan football, reigniting debates about transparency and the urgent need to tackle match manipulation across the leagues.
