Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has taken legal action following Harambee Stars’ dramatic exit from the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) quarterfinals at the hands of Madagascar.
Sonko has filed a petition in Cairo within the stipulated 48-hour period, challenging the controversial decisions that saw Kenya eliminated from the tournament. The case has been served to the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the Madagascar national team, and the Football Kenya Federation (FKF).
In his sworn affidavit, Sonko is seeking interim orders to suspend the results of the penalty shootout, which Madagascar won to book their place in the semifinals. He argues that two legitimate goals scored by Kenya were wrongfully disallowed during normal play, an action that unfairly deprived the national team of progression.
The petition asks the court to nullify the outcome of the penalty shootout, overturn the decision to disallow Kenya’s goals, and suspend the upcoming semifinal between Madagascar and Sudan scheduled for August 26. Additionally, Sonko is calling for the suspension of all match officials involved in the Kenya–Madagascar clash until the matter is conclusively resolved.
In his affidavit, Sonko stressed that the integrity of the tournament is at risk if the disputed results are permitted to stand. His legal team is pushing for an urgent hearing before the semifinals begin, underscoring the need for immediate intervention to preserve fairness in the competition.
The move has sparked debate among fans, players, and football authorities. While many supporters share frustrations over the officiating, others argue that the outcome of football matches cannot be settled in court. The Football Kenya Federation has maintained that referees’ decisions are final unless there is evidence of gross misconduct such as match-fixing or corruption.
Kenya’s exit from CHAN 2024 was a bitter pill to swallow, particularly after a spirited performance against a determined Madagascar side. The case now introduces a dramatic twist to the tournament, with football stakeholders across the continent awaiting the court’s ruling.
Whether the legal challenge succeeds or not, the development highlights the growing calls for transparency and accountability in African football officiating. For Harambee Stars fans, the courtroom battle represents a last-ditch effort to reclaim hope in a tournament where dreams were dashed under controversial circumstances.
