Why Patrick Matasi Will Face a Long Road Before Reclaiming His Goalkeeping Spot

The High Court in Kakamega on Tuesday struck out a petition filed by former Harambee Stars goalkeeper Patrick Matasi, paving the way for the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) to proceed with disciplinary action over alleged match-fixing.

 The ruling reinforces the federation’s authority to enforce its Anti–Match Manipulation Regulations and maintain integrity in Kenyan football.

Matasi had initially approached the court in April 2025, obtaining conservatory orders that temporarily blocked FKF from implementing a 90-day suspension imposed in March. 

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The suspension followed the circulation of a viral video allegedly showing Matasi inside a vehicle discussing plans to manipulate a domestic league match.

The case quickly drew attention across the football community, given Matasi’s prominence as the national team goalkeeper and the sensitive nature of match-fixing allegations. FKF immediately launched an investigation in collaboration with FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

Despite the temporary relief granted by the April ruling, FKF stressed that Matasi had not yet been cleared to return to the pitch due to the ongoing disciplinary process. The High Court’s latest decision now allows the federation to move forward without judicial interference.

“When the first video surfaced on Wednesday night, I sent it to him, and he responded by saying he had no knowledge of it. This morning (Thursday, March 27), I shared the second part with him, but he maintained that it is not him in the footage. He is shocked by these videos,” explained Kakamega Homeboyz chairman Cleophas Shimanyula in an interview conducted eight months ago.

FKF hailed the court ruling as a major step in the fight against match manipulation.

 The federation emphasized that match-fixing is a serious offense comparable to obtaining money by false pretence under Section 313 of the Penal Code and may also fall under Section 47A of the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act. 

Although Kenyan law does not yet explicitly criminalize match manipulation, FKF has sought the assistance of agencies including the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).

Matasi’s suspension comes amid a difficult period for the goalkeeper, who faced scrutiny after Kenya’s 4–1 defeat to Cameroon in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. 

Kakamega Homeboyz publicly defended him, urging FKF to ensure due process. FKF reiterated that its internal investigation will continue in line with regulations, aiming to establish facts, identify any accomplices, and uphold the integrity of Kenyan football.

The High Court’s decision is expected to set a precedent for how disputes between players and the federation are handled in the future, reaffirming FKF’s statutory power to manage disciplinary matters internally. 

Patrick Matasi will now have to wait longer before returning to competitive action, highlighting a critical moment in Kenyan football’s ongoing battle against match manipulation.