This archive report was first published on 15 October 2019.
On October 15, 2019, Kakamega Homeboyz FC boss Cleophas 'Toto' Shimanyula expressed his frustration with the financial struggles affecting referees and clubs in the Kenyan Premier League.
Shimanyula cited the predicament faced by match referees who have gone for months without pay, regretting that the situation could have been handled better.
“Referees have not been paid their salaries, and they are literally depending on lifts as means of transport to match venues,” Shimanyula said.
He noted that referees have salary arrears of close to 7 matches backdating to last year, making it difficult for them to officiate without favoring any team.
Shimanyula has also blamed KPL for poor planning and failure to invest wisely when they had sponsorship, which he believes would have averted the current problems.
Several clubs, including Sony Sugar, have rallied behind Shimanyula's call for the league to be suspended until a solution is found to the salary arrears issue.
Shimanyula argued that the current predicament should be an eye-opener to clubs to plan for life without sponsorships.
He questioned how top clubs like AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia have not paid their players' salaries, despite having sponsorship deals.
So far, several clubs have admitted to owing players and staff salary arrears and allowances dating back to three months.
