Football administrators must take an active role in curbing the menace of match-fixing.
In 2023, the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) suspended three coaches, including Wilson Ochieng Oganyo, over alleged match-fixing. At the time, he was with Zetech University FC, having previously resigned as Gor Mahia’s goalkeeper trainer in 2021. During his tenure at K’Ogalo, concerns were raised over questionable goals conceded by the club, but some officials staunchly defended him.
In Kelong Kings, Wilson Raj Perumal, the world’s most notorious match-fixer, details how he allegedly enlisted Wilson Ochieng in his match-fixing operations. According to Perumal, Ochieng played a role in manipulated matches in Finland and was involved in helping Nigeria beat Kenya in the 2010 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.
Perumal, who was jailed in Finland for match-fixing, shockingly continued his illicit activities even while behind bars. As he puts it, “Once a fixer, always a fixer.”
The big question remains: How did clubs like Zoo FC, Gor Mahia, and Zetech University continue to entrust this individual with key roles despite the glaring red flags?
