About Wajir Times
Kenyan referee kicked out of World Cup for receiving bribe
Kenyan Referee Nelson Marwa, (Courtesy)
NAIROBI—A senior Kenyan referee has been captured on camera receiving a Sh60,000 bribe in order to influence the outcome of an international football match.
He was destined to break the duck and write a history note on behalf of soccer lovers and millions of Kenyans. But now, such bid has received a blip and perhaps it will be just a mere dream stepping in Russia to oversee the matches.
The expose was produced by controversial Ghanaian journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas and exposes Marwa alongside dozens of other match officials allegedly getting the cash.
The Kenyan match official is heard in this clip acknowledging the cash as a ‘gift’ and even seems all too keen to extend the friendship.
“You know, thank you for the gift but the most important is that friendship, getting to know each other,” says Marwa.
The 41-year-old departed for Russia on Saturday after Teachers Service Commission (TSC) granted him a one-month leave.
The Mathematics and Chemistry teacher at Komotobo secondary school in Kuria, Migori county has denied any wrongdoing.
Marwa received a call-up to help in the coming World Cup tournament after registering an impressive performance when he officiated Africa Cup of Nations in 2012 and 2013 among other games.
He was named as a Caf assistant referee in the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup and featured in a similar capacity in the 2012, 2013 and 2015 Africa Cup of Nations as well as at Chan (African Nations Championship) competitions, Under-17 World Cup, Caf Under-23 Championship and the Fifa Club World Cup.
