Police shoot to disperse angry Vihiga United fans

Armed Police officers were Saturday forced to shoot in the air to disperse irate Vihiga United fans baying for the blood of centre referee Judy Muhonja after their 0-0 draw against Nakumatt, in a Kenyan Premier League match at Bukhungu stadium in Kakamega.

After Muhonja blew the final whistle, the angry fans tried in vain to force their way past armed Regular and Administration Police who were manning the outer and inner gates. They accused her of denying their team a clear win after failing to award three penalties.

Quick action by the Police led by Inspector Isaiah Ogada saw them whisk away Muhonja and other match officials into the dressing room, after which Muhonja was rushed to a waiting Police Landover under heavy security.

“Our duty is to protect match officials and any other person whose life is threatened at Bukhungu stadium during a football Match,” Inspector Ogada told reporters.

“We shall not entertain poor officiating in the KPL matches. It is our right to protest if match officials are not fair in their duties. We were denied four penalties,” a Vihiga United fan yelled.

The match started on a high note with strikers from both sides lively in the opening exchanges.

Vihiga, who came into the match looking for their first win of the season, dictated the better part of the first half.

Christopher Masinza put through forward Andrew Murunga, who shot past Nakumatt custodian Franklin Mwenda in the 28th minute, but Muhonja disallowed the goal due to offside.

Nakumatt responded with their attackers Tom Adwar, Job Omuse and Clinton Kisiavuki combining to set up a chance for Omuse, who saw his low shot punched over by Vihiga custodian Geoffrey Oput on the stroke of half time.

After half time, Vihiga coach Edward Manoah substituted William Oricho, Chris Masinza and Dennis Wafula with Victor Ayugi, Godfrey Airo and Amos Kigadi respectively.

Nakumat tactician Anthony Mwangi also made changes as Cornelius Juma, Job Omuse and Clinton Kisiavuki made way for Timona Wanyonyi, Brian Nyakan and Musa Kasumba respectively.

As the second half gained momentum, Nakumatt displayed a tactful game with short and crisp passes that denied their opponents the ball.

Poor finishing however, cost the City lads numerous goals.

The visitors could have scored in the 88th minute when Boniface Mukele's right wing cross found Kelvin Omondi in the box but the latter ‘s close range shot was saved by Oput.

After the match, Manoah decried the poor officiating that cost his side goals.

“The attackers took the ball to the box of our opponents, but they were time and again flagged offside by the referee,” Manoah complained.

His Nakumatt counterpart Mwangi was pleased with the draw.