Nairobi, Kenya – (African Boulevard News) – Nairobi City Stars Chief Executive Officer Patrick Korir has expressed his disappointment at the recent slap-on-the-wrist judgement given to three suspects implicated in a match-fixing scandal that rocked the Kenyan Premier League last year. The CEO has now urged Parliament to expedite the process of formulating tougher legislation to curb match fixing in the country.
The three suspects received light sentences of six months in prison and a Ksh. 1 million fine each, much to the displeasure of the football community. Speaking to reporters, Korir voiced his concerns and said, “The punishment is not severe enough to deter future incidents of match-fixing, a vice that is threatening to cripple the football industry in Kenya. We need stronger laws that will ensure that perpetrators of this crime face more severe consequences.”
Match-fixing is an intricate web of dishonesty that has been plaguing the Kenyan football industry for years. Despite efforts by various stakeholders to curb its spread and severity, the vice has remained rampant. The recent judgement has set a dangerous precedent by allowing match-fixers to walk free with light sentences, which will only embolden them to continue corrupting the sport.
Korir’s sentiments have been echoed by other football stakeholders who believe that the current laws are inadequate in tackling the menace. There is a growing sense of urgency for the government to take more decisive action in enacting tougher laws to combat match-fixing.
In response to the outcry, the Sports Ministry has promised to prioritize the establishment of a football tribunal that will hear and resolve cases of match-fixing and other related offences. The tribunal will have the power to impose more severe punishments on those found guilty of these crimes.
As the government works towards providing a lasting solution to match-fixing, Korir has called on the football fraternity to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities that could compromise the integrity of the game. He emphasized the need for all stakeholders to work together and support the government’s efforts to rid the sport of corruption.
In conclusion, the recent judgement has highlighted the need for more stringent laws to curb match-fixing in Kenya. It is time for Parliament to take swift action and enact tougher legislation that will serve as a deterrent to those who seek to ruin the game. The football community must also play its part in protecting the integrity of the sport by reporting any suspicious activities. Together we can save the beautiful game from this cancer of corruption.
