By Gilbert Wandera
As the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) season goes to the half way mark, referees are coming under constant attack from coaches.
On Saturday, Nairobi City Stars coach Gideon Ochiengâ was a bitter man after his side went down 2-1 to Gor Mahia at City Stadium.
Ochiengâ was unhappy with Mumias based referee Haji Adede saying the whistler denied his side a genuine goal and a penalty.
"Today, the officiating was biased. We do not mind losing, but it should not be due to a referee who is supposed to be fair," he said after the match.
Karuturi Sports coach Michael Nam also shares the same sentiments and takes issue with how referee James Gikonyo handled their match against AFC Leopards on Sunday.
Nam who was sent off for protesting at some decisions of the referee said this was unwarranted.
"I never did anything to deserve being sent off. I just reminded the match referee about an infringement he had allowed to pass only for him to order me off".
"It was totally unwarranted and even when he told me to leave, I could not pass because Leopardsâ fans had stood on the way and they pelted me with all manner of objects," said Nam.
Despite this incident, Nam said the match generally went well and he is happy with his players for putting up a great performance.
"Both goals were superb and despite the sending off incident, we are happy with the goal," he said.
Western Stima coach Henry Omino also has an axe to grind with local referees especially the veteran whistlers.
