School Games: Onjiko banned for three years as Kisumu Day to face Kisumu Boys in semis replay

Kisumu Day players celebrate after their win over Muhoroni High during the Kisumu County Secondary School games played on June 19, 2025 at Moi Stadium.[Washington Onyango,Standard]

The 2025 Kisumu County Secondary School football games have taken a dramatic turn after Onjiko Boys High School was handed a three-year ban from the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) competitions for fielding ineligible players during this year's games.

The verdict, issued by the County Director of Education's office, followed investigations conducted between June 21 and June 24, confirming that Onjiko breached the KSSSA constitution.

Onjiko, who had edged out defending champions Kisumu Day 4-3 on post-match penalties in the semifinals after a 1-1 draw in regular time, have now been disqualified from the tournament.

"It is true. Onjiko has been banned and sent home. We are from a meeting where we are waiting for Kisumu Boys to withdraw their case in court against Onjiko so that we can set a date for the semis replay," said Kisumu County Secondary School Sports Association (KCSSSA) Secretary George Osura.

This ruling reinstates Kisumu Day into the competition, with a new semifinal fixture now set between Kisumu Day and Kisumu Boys.

The disciplinary report released on June 25 revealed that Onjiko fielded six ineligible players in their clash against Kisumu Boys during the preliminary matches.

The KSSSA jury found this to be a serious breach of both the association's rules and the general code of conduct, leading to a decisive three-year suspension from all KSSSA football activities starting from June 25, 2025.

Following this decision, all matches involving Onjiko, including the final against Agai, have been declared null and void. The final had not been completed and was abandoned due to poor lighting conditions. Before the suspension, Agai had qualified for the final after beating Kasagam 2-0 in the other semifinal.

With Onjiko disqualified, Agai retains their place in the Nyanza Region finals to be held in Kisumu next month. They will now be joined by the winner of the replayed semifinal between Kisumu Day and Kisumu Boys.

A new date is expected to be announced by the County Director of Education's office in consultation with the KSSSA officials.

The fallout has shaken the county football competition, with further disciplinary measures expected against individuals involved. The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has also been notified for possible action against implicated staff.

As Kisumu Day prepares for a second chance at reclaiming their crown, the focus will now shift to the semifinal replay, which promises to be a tightly contested affair.

For Onjiko, the punishment marks a painful end to their season and a long road ahead before they can return to the school football scene.