Mombasa United FC have been promoted to the SportPesa League for the 2026/2027 season after the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Leagues and Competitions Committee awarded them a 2-0 victory over Kariobangi Sharks following an abandoned promotion playoff.
In a ruling delivered on Friday, October 9, 2026, the committee declared Mombasa United the aggregate winners of the playoff, confirming their promotion to Kenya’s top-flight football competition.
The decision follows the abandonment of the second-leg encounter between Mombasa United and Kariobangi Sharks at Ulinzi Complex on October 6.
According to the committee’s findings, the match was abandoned in the 64th minute after Kariobangi Sharks players confronted the centre referee over a penalty awarded to Mombasa United.
The incident escalated when Kariobangi Sharks kit manager Patrick Paul Otieno and Sharks supporters allegedly invaded the pitch and assaulted the match official. The incident was subsequently reported at Lang’ata Police Station under Occurrence Book (OB) Number 56/6/10/2026.
FKF Awards Mombasa United 2-0 Victory
Following its review of the incident, the FKF Leagues and Competitions Committee ruled that Kariobangi Sharks forfeit the match, awarding Mombasa United a 2-0 victory.
The committee also declared Mombasa United the overall winners of the promotion playoff, securing their place in the SportPesa League for the 2026/2027 campaign.
The ruling brings an end to the playoff contest, with Mombasa United emerging as the beneficiaries of the federation’s decision after the second leg failed to reach its conclusion on the pitch.
Disciplinary Proceedings to Follow
Despite confirming Mombasa United’s promotion, the committee referred the violence and misconduct allegations to the FKF Disciplinary Committee for further action.
The referral means the incidents surrounding the abandoned fixture will be subject to a separate disciplinary process.
The outcome of those proceedings is expected to determine any further sanctions arising from the reported conduct of individuals associated with Kariobangi Sharks and the match-day disturbances.
Mombasa United Prepare for Top-Flight Return
Mombasa United’s promotion marks an important development for the club as it prepares to compete in the SportPesa League in the 2026/2027 season.
The club will now turn its attention to preparations for the new campaign, while Kariobangi Sharks face the prospect of further disciplinary scrutiny following the events at Ulinzi Complex.
The FKF ruling confirms Mombasa United as playoff winners, with their promotion secured following the committee’s decision to award them the abandoned second-leg match.
Penta Media will continue to follow developments surrounding the promotion playoff and the FKF disciplinary process.
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