Gaspo Women FC: FKF Provisionally Suspends Club Chairman Amidst Sexual Harassment Allegations

• FKF has provisionally suspended Gaspo Women FC chairman Edward Githua
• Githua has been at the centre of sexual harassment claims between 2021 and 2023
• Gaspo are currently bottom of the Kenya Women’s Premier League with five points

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has taken swift action by imposing a provisional suspension on Gaspo Women Football Club chairman Edward Githua from all football activities.

The decision comes in response to grave accusations of sexual harassment spanning the period from 2021 to 2023.

According to reports, several players, some of whom served as ball girls for Gaspo Women during the stated timeframe, have come forward with allegations of inappropriate conduct against Githua.

Their complaints suggest that his behaviour created an environment that was not only unsuitable but also hostile during their association with the club.

Head Coach Engin Firat Urges Enhanced Infrastructure and Support for Harambee Stars Success

Football

In light of these serious allegations, the FKF Safeguarding Department has initiated contact with Githua, as reported by FKF.

The aim is to have him appear before the FKF Disciplinary Committee, allowing him to respond to the accusations brought against him.

While the federation is unwavering in its commitment to ensuring justice for all parties involved, it withholds further comments until the Disciplinary Committee resolves the matter.

Gaspo are currently bottom of the Kenyan Women's Premier League, with only five points, having secured only one win in nine matches.

Suspensions in Kenyan football

The landscape of Kenyan football has witnessed several suspensions over the last two years.

In January 2023, FKF suspended 14 players and two coaches following match-fixing allegations, prompted by a tip-off regarding cheating in the national league. Notably, six players from Zoo Kericho FC, previously found guilty of match-fixing by FIFA's integrity unit in 2021, were suspended.

PSL Side in Trouble for Failing to Play Against Mamelodi Sundowns, Golden Arrows

Football

"To protect the integrity of the league, the federation has with immediate effect provisionally suspended these individuals pending the investigations of the matter by the FIFA and FKF integrity department," said FKF, as quoted by NTV Kenya.

Subsequently, in July, FKF provisionally suspended two individuals, Ezekiel Odera and Salim Abdallah, pending investigations into their alleged involvement in match manipulation. These individuals were scheduled to appear before the FKF Integrity Department for a comprehensive inquiry.

Throughout the suspension period, all FKF members were strongly advised to refrain from any form of sporting contact with the individuals under investigation,

FKF suspension by FIFA lifted

Sports Brief in November 2022 reported when FIFA officially lifted its imposed suspension on FKF, which had been in place since February.

Secretary General Fatma Samoura was satisfied that the Kenyan government and FKF stalemate was resolved.

This made Harambee Stars and Starlets eligible to participate in international competitions again.