Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has once again stirred controversy after filing a case in a Cairo-based court to challenge Kenya’s elimination from the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
Kenya bowed out of the tournament in the quarterfinals after a dramatic penalty shootout loss to Madagascar. However, Sonko claims the Harambee Stars were denied justice on the pitch, insisting that two clear goals were wrongly disallowed by match officials. According to him, those decisions directly influenced the outcome, forcing the game into extra time and eventually penalties, where Kenya fell short.
In his petition, Sonko argues that the refereeing mistakes amounted to “gross injustice against Kenya,” calling for a review of the match and possible reinstatement of the Harambee Stars in the tournament. His legal team is reportedly seeking urgent intervention from the Confederation of African Football (CAF), with the Cairo court being used as a platform to push for accountability in African football officiating.
The move has sparked mixed reactions among fans. Some supporters back Sonko’s stand, praising him for fighting for fairness in sports, while others see it as a publicity stunt unlikely to change the result.
CAF has not yet issued an official response to the petition, but legal experts note that overturning match results after a game has concluded is almost unprecedented in international football.