Mombasa United players celebrate a goal during the Kenyan Premier League/National Super League promotion playoff in Mombasa on Thursday, October 1 2026.

Mombasa United have officially earned promotion to the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) for the 2026/2027 season after the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Leagues and Competitions Committee awarded them their abandoned playoff match against Kariobangi Sharks.

“In accordance with Art. 3.3.2 as read with Art. 3.3.3 of the Rules and Regulations Governing Kenyan Football (2019), the Committee declares that the match shall be forfeited by Kariobangi Sharks FC and the same shall be awarded to Mombasa United FC on a 2-0 score,” the committee chair said in a statement.

Sharks were leading 2-1 when referee John Sulwe awarded Mombasa United a penalty in the second half, a decision that triggered protests from Sharks players and officials before supporters invaded the pitch.

The match could not resume after security personnel intervened and escorted the match officials to safety. The result left the tie level at 3-3 on aggregate after Mombasa United had won the first leg 2-1 in Mombasa.

According to the committee's findings, the trouble began when Kariobangi Sharks players accosted the center referee to protest the controversial penalty.

Following a medical assessment, the referee declared he was unable to continue, forcing the match commissioner to abandon the fixture.

Mombasa United were awarded a 2-0 victory for the second leg, sealing their spot as aggregate playoff winners and securing their promotion to the top flight.