The Kuria Governing Council which is an association of football referees in Kenya has accused Ghanaian undercover journalist, Anas Aremeyaw Anas for hiding an interview he had with referee Aden Marwa and presented an edited version in his latest investigative piece to suggest bribery.
According to the Association, Anas gave the said money to Marwa to thank him for granting him an interview.
Aden Marwa who was supposed to be officiating at this year’s world cup was captured on tape receiving $600 bribe from the undercover journalist in his hotel room prior to a game.
But a statement issued and signed by one Ken Mohochi, who is Chairman of Kuria Governing Council stated categorically that the referee who is the most respected in the country has over the period has demonstrated impeccable integrity and abhors unethical conduct as our member, a teacher, and a referee from his humble days.
While faulting Anas for pursuing an agenda best known to him, the association wondered why he did not make public the entire video recordings saying “after taking an interview with the Ghanaian journalist, the journalist wanted to thank Mr. Marwa for the interview and that’s when he offered him the alleged $600. Mr. Marwa refused to take the money claiming it was against the FIFA regulations but the journalist insisted and asked Mr. Marwa to use the money for any charity activity.
It is true that the journalist had a sinister motive against Mr. Marwa because the video recordings are edited according to Mr. Marwa and don’t show where he insists and convinces Mr. Marwa to use the money for any charity activity he wishes even after denying the offer”
Read full test of the statement below;
The Kuria Governing Council condemns the unfair fixing of Aden Marwa
The Kuria Governing Council, an Association of the Kuria elites and professionals has regrettably learned the bribery accusations leveled against one of our members Mr. Aden Range Marwa by a Ghanaian journalist Anas Aremeyaw.
The Association condemns the unfair fixing of the FIFA assistant referee Aden Range Marwa. The media reports and the documentary on BBC and local media houses don’t demonstrate that Mr. Aden was receiving a bribe to influence the outcome of any game.
After taking an interview with the Ghanaian journalist, the journalist wanted to thank Mr. Marwa for the interview and that’s when he offered him the alleged $600. Mr. Marwa refused to take the money claiming it was against the FIFA regulations but the journalist insisted and asked Mr. Marwa to use the money for any charity activity.
It is true that the journalist had a sinister motive against Mr. Marwa because the video recordings are edited according to Mr. Marwa and don’t show where he insists and convinces Mr. Marwa to use the money for any charity activity he wishes even after denying the offer.
The timing of the release of the documentary also confirms that it was a set-up to have Mr. Marwa out of the 2018 World Cup officials’ team in Russia. It has happened to Kenyan Athletes who are spiked by such individuals who befriend them pretending to get positive stories for media houses.
Mr. Marwa has demonstrated impeccable integrity and abhors unethical conduct as our member, a teacher, and a referee from his humble days. He could not accept a paltry Kshs. 60,000 and risk forfeiting Kshs. 2.5 Million and other allowances.
We therefore call on Kenyans, FKF, and the Kenya Football Referees Association to stand with Mr. Marwa as he fights to redeem his image and look for a way of launching investigations into the conduct of the Ghanaian journalist who is in a frenzy of publicity and a mission to end the careers of African football officials of international repute through blackmail.
We call on FIFA to investigate the matter to find out the truth before any decision is reached. They can count on our support in all aspects.
Our Association upholds and champions the highest professional ethical and integrity standards and demands the following:-
1) That FIFA institutes a full independent inquiry that shall establish and publicly communicate the truth with regard to the unsubstantiated allegations. 2) That Both BBC and Mr. Anas Aremeyaw avail and air the full unedited and unedited recording on the discussions between Mr. Aden and Anas. 3) That Both BBC and Mr. Anas retract and issue an unqualified apology to Mr. Aden Marwa.
We have meanwhile advised Mr. Marwa to explore all available recourse options including legal against BBC and Mr. Anas on this unfortunate and very grave accusations that have substantially affected the standing, integrity, and 20 years stellar career of Mr. Aden Marwa.
Thank you,
Ken Mohochi,
Chairman Kuria Governing Council
Culled from Asembi.Com
