Peter Waweru leads four Kenyan referees selected for AFCON in Morocco

Waweru, who has been appointed as a centre referee, will be joined by Dickens Mimisa, Gilbert Cheruiyot, and Stephen Yiembe — marking a proud milestone for Kenya’s growing influence in continental football officiating.

The four will also participate in a pre-tournament preparation course in Cairo next month ahead of the continental showpiece, which runs from December 21, 2025 to January 18, 2026.

Their selection underscores the Confederation of African Football (CAF)’s growing trust in Kenya’s refereeing standards and continued presence on the big stage.

Waweru’s inclusion comes after an outstanding year in which he was among several elite African referees invited by CAF for a high-level training camp in Cairo in October.

The camp focused on match management, VAR coordination, and physical readiness for the AFCON tournament.

Known for his composure and authority on the pitch, Waweru has previously officiated at AFCON 2021, CHAN, and FIFA tournaments, earning a reputation as one of Africa’s most consistent referees.

In addition to Waweru’s appointment, Dickens Mimisa will serve as one of the Video Assistant Referees (VAR), while Gilbert Cheruiyot and Stephen Yiembe have been listed among the assistant referees.

Their inclusion adds to Kenya’s growing representation in major CAF competitions.

During the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) Kenyan referees had been appointed to officiate at the continental AFCON dresser.

Mimisa will took charge as a centre referee, Yiembe will operated as a Video Match Official, and Samuel Kuria Mwangi served as an assistant referee — a further endorsement of Kenya’s refereeing depth.

The AFCON tournament will be staged across several Moroccan venues, including Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex (Rabat), Mohammed V Stadium (Casablanca), Fez Stadium, Adrar Stadium (Agadir), Marrakech Stadium, and Ibn Battuta Stadium (Tangier).

Host nation Morocco will kick off the tournament against Comoros on December 21, before facing Mali on December 25 in Rabat.

The selection of the four Kenyan referees reflects years of dedication and training, reaffirming Kenya’s rise as a respected hub for elite football officiating in Africa.