THIKA'S PRIDE: Josephine Wanjiku and Boni Karanja Crowned Kenya's Best Referees

Thika is celebrating two of its own after Josephine Wanjiku and Boniface "Boni" Karanja emerged among the biggest winners at the 2025/26 SportPesa Premier League Gala Awards, earning recognition for their outstanding performances in football officiating.

Wanjiku was named Kenyan Premier League Referee of the Season, while Karanja scooped the Assistant Referee of the Season award, cementing their status among the country's elite match officials.

For Wanjiku, who hails from Gatanga, Murang'a County, and currently resides in Thika, the award crowns a remarkable season that has seen her gain recognition both locally and internationally. The FIFA-accredited referee was recently selected by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) among the 18 centre referees who will officiate at the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) scheduled for July 25 to August 16 in Morocco.

Her rise through the ranks has been nothing short of impressive. In 2021, she made headlines after becoming one of the few women to officiate as a centre referee in the Kenya Premier League. Since then, she has gone on to officiate in several regional and international competitions, including the CAF Women's Champions League qualifiers, CECAFA tournaments, FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup qualifiers, and the 2025 WAFCON.

Meanwhile, Boniface Karanja, popularly known as Boni Karanja, continues to elevate Thika's reputation in football officiating. Born and raised in Kisii Estate - Thika, Karanja was recognised as the league's Assistant Referee of the Season following a campaign marked by consistency, accuracy, professionalism and sound decision-making.

The recognition places him among the country's finest assistant referees and reflects years of dedication to mastering the demanding role of officiating at the highest level of Kenyan football.

The double honour for Wanjiku and Karanja is not only a personal triumph but also a proud moment for Thika, a town that continues to produce talent making an impact on national and international stages.

Their achievements serve as an inspiration to aspiring referees and sports officials, proving that success in football extends beyond the players on the pitch.

Other SportPesa Premier League 2025/26 Gala Awards Winners

The awards gala also recognized outstanding performers across various categories:

•  Midfielder of the Season: Enock Morisson

•  Defender of the Season: Jimmy Owili (Mara Sugar)

•  Referee of the Season: Josephine Wanjiku

•  Assistant Referee of the Season: Boniface Karanja

•  Most Disciplined Team of the Season: Mara Sugar

•  Golden Glove Award: Stephen Ochieng (Shabana FC)

•  Most Disciplined Player of the Season: Drone Openda (Mara Sugar)

•  Fan of the Season: Leonard Onyango (Gor Mahia)

•  Youngest Player of the Season: Humphrey Aroko (Kariobangi Sharks)

The recognition of Wanjiku and Karanja among the league's top performers underscores the growing influence of match officials in shaping the quality and integrity of Kenyan football, while further putting Thika on the map as a source of sporting excellence.