Main content

'You may end up being killed' - Kenyan footballer on defying drug gangs and death

Former Kenyan Premier League player Jacob Viera tells us how a Tanzanian gang almost killed him after he refused to be a drugs mule.

He was electrocuted in the attack and his doctor felt he would need a miracle to survive. A subsequent trial at Newcastle United led to him seeking asylum in England. While waiting to gain UK residency he suffered a serious injury that ended his hopes of becoming a professional footballer.

He’s now living in Liverpool and doing his refereeing qualifications. He aims to become a Fifa elite referee and says it would be a dream to take charge of a Merseyside Derby.

Photo: Jacob Viera refereeing the Merseyside County Cup Final at Goodison Park in 2019

Release date:

Duration:

10 minutes