KENYAN INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALLER TAIWO ATIENO IN CUSTODY OVER DECADE-LONG ABUSE OF EX-PARTNER

Former Harambee Stars striker Taiwo Atieno, who represented Kenya in the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, is facing serious allegations of domestic abuse from his ex-partner, Sugababes singer Keisha Buchanan. 

The 39-year-old former footballer is currently in custody awaiting trial on multiple charges. Buchanan, 40, has accused Atieno of subjecting her to nearly a decade of coercive control and physical abuse during their relationship from 2012 to 2021. 

In harrowing court testimony, the British pop star detailed how the former footballer allegedly dictated her appearance, banning her from wearing red lipstick, controlling her diet, and restricting her access to television and gym facilities.

Prosecutor Edward Kalber described Atieno’s alleged behaviour as “a sustained campaign of domination” that included physical violence. The singer claims she was assaulted multiple times, with incidents including being grabbed by the neck.

The court heard that Atieno, who also served as Buchanan’s business manager during their relationship, continued to harass the singer after their break up despite a non-molestation order. He allegedly bombarded her with emails and texts, including demands for £25,000 (Sh4.3 million).

Atieno, whose football career included stints with English clubs like Chester City, Rochdale and Hereford United before representing Kenya internationally, now faces charges of coercive control, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, harassment, and breaching a court order. Taiwo is currently held in custody, he is scheduled for a hearing at Harrow Crown Court on June 5, 2025.