Kenya Police FC lift title after 11 years of waiting

After 11 years of waiting, Kenya Police Football Club finally lifted the Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKF-PL) trophy on Sunday - joining the elite league of teams which have etched their names in Kenyan football history as champions. 

The law enforcers capped off a remarkable comeback season with a 1-1 draw against outgoing champions Gor Mahia on the final day of the 2024/25 FKF-PL season at Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi.

Winger Shariff Musa fired Gor ahead in the 24th minute before defender David Okoth drew Police level in the 56th minute. 

Founded in 2014, Police secured the top-flight league title last Sunday when they defeated Shabana FC 1-0 at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos County.

Read: Kenya Police’s rise from relegation to champions

That slim win took their points tally at the top of the 18-team league standings to an unassailable 64. Following their 1-1 draw against Gor Mahia, Police finished the season with 65 points, while runners up wrapped up their season with 59 points. 

In a departure from the norm, Police players made a stylish entry at Ulinzi Sports Complex, as they were chauffeured in luxurious cars including Mercedes Benz models and a limousine. 

They all donned matching sharp blue suits, paired with red ties and crisp white sneakers. Several dignitaries were present at the stadium to witness the law enforcers lift the trophy at the fourth time of asking after their promotion to the top-flight league in September 2021.

The VIP guests included former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Interior and National Coordination Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, his Principal Secretary and Kenya Police FC patron Raymond Omollo and Deputy Inspector-General of the Administration Police Gilbert Masengeli.

Club chairman Nyale Munga, former Nairobi governor Mike Sonko and FKF vice president McDonald Mariga were also present. However, fan attendance was underwhelming as many seats were unoccupied - a rare sight for coronation day. 

Nevertheless, Police’s crowning moment was made sweeter after the federation unveiled a new trophy on Saturday, making them the first team to lift the newly introduced silverware.

However, it remains unclear whether the trophy will become the official silverware for the competition moving forward, as the federation did not release any addition information about it. 

Read: Inside Kenya Police’s journey towards total domination of Kenyan football

On Sunday, before kick-off, the trophy was presented at the stadium by former Kenya international defender George Sunguti.

Gor gave a guard of honour to the new champions, a well-deserved gesture, as Police had completed one of the most remarkable comebacks in Kenyan football. 

For a team which registered just one win in their first eight league matches, few could have predicted their eventual triumph. 

Their turnaround began with the appointment of Burundian coach Etienne Ndayiragije on a short, six-month contract on November 29 last year.

After their loss to Ingwe in Ndayiragije’s first match in-charge, the law enforcers went on an impressive 13-match unbeaten run in the league, registering 10 wins and three draws.

In total, Police have won 18 matches, registered 11 draws and suffered only four five losses. Police captain David Ochieng’ was elated on winning his second league title after the first one in 2012 with Tusker. 

“I thank God because it has been 13 years between those titles. It means there has been hard work behind the scenes, discipline and all,” said the defender who dedicated the title to his mother for being the pillar of their family. 

Coach Ndayiragije attributed the victory to hard work from his players and the technical bench. Police will now represent Kenya in the 2025/26 Caf Champions League 

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