Kenya Police’s rise from relegation to champions

From flirting with relegation to clinching the 2024/25 Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKF-PL) title, Kenya Police have completed one of the most remarkable comebacks in Kenyan football history.

Yesterday, the law enforcers sealed their maiden top-flight league title after taking their points tally to an unassailable 64, thanks to a narrow 1-0 victory over Shabana at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos.

Coached by Burundian tactician Etienne Ndayiragije, Police closed the door on what had been a hotly contested title race. FKF will officially crown them champions after their season finale against second-placed Gor Mahia this Sunday.

Defending champions Gor Mahia, who edged Ulinzi Stars 3-2 at Ulinzi Sports Complex on the same day, now sit second with 58 points. Had Police lost to Shabana, the title would have been decided in their final-day clash with Gor.

For a team that managed just one win in their first eight matches this season, few could have predicted their eventual rise to the summit.

Police captain David Ochieng was elated with the triumph, attributing it to hard work and the influence of coach Ndayiragije.

“As you have seen, it has been a tough league. We fought very hard and I think we deserve to win it,” said Ochieng.
“He (Ndayiragije) made us believe that we could play well, win matches, and even challenge for the title despite our poor start. He also introduced an attacking style of football which we embraced, and it has won us the league.”

Kenya Police chairman Nyale Munga echoed those sentiments, highlighting the impact of the new technical bench.
“This is a sweet win. Kenya Police is a big team and a brand. At the beginning of this season, we had said that this is our year. We have made it, and we are extremely happy,” said Munga.

“After the first eight matches, we were number last. We made some changes in the technical bench, and then we started to spring up.”

Ndayiragije, 46, was appointed on November 29, replacing the entire technical staff led by Salim Babu. The Burundian previously coached the Tanzania and Burundi national teams, Vital’O (Burundi), Azam (Tanzania), and Bugesera (Rwanda).

Although he lost his first match in charge—1-0 to AFC Leopards—Ndayiragije remained optimistic, emphasising the need to improve the team’s mentality, physicality, and technical sharpness. His approach bore fruit: the team went on a 13-match unbeaten streak, winning 10 and drawing three.

Under his leadership, Police have won 17 matches, drawn five, and lost just four.

Promoted to the FKF-PL in September 2021, Police have built a solid squad over the seasons. This year, their defensive record has been unmatched—conceding just 16 goals, the fewest in the league. Gor are second-best with 23 goals conceded.

The turning point defensively came mid-season when veteran keeper Patrick Matasi, prone to errors, was released. Job Ochieng stepped up as first-choice goalkeeper and thrived behind a backline anchored by captain David ‘Cheche’ Ochieng.

Offensively, Police are sixth with 37 goals. Gor lead with 46, followed by Tusker and Leopards (41 each), Shabana (40), and Kakamega Homeboyz (39). Mid-season signing Mohammed Bajaber, acquired from Nairobi City Stars, added flair and goals—scoring five before an injury sidelined him for the title-clincher against Shabana.

Inconsistencies from title challengers Gor and Tusker also played into Police’s hands.

Tusker faltered late, losing 2-1 to Mathare United, drawing 0-0 with Leopards, and suffering back-to-back defeats to FC Talanta (2-0) and Sofapaka (7-1). A goalless draw with Kariobangi Sharks saw them drop to fourth with 56 points.

Gor Mahia, despite games in hand, stumbled when it mattered most—drawing 1-1 with Sofapaka, losing 1-0 to Talanta, 2-1 to bottom-placed Nairobi City Stars, and drawing with Murang’a Seal (0-0) and AFC Leopards (1-1).

Their decline was worsened by internal wrangles in the technical bench, which saw head coach Sinisa Mihic resign on May 19. Zedekiah Otieno has since taken charge in an interim capacity.

Off the pitch, Police’s stability has been just as crucial. At a breakfast meeting on June 20, 2024, CEO Chris Oguso underscored their strong management and competitive remuneration.

According to Oguso, the highest-paid player earns Sh200,000 monthly, and the lowest earns Sh80,000. Bonuses include Sh5,000 for every win, Sh10,000 for every goal (for scorers), Sh5,000 (for assists), and Sh10,000 (for goalkeepers who keep a clean sheet).

The team also enjoys the passionate support of police officers, including the popular GSU band, which often accompanies them to matches to rally the crowd.