Year-in-Review: How Kenya Police shot their way to KPL title glory

The law enforcers were just four seasons into the topflight league when they grabbed the title under the stewardship of Burundian coach Etienne Ndayiragije.

The former Burundi national team head coach said dedication and massive support from the office was enough to propel them to their maiden title.

“It is all about hard work and massive support from the office. The players played and instructions just like the technical bench worked tirelessly for the achievement,” said Etienne

When Ndayiragije arrived in November 2024 to take over from Salim Babu, he made clear his target saying he had come to help Police FC win the title, and true to his words in his first attempt, the gunmen got the bragging rights.

Their win did not go unnoticed by local football administrators with Kakamega Homeboyz Team Manager Boniface Imbenzi giving a thumbs up to the gunmen.

According to Imbenzi, the win was long overdue and it changed the football dominance in the country.

“Police FC have done wonders. Kenyan football had been over the years dominated by only three teams and we thank Police FC for breaking the dominance.

“For many years, the Kenyan league has been dominated by three teams namely Gor Mahia, AFC Leopards and Tusker FC, save for Sofapaka who won the title in 2009,” he said.

Despite denying Gor Mahia the regular continental appearance, Police did not impress at the continental arena after suffering elimination in the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League.

They fell 3–1 to Al Hilal SC of Sudan at the Martyrs of Benina Stadium in Benghazi, Libya, confirming a 4–1 aggregate defeat after losing 1–0 in the first leg played in Nairobi.

Coach Etienne however defended his boys saying the Libyan side were regulars at the continental arena citing room for improvement on the side of the law enforcers.

“Yes, we have been eliminated, but I thank my boys this far. It was their first ever appearance and we have picked up many lessons,” explained Etienne.

Despite taking Police to the continental stage, Etienne’s stay at the law enforcers camp came to an end with Police FC releasing a statement in October 2025 stating they had parted ways with the coach on mutual agreement.

The club’s Board and Executive expressed gratitude and wished him success as he pursues “greener pastures and newer challenges.”

Prior to his assignment as the Police FC head coach, Etienne had served as the Burundi national team head coach as well as coaching Tanzania’s Taifa Stars, Azam FC, and Vital’O FC of Burundi.

Police FC are currently under Serbian coach Dusan Stojanovic who was introduced after the departure of coach Etienne.

He has also set his targets, with the main target being to help Police retain the title they snatched from 21 times record champions Gor Mahia last season.

The Serbian has previously coached SC Villa ya Uganda and Egyptian powerhouse Zamalek.