Kenya Police sack head coach after Champions League exit
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Reading Time: 3min | Wed. 29.10.25. | 11:47
Under his leadership, the team enjoyed a remarkable rise and were eventually crowned FKF Premier League champions for the first time
Kenya Police FC have parted ways with head coach Etienne Ndayiragije following the club’s elimination from the CAF Champions League at the hands of Sudan’s Al Hilal last Friday.
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The Law Enforcers bowed out of the competition after a 4-1 aggregate defeat, losing 1-0 in Nairobi in the first leg before suffering a 3-1 loss in the return leg played in Benghazi, Libya. The match was hosted in Libya due to the ongoing political instability in Sudan.
Even before the return leg, reports had emerged suggesting that Ndayiragije’s future hinged on overturning the first-leg deficit and guiding the club to the group stage of Africa’s premier club competition. However, that did not materialise as they fell short in Benghazi.
Despite the pressure, the Burundian tactician had remained optimistic after the first-leg defeat.
“I told my players that at the top level, you must minimise mistakes and be clinical with your chances. I felt we were growing into the game and could have finished our opportunities.
I consider this as the first half, and I believe the second half will favour us,” he said.
A board meeting held on Monday resolved to part ways with Ndayiragije with immediate effect.
“It is a board decision,” a source confirmed. “The board unanimously agreed that the club should take a different direction. Plans to appoint his replacement are already at an advanced stage.”
Kenya Police, however, in their official statement, revealed that Ndayiragije requested to step aside in pursuit of greener pastures.
"Kenya Police FC wishes to announce to the general public that, effective 29th October 2025, it has mutually parted ways with the Head Coach, Mr. Ettiene Ndayaragije. During his tenure, Mr. Ndayaragije diligently steered the Club to bag its maiden league trophy.
Owing to his desiring needs to individually advance his career and experience, Mr. Ettiene requested the Club allow him to pursue greener pastures and newer challenges," read the statement.
The Club acceded to this request. Mr. Ettiene, has a special place in Kenya Police Fc History. The Club's Board of Directors and the Executive take this opportunity to wish him the best of luck even as he pursues bigger challenges within newer coaching frontiers.
Former AFC Leopards coach Patrick Aussems has been linked with the role, although another FKF Premier League side is also reportedly in talks with the Belgian tactician.
Ndayiragije joined Kenya Police FC on 29 November 2024, succeeding Salim Babu. At the time, the club was struggling in 17th place with only eight points, but he managed to turn their fortunes around.
Under his leadership, the team enjoyed a remarkable rise and were eventually crowned FKF Premier League champions for the first time in their history, earning a place in the CAF Champions League.
