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Season Review: Examining what went wrong in Kenya Police’s failed title defence
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Reading Time: 4min | Fri. 05.06.26. | 19:18
The Law Enforcers made high-profile signings, before the start of the campaign,but could not mount a successful defence to the title won in the 2024-2025 season
Kenya Police FC endured a challenging 2025-2026 campaign as they failed to defend their Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) title.
Their season was defined by inconsistency on the pitch and instability on the touchline.
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The outgoing champions struggled to find rhythm in the early stages, with fluctuating results preventing them from building momentum and mounting a sustained title challenge.
Their difficulties were further compounded by frequent coaching changes, with the team working under three different managers across the season.
The constant shifts in technical leadership disrupted continuity and identity, but despite the turbulence, the squad gradually found stability in the closing stages of the campaign to secure a respectable third place finish.
Fresh from clinching their maiden league title the previous season after edging out Gor Mahia, the club embarked on an ambitious recruitment drive in preparation for their debut in the CAF Champions League. High-profile arrivals included: Joash Onyango, Eusters Chasara, Kenneth Simeon Nyamwaya, Tobias Otieno, Albert Oduor, Edward Omondi, Mohammed Sarwari, Steve Okola,.
Senegalese goalkeeper Khadime Ndiaye, Congolese attackers Moise Mbombo and Exause Misuri, as well as midfielder Thichick Mosengo.
However, the transfer strategy quickly unraveled, and by the January window, only Omondi, and Otieno remained with the team, while Oduor later joined the National Police Service training program.
The other recruits were released mid-season after failing to settle.
Their continental journey also began on a difficult note.
Kenya Police FC progressed past Mogadishu City Club of Somalia in the preliminary round but were eliminated 4-1 on aggregate by Sudan’s Al Hilal Omdurman, ending their hopes of reaching the CAF Champions League group stage on their debut appearance.
The exit marked a turning point in their season and led to the departure of coach Etienne Ndayiragije just days later.
He was replaced by Dusan Stojanovic, who arrived with an impressive pedigree after guiding Uganda’s SC Villa to a league title following a two-decade drought.
However, his tenure proved short-lived and difficult, lasting just 73 days during which the team managed only one win in seven matches and drew with Mara Sugar in his final assignment before the club opted for another change in leadership.
The final phase of the season saw the appointment of Nicholas Muyoti from Nairobi United, a coach with a strong reputation after guiding his side to the Premier League and winning the Mozzart Bet Cup.
Under his leadership, the club began to steady itself, aided by a productive January transfer window that brought in Koutiama Yves, Hernest Malonga, Brian Otieno, Ambrose Sifuna, Enock Masinza, Awesu Ally Awesu, Jacques Bowamba and Livingston Chacha.
The new arrivals added fresh energy to the squad, with Koutiama emerging as a key attacking threat, scoring ten league goals, while Bowamba provided defensive stability before injury curtailed his momentum. Brian Otieno also showed flashes of promise, although several of the other signings struggled to make a significant impact.
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Nevertheless, the team showed improved balance and resilience in the final stretch of the season.
Some of the standout performers for Kenya Police FC during the campaign included assistant captain Abud Omar, who made a seamless transition from left back into central defence and ultimately made the position his own with consistent and commanding displays.
Young goalkeeper Daniel Ogembo also rose to the occasion when first-choice keeper Job Ochieng was sidelined through injury, stepping in with maturity beyond his years.
In midfield, Charles Ouma provided stability and control, while Koutiama emerged as one of the most influential attacking additions, contributing significantly to the team’s goal output.
However, not all players enjoyed the same level of success, as several of the key performers from the 2024- 25 title-winning season, including Alvin Mang’eni, Brian Musa and Marvin Nabwire, endured a more difficult and inconsistent campaign, struggling to replicate their previous impact.
After 34 league matches Kenya Police FC recorded 13 wins, 16 draws, the second highest in the league) and just five defeats, one of the lowest loss totals in the division.
Under Muyoti, they ultimately secured a third-place finish and earned Ksh 2 million in prize money, with continental football still within reach via the Mozzart Bet Cup where victory over Tusker FC would secure a CAF Confederation Cup slot.
Overall, it was a demanding season for the well-resourced Law Enforcers.
While the title defence fell short of expectations, the opportunity to return to continental competition remains a crucial target.
Failure to secure cup success however could intensify scrutiny on the technical bench with Kenya Police FC historically unafraid of making decisive changes when standards are not met.