KENYATTA STADIUM, Machakos – Kenya Police FC has been crowned the champions of the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League 2025.
Brian Okoth, the prolific centre forward for Makarao, scored the only goal against Shabana FC, securing the coveted trophy at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos town yesterday.
In the 75th minute, with impressive precision, Okoth elevated himself to send a powerful header from a corner kick into the net, beating Shabana’s goalkeeper, Matthews Mulili.
The first half had ended in a goalless draw, heightening the tension and stakes for both teams.
Now at the top of the league with a game to play, the law enforcers have accumulated 64 points after 33 matches.
They sit pretty six points ahead of defending champions and close title contenders Gor Mahia.
Road to Glory
Despite a rocky start to the season, Makarao attributes their success to consistency, hard work, and the discipline instilled by their head coach, Etienne Ndayiragije.
Ndayiragije took over in November 2024 after the previous coach, Salim Babu, was dismissed due to a poor run of results.
For the first time in 39 years, he steered the Tanzania national team to their qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.
During his tenure, Tanzania also earned a spot in the African Nations Championship (CHAN) by defeating strong teams like Sudan and Kenya.
Additionally, Ndayiragije served as the head coach of Burundi’s national team; however, his tenure ended following a challenging run in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers.
“Our coach instilled in us a high level of discipline and a strong work ethic that we were lacking,” said Captain David Ochieng.
Echoing Ochieng’s sentiments, Ndayiragije expressed gratitude to his team for embracing his attacking style of play.
“The immense pressure from our worthy competitors motivated us,” he stated.
The Makarao squad boasts experienced players for 2025, including former Harambee Stars midfielders Francis Kahata and Kenneth Muguna, defenders Musa Mohammed and Aboud Omar, and goalkeeper Patrick Matasi.
Harambee Stars’ sensational wonder kid, Mohammed Bajaber, played a significant role in the journey to glory alongside other emerging players.
Battle Royale
Despite defeating battle-hardened Ulinzi FC 3-2, with goals from Samuel Kapen, Austin Odhiambo, and Benson Omalla, Kogalo (currently with 58 points) will face an acid test to secure their second-place position.
Kakamega Homeboyz (57 points) and Tusker (56 points) are closely trailing them in third and fourth place, respectively.
To solidify their position, Gor Mahia must win against the newly crowned champions, Kenya Police, in their final match.
In other weekend fixtures, Kakamega Homeboyz edged out Bidco United with a lone goal, while Tusker played to a goalless draw against Kariobangi Sharks.
AFC Leopards (Ingwe) triumphed over Talanta with a 3-1 victory, and Nairobi City Stars defeated KCB 2-1. Sofapaka also secured a win, dispatching Posta Rangers 2-1.
The 17th-placed Murang’a Seal managed a draw against Mara Sugar.
In the meantime, Nairobi United FC and Administration Police Bomet FC have been promoted to the top flight from the Nationwide Super League.
“We accomplished a double by winning in both our men’s and women’s teams due to our professionalism and discipline,” stated Nyale Munga, the Chairman of Kenya Police.
