- Kenya Police FC part ways with coach Etienne Ndayiragije after they were eliminated from the CAF Champions League 2025/26.
- Police, who were making their debut in the elite continental competition, were handed a 4-1 aggregate defeat by Al Hilal in the final preliminary round.
Kenya Police Football Club have confirmed the departure of Burundian head coach Etienne Ndayiragije, bringing to an end a successful yet turbulent chapter with the club.
The decision comes in the wake of the team’s disappointing CAF Champions League campaign, where they failed to advance to the group stages after being eliminated by Sudanese giants Al Hilal Omdurman.
Police, who were making their debut in the elite continental competition, were handed a 4-1 aggregate defeat by Al Hilal in the final preliminary round.
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The Kenyan champions lost the first leg 1-0 at home before falling 3-1 in the return leg played in Libya. For Al Hilal, Adetunji starred with a brace, Salem added another, while Eric Zakayo scored the consolation goal for Police FC.
Their campaign had started on a shaky note after losing 2-0 at home to Mogadishu City Club in the preliminary round second leg.
However, they scraped through to the next round on the away goals rule, having won the first leg 3-1 with both matches played at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi.
Kenya Police FC part ways with coach Etienne Ndayiragije
In a statement released by the club, Kenya Police announced that the parting of ways was mutual after the coach expressed his desire to pursue new challenges elsewhere.
“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. Etienne Ndayiragije,” the club statement read.
“During his tenure, Mr. Ndayiragije diligently steered the club to bag its maiden league trophy. Owing to his desire to individually advance his career and experience, he requested to pursue greener pastures and newer challenges. The club acceded to his request.”
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The club further praised the Burundian tactician for his historic contribution to their rise in Kenyan football.
“Mr. Etienne has a special place in Kenya Police FC history. The Board of Directors and the Executive wish him the very best as he takes on new coaching frontiers,” the statement concluded.
Ndayiragije joined Kenya Police last season and immediately made history by guiding the law enforcers to their first-ever Kenyan Premier League title, edging out record champions Gor Mahia in a tightly contested race.
With the Burundian’s exit, the team’s preparations is being overseen by David Vijago, head coach of Kenya Police Bullets, who has been taking charge of training sessions in the interim.
As Kenya Police now turn their attention back to domestic duties, the club is expected to begin the search for a new head coach capable of maintaining their league success while building on their experience in continental football.