Kenya Police edged Vihiga United 1-0 at Utalii grounds on Sunday to secure a maiden slot in the Kenyan Premier League.
It was all merry for coach John Bobby Ogolla's charges who managed to put behind them an earlier heartbreak of missing out on a direct promotion slot in the country's top tier.
"I'm lost for words. It was a closely contested match and the boys did some marvelous work. We hope to put up a good show as we make our maiden appearance in the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premeir League.
"I'd like to thank all those who stood behind the team all along and managed to urge us forward. It is now upon us to prove our worth in the country's most coveted competition and I hope we will make a good impression of ourselves in our matches," said Ogolla.
Clinton Kinanga slammed the ball home on the second bite of the cherry in the 33rd minute after Vihiga custodian Mustapha Oduor blocked his first attempt from the spot.
The striker replicated his splendid form in the first leg at Mumias Complex a week ago when he put the law enforcers ahead in the ninth minute after sliding to stab in an enticing cross into the six yard area.
They exhibited great character and focus to emerge third behind FC Talanta and Vihiga Bullets in the just concluded National Super League season, effectively booking a berth in the tricky playoffs.
The law enforcers set out on a journey to fulfilling their elusive dream of brushing shoulders with the big boys on the top-flight stage after squeezing out a crucial away point in the first leg at Mumias Complex last Sunday that gave them an advantage heading into the Nairobi tie.
As Ogolla took to the podium with his charges in ecstatic celebration, his opposite number Samwel Twago remained mum and numb in utter shock.
"We did our best only that things didn't turn out according to our script. This is just a setback. We are going back to the drawing board and' hopefully we shall be back in the FKF-PL next season.
Vihiga found themselves in trouble after a torrid performance in the FKF-PL that left them in 16th position and fighting for survival. This will be the second time they have been demoted having suffered a similar fate in 2017.
