As the curtain draws on the 2025 Kenyan Premier League (KPL) season, the battle for the coveted title has reached an electrifying crescendo.
With only a few matches remaining, a record of five teams find themselves embroiled in a fierce contest.
The league experienced a seismic shift on Wednesday, with two unexpected defeats dramatically altering the title race.
In stunning upsets that threw the competition wide open, the highly fancied Kenya Police crushed 2-1 to Kakamega Homeboyz at the Mumias Complex while second-placed Tusker fell 2-0 to minnows Talanta at Dandora Stadium.
The results opened the door for lurking rivals. Police lead the standings with 58 points, three better than Tusker, while champions Gor Mahia and Shabana have 53 and 52 points respectively. Kakamega Homeboyz, after their surprising victory over Police, hold a slim chance at 51 points.
Despite the setback, Police FC head coach Etienne Ndayiragije is confident they will clinch a maiden national title.
"We are determined as ever to lift the trophy at the end of the season. We are not surprised by the fight our opponents put up in this match because they also have dreams of contending for the title," he said.
"We have three matches left on the card, against Talanta and Shabana at home before we face Gor Mahia away. It won't be easy for us but we remain resolute in our aspirations," he said.
Tusker head coach Charles Okere remains resolute in his ambitions to strike a 14th title.
"We faced a very tough opponent, eager to survive relegation. I stated before that the remainder of the season will be the most challenging," Okere said.
"Hopefully, we will register positive results against Sofapaka in our next match. We don't have a choice. Do we?" he posed.
Meanwhile, the emergence of Shabana as a serious contender adds an intriguing layer to the cutthroat contest. Coach Peter Okidi's elation following the win underscores the emotional weight of the title race.
"This was one of my happiest moment. But we are equally under pressure because the fans know it is possible to clinch the title if we win all our remaining matches," Okidi said.
"We shall do our best against all odds to deliver the title to our adoring fans," he said.
Homeboyz have also positioned themselves as a dark horse in the title hunt after their victory over Police.
