Muyoti, Baraza not sacked, insists Police FC boss Bashatir

Kenya Police FC Technical Director Mbarak ‘Mnyama’ Bashatir has dismissed reports that head coach Nicholas Muyoti and his assistant John Baraza have been sacked, saying the two coaches requested time away to pursue CAF A coaching qualifications.

Speaking exclusively to Citizen Digital, Bashatir said the club had agreed to support the duo’s professional development, stressing that their departure was not a dismissal.

“As leaders of Kenya Police FC, we decided to support our two coaches in pursuing CAF A coaching qualifications, which is a great step for our club. Muyoti is a great coach, and we have no grudge against him,” Bashatir said.

Police FC have endured a slow start to the 2026/27 FKF Premier League season, opening with a 1-1 draw against Migori Youth before suffering a 2-1 defeat to AFC Leopards in their second match.

However, Bashatir insisted the early-season results had nothing to do with the decision to allow the coaches to pursue further training.

“It is not a matter of the team's performance this season that has led to this decision. Even last season, we lost the Mozzart Cup and the league championship, but Muyoti was still our head coach. So, this cannot be a case of us sacking Muyoti. They are heading for coaching classes,” he added.

Asked whether the club planned to appoint a new head coach, Bashatir declined to confirm any recruitment plans, instead using an analogy to explain how the team could maintain continuity in the coaches’ absence.

“You can go on a journey, but the driver may suffer from an illness, perhaps diabetes or high blood pressure. This means that if the driver becomes incapacitated, the conductor can take over and drive the vehicle to its intended destination. So, as for claims that we are going to hire a coach, I have no information about that,” he said.

Meanwhile, Police FC are set to travel to Mombasa on Sunday to face newly promoted Mombasa United, who are chasing their first win in the top flight after opening their campaign with defeats to Kakamega Homeboyz and Mara Sugar.

Despite their own slow start, Bashatir said Police FC were determined to return to winning ways and collect maximum points at the Coast.

“We are ready, and we know we are going to play against a side that is new to the KPL. We know they will try to show their capabilities, but on our side, we will be out to stamp our authority. We will be going for the three points,” he declared.

The encounter is scheduled for Sunday at Mbaraki Sports Ground in Mombasa, with both sides looking to kick-start their league campaigns.