Bandari swing the dreaded axe, sack Coach Ken Odhiambo

The dreaded axe has finally swung, and its first casualty of the 2025/26 Kenyan Premier League season is Coach Ken Odhiambo. He now goes into the record books as the first coach to lose his job this campaign.

His sacking had long seemed imminent. As early as Sunday evening, speculation was rife that his head was on the chopping block.

By the time visitors Tore Bobe braved the heat and humidity of the coastal city to bag all three points against the Dockers in their own backyard, the writing was already on the wall—too bold for Odhiambo to miss.

Some coaches might have chosen to resign pre-emptively, but Odhiambo opted to stay put, waiting to see if the axe would truly fall.

On Tuesday, the much-anticipated confirmation came: he had been relieved of his duties. He leaves behind a team that, over the past two seasons, has swung both ways—sometimes promising, sometimes disappointing. At their best, they gave fans hope; at their worst, they frustrated like a pendulum stuck in reverse.

In his place, club management has tapped former Harambee Stars striker John Baraza to take charge on an interim basis.

Baraza, a legendary forward who alongside then-teenager Dennis Oliech fired Kenya to the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations finals in Tunis, Tunisia, will now steady the ship.

“We have appointed John Baraza as our interim head coach with immediate effect. We thank Ken Odhiambo for his contribution to the team and wish him all the best in his future endeavors,” Kibwana stated.

The CEO also revealed that the club is now actively searching for an experienced coach, potentially a foreigner, to take over the reins.

“We are looking for an experienced coach who can match the ambition of this club. Whether local or foreign, we want someone capable of leading a team of this caliber. Coach Ken tried, but unfortunately, it didn’t work out,” he added.

Odhiambo was appointed in July 2024, having previously served as assistant coach of the Harambee Stars. He led Bandari to an eughth-place finish in the 2024–2025 season, collecting 44 points from 10 wins, 14 draws, and 10 losses.

Reports suggest Odhiambo struggled to reinforce the squad during the transfer window, with only one of his preferred signings brought in. Meanwhile, Bandari lost several key players including Siraj Mohammed, Fidel Origa, and goalkeeper Bryne Odhiambo to Gor Mahia, while Farouk Shikalo joined St George SC of Ethiopia.

In response, the club brought in over eight new signings ahead of the new season.

John Baraza now returns to the top job he previously held from January to July 2024, before being demoted to assistant coach following Odhiambo’s appointment.