Kenya Police FC got off to a flying start in their first-ever CECAFA Kagame Cup appearance, brushing aside Djibouti’s Garde-Côtes FC with a dominant 4-0 victory at the General Isamuhyo Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

The Kenyan champions, fresh from lifting their maiden FKF Premier League title, looked every bit the regional contenders as they controlled the tempo from the first whistle. Erick Zakayo opened the scoring in the 17th minute, finishing calmly to ease early tension for the debutants.

The lead was doubled just before the half-hour mark. Midfield maestro Baraka Badi set up David Simiyu, who made no mistake from close range to give Police a 2-0 cushion going into the break.

Zakayo nearly added a third shortly after halftime, but the Djiboutian goalkeeper pulled off a fine save to deny him. However, the Kenyan side would not be kept out for long.

In the 64th minute, Badi tried his luck from range, and his effort took a wicked deflection off a Garde-Côtes defender, wrong-footing the goalkeeper and finding the back of the net for 3-0. Just three minutes later, newly introduced defender Edward Ondimu, a recent arrival from Sofapaka FC, marked his debut with a powerful header to complete the 4-0 rout which remained the full-time scoreline.

Coach Etienne Ndayiragije made full use of his bench in the second half, bringing on Ondimu, Eusters Chasara, Alvin Mang’eni, and David Okoth. The substitutes added energy and balance, with Ondimu’s goal a highlight of a well-managed second half.

This year’s Kagame Cup carries heightened attention, not just due to the quality of teams, but also because of increased commercial support. Regional betting firm Betika was recently unveiled as a key sponsor, injecting Ksh 42 million into the tournament. The boost comes alongside continued support from Rwandan President Paul Kagame, who has backed the competition for over two decades, with this year’s contribution amounting to approximately Ksh 9.3 million.

The financial injection could see the prize structure reviewed. Traditionally, the champions pocket Ksh 3.8 million, with the runners-up earning Ksh 2.5 million and third place taking home Ksh 1.29 million.

With their confident performance, Kenya Police FC now top Group A and will be back in action on Friday, 5th September, against Tanzania’s Singida Black Stars at the same venue. Kickoff is set for 4:00 PM.

The message from the law enforcers was clear: they are not in Tanzania to make up the numbers, they are here to compete.