Harambee Stars defender explains ditching Kenya Police for Gor Mahia
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Reading Time: 4min | Sat. 18.07.26. | 11:45
The 28-year-old joined K'Ogalo on a two-year deal, having led The Law Enforcers to a first FKF Premier League title in 2025
Harambee Stars defender Daniel Sakari has opened up on his decision to join record FKF Premier League champions Gor Mahia.
The talented right back revealed that the club's stature, exposure, and the pressure that comes with wearing the famous green jersey convinced him to leave Kenya Police FC for a new challenge.
The 28-year-old, who signed a two-year deal with K'Ogalo as the club's first acquisition of the current transfer window, believes the move came at the right stage of his career, as he seeks to continue growing both domestically, and on the continental stage.
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Sakari arrives at Gor Mahia with an impressive résumé, having lifted FKF Premier League titles with both Tusker FC and Kenya Police. His experience and versatility across the backline are expected to strengthen the reigning champions as they prepare for another demanding campaign.
In an exclusive with Mozzart Sport, the Harambee Stars defender said Gor Mahia's rich history and the expectations that come with representing the club were impossible to ignore.
"Of course, the kind of weight the club carries is a determining factor in anyone's career, the exposure that comes with it, not forgetting the pressure that I believe should sharpen you. Of course, iron sharpens iron,” he said.
Sakari admitted that while only time will tell whether it was the perfect moment to make the switch, he was convinced it was the move he wanted.
"For sure, I can't determine if it was the right time or not, but I felt like it was the move I needed and wanted at the moment in my career,” he continued.
The defender has wasted no time in outlining his ambitions at Gor Mahia, insisting his personal objectives align with those of the club.
"It's my first season; my target is the team's target. I have to maintain the status quo of the club as I found it. They're the reigning champions of KPL; my target is to help the team retain the title, get more clean sheets, rack in as many assists as possible, and score whenever I can to help the team achieve this. This can only happen if I play. So personally, I have started with the hard work to get into the team first, then the rest will follow,” he added.
He added that the pressure associated with playing for Kenya's most successful club will only bring out the best in him.
"I think I already touched on the pressure aspect. That's an extrinsic factor that will keep one out of the comfort zone, desires, and ghosts. You have to be at your best always,” he offered.
Despite embracing a new challenge, Sakari reflected fondly on his time at Kenya Police, where he helped the Law Enforcers win their maiden FKF Premier League title, and enjoyed several memorable moments.
"We managed to write some history, clinching the first KPL trophy, beating AFC Leopards since joining the top tier, among others. That makes me proud of my stay at Kenya Police FC,” he smiled as he recalled.
The soft-spoken defender also paid tribute to everyone at the club for their contribution to his development.
"If I start mentioning names, then I'll have to wait for the names of the incoming constables who are yet to graduate. Anyway, the management, technical bench, playing unit, and the fans all played such a pivotal role in my development as far as my career is concerned,” he said.
Sakari also had a message for the Gor Mahia faithful as he begins a new chapter in his career.
"To the fans, I know I'm new in Rome, I have no other option but just practice what the Romans do. May God help us continue heightening the reputation of the Mighty Kogalo,” he said.
Asked what supporters should expect from him, the defender kept his response simple.
"They are getting Daniel Sakari, in green,” he concluded.
Sakari is already in Rwanda with the team as they gear up for the 2026 CECAFA Kagame Cup. They will also face Rwandan giants Rayon Sport in an international friendly.
