Lewis Bandi, Ken Owino and 7 players struggling for form this season
Reading Time: 7min | Mon. 11.05.26. | 20:03
Below is a closer look at some FKF Premier League players whose influence has faded this season after impressive campaigns last term.
The 2025/26 FKF Premier League season has once again delivered its fair share of drama, intensity, and surprises, and while some players have risen to the occasion, inspiring their teams with standout performances, others who were once among the league’s top performers have struggled to recreate the same impact this campaign.
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For several players, this season has been defined by inconsistency, injuries, tactical changes, and a noticeable loss of confidence.
Football is a game of fine margins, and the difference between a brilliant season and a disappointing one can often be influenced by factors beyond the spotlight.
As the campaign has progressed, attention has increasingly turned to several high-profile players whose form has dipped significantly compared to the heights they reached last season.
Last term, these players were among the standout names in the FKF Premier League. They dictated games, scored crucial goals, created chances, and in some cases played leading roles in title pushes and impressive team performances.
Their influence was undeniable, and many were viewed as indispensable figures within their respective squads.
This season, however, has painted a completely different picture. Players who once commanded automatic starting spots and central roles have gradually fallen out of favour.
Some are now limited to brief appearances off the bench, while others have spent long periods out of matchday squads altogether, a sharp contrast to their regular involvement last season.
In several instances, the drop in form has not only affected performances on the pitch but also their standing within their clubs.
Some have slipped down the pecking order, while others are increasingly viewed as surplus to requirements. As a result, questions continue to grow over their futures and whether they can rediscover the levels that once made them key players in the league.
The debate among fans and analysts has intensified. Is it down to tactical changes introduced by new coaches? Increased competition for places? Injuries? Or are these players simply enduring prolonged dips in form that have cost them trust, minutes, and momentum?
Below is a closer look at some FKF Premier League players whose influence has faded this season after impressive campaigns last term.
Ken Owino (AFC Leopards)
The experienced defender was one of the pillars of AFC Leopards’ backline last season and even captained the side on several occasions.
He remains part of the club’s leadership structure, but the current campaign has been far from smooth for the veteran centre back.
Owino has spent much of the season alternating between the substitutes’ bench and the terraces, despite expectations that head coach Fred Ambani would build the defence around his experience.
Instead, Kayci Odhiambo and Emmanuel Lwangu have emerged as the preferred central defensive pairing for most of the campaign.
Whether his reduced role is due to form, fitness, or tactical preference remains unclear. With his contract set to expire at the end of the season, it would not come as a surprise if Leopards decide to part ways with the defender.
Brian Musa (Kenya Police FC)
Musa was the heartbeat of Kenya Police FC’s midfield during their title-winning campaign under Burundian coach Etienne Ndayiragije last season.
His impressive displays earned him a Harambee Stars African Nations Championship (CHAN) call-up, although injury denied him a place in the final squad.
This season, however, has been a complete contrast. Musa has become a peripheral figure within the squad and was even linked with a loan move during the January transfer window before the plans were shelved.
The former Posta Rangers and Wazito FC midfielder now struggles for regular minutes under coach Nicholas Muyoti, frequently alternating between the bench and the terraces. Once considered untouchable in midfield, Musa is no longer a guaranteed starter.
With his contract running out in June, clubs such as AFC Leopards and Bandari FC, both previously interested in his services, could renew their pursuit in a bid to revive his career.
Edward Omondi (Kenya Police FC)
Omondi burst onto the scene last season with Sofapaka, scoring nine league goals in a breakthrough campaign that made him one of the most sought-after forwards in the league.
His performances earned him a move to defending league champions Kenya Police FC immediately after the season ended. However, the transfer has not gone according to plan for either the player or the club.
Despite receiving a fair amount of playing time, Omondi has managed just two league goals this season, a disappointing return for a striker who arrived with huge expectations. The sharpness, movement, and confidence that made him a fan favourite at Dandora Stadium have largely been missing.
Coach Muyoti will be hoping the striker can rediscover the form that once made him one of the league’s most feared forwards.
Francis Kahiro (KCB FC)
Kahiro scored 10 league goals last season despite missing a significant number of matches towards the end of the campaign. This season, however, he has managed just two goals with only a few matches remaining.
The striker has come under criticism from coach Robert Matano on several occasions and has recently found himself confined to the bench.
With his contract nearing expiry, the former FC Talanta and Bandari FC forward appears increasingly likely to leave the club at the end of the season.
Lewis Bandi (Gor Mahia)
Bandi was among Gor Mahia’s high-profile signings as the club sought to reclaim the league title from Kenya Police FC. His move from bitter rivals AFC Leopards to Gor Mahia shocked many fans.
The defender had rebuilt his career after overcoming injury struggles that disrupted much of his 2023/24 season, eventually earning a Harambee Stars CHAN call-up before Gor Mahia secured his signature.
However, life at K’Ogalo has not been straightforward. Bandi has often found himself out of the matchday squad, with Paul Ochuoga cementing his place at right back.
As a result, Bandi has largely settled for bench roles and occasional appearances from the terraces.
Should Ochuoga leave the club as speculated, Bandi could still have an opportunity to revive his fortunes at Gor Mahia next season.
Wayne “Messi” Otieno (Kariobangi Sharks)
Wayne enjoyed an impressive debut FKF Premier League season with Sofapaka last term, establishing himself as one of the brightest young attacking midfielders in the league.
His creativity, dribbling ability, and eye for key passes made him stand out in Sofapaka’s youthful setup, prompting Kariobangi Sharks to move quickly for his signature and hand him the iconic number 10 shirt.
After featuring in several matches early in the season, injuries disrupted his progress, and he has struggled to reclaim a place in the starting XI since returning. The midfielder will now be hoping for a stronger campaign next season as he seeks to rebuild momentum.
Clinton Asiago (Bidco United)
Asiago was one of the most sought-after midfielders at the end of last season after playing a major role in helping Bidco United avoid relegation. Despite interest from several clubs, he remained at Bidco for the current campaign.
This season, however, injuries and poor form have significantly affected his impact. He has struggled for minutes and managed just one goal in a difficult campaign for a Bidco side staring at relegation.
For a player who attracted interest from multiple clubs just months ago, the decline has been dramatic. It remains to be seen whether he will stay with Bidco should they drop to the second tier.
Justin Omwando (Shabana FC)
Omwando was a key figure in Shabana’s midfield last season, providing stability at the base of midfield while also standing out with his dangerous deliveries from set pieces.
This season has been largely disrupted by injuries, limiting his availability and influence. Even when fit, he has often been restricted to appearances from the bench.
It is a campaign the midfielder will likely want to forget as quickly as possible.
Pamba Swaleh (Bandari FC)
Swaleh’s impressive performances for Bandari FC last season earned him a place in Kenya’s CHAN squad, although a medical condition later prevented him from featuring for the national team.
This campaign has been vastly different for the former Wazito FC player, who has barely featured for Bandari. Whether his struggles are linked to his medical condition or simply a loss of form remains unclear.
He will undoubtedly be among the players hoping for a fresh start and a stronger comeback next season.