All hail 'Machapo', the new king of FKF Premier League

Kenya Police FC Elvis Rupia celebrate his goal against Tusker FCduring their FKF Premier League match at Kasarani. [Jonah Onyango,Standard]

Many bands and musicians have penned songs to their hometowns over time, singing the praises of their local sports heroes.

Khaligraph Jones waxed lyrical about Julius Yego, Nyashinski invited us to enjoy a Kipchoge special dubbed ‘Marathon runner’, while Sauti Sol’s Savara, Khaligraph Jones, Maandy and Trio Mio inspired Kenyans with Omanyala special.

World 800m record holder David Rudisha was not forgotten with Brookhouse Band dedicating ‘Rudisha’ to the two-time Olympic champion as Hitman Kaht and 34 Gvng produced ‘Olunga’ for the Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga.

Each song echoed memories of great days of the individual athletes.

Well, it is time a praise song for Kenya Police striker Elvis 'Machapo' Rupia is created.

With all the challenges Kenyan football is facing today, from lack of sponsors to prize money and poor facilities, Rupia surely deserves to be celebrated after breaking the 47-year-old standing Kenyan Premier League goal scoring record.

Last Sunday, as the curtains came down on the 2022-2023 FKF Premier League season, Rupia netted his 27th goal of the campaign to become the all-time top scorer in the history of the local league.

His goal in Kenya Police’s 2-2 draw with KCB lifted the former AFC Leopards striker above Gor Mahia’s legend Maurice ‘Sonyi’ Ochieng feat of 26 goals registered in 1976.

The goal also moved Rupia above Gor’s top scorer Benson Omalla who equaled Sonyi’s record of 26 goals.

Kenya Police striker Elvis Rupia.[Kenya Police]

Speaking to Standard Sports, Rupia said he enjoyed their battle with Omalla and thanked God for not getting many injuries during the season.

“God has been gracious enough because I didn’t get any injuries during the season. Kenya Police FC is a great team made up of international and experienced players who gave me the magic touch to score goals. Without a good team you cannot score," said Rupia.

“For Omalla kudos to him he was like a pacesetter for me, whenever he scored I had to keep pace until the last game. I want to thank my coach Baraza (Francis) who believed in me and my teammates who made this possible."

Kenya Police striker Elvis Rupia celebrates.[Kenya Police]

The Harambee Stars striker said he is happy at Kenya Police and he is ready to honour his two-year contract but will keep an eye on foreign suitors with permission from the club.

“So far I am happy at Kenya Police, it’s the best team in the country, this includes offering the best welfare for players. We have achieved the top scorer and third position because of the management led by our chairman Nyale Munga and CEO Chris Oguso who are very dedicated to the club.

“I still have a running contract with this club, but I will weigh my options if a new deal comes in from a foreign club with the permission of my club officials’ because they are very understanding and want the best for all the players. I have never worked with such officials in a local club, this has been the reason why I am still here since joining the club a year ago and our great performance in the league,” said Rupia.

Kenya Police CEO Chris Onguso.[Jonah Onyango,Standard]

Kenya Police CEO Oguso added that they are targeting to win the league next season and book a ticket to play in CAF  Champions League.

“For Kenya Police FC this has been an amazing experience in the FKF PL since our promotion a year ago," said Onguso.

“We recruited and built a formidable side that gave us outstanding results. This helped our striker Elvis Rupia to score goals with ease. To break such a long record it’s a milestone. I think it will take Rupia one season to break his own record. Teamwork was the secret from this great ."

Kenya Police finished third in the standings with 64 points, six points behind champions Gor Mahia.