Staying up: The priority for new Vihiga boss Mururi

Mike Mururi says his immediate task at Vihiga United is to ensure the club retains its top flight status at the end of the season.

With the club sucked up in the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) relegation dogfight, Mururi was hired to help spark a turnaround in the second leg after Edward Manaoh was elevated to the technical director role.

Mururi enjoyed a reputable spell at Kakamega Homeboyz, leading them to finishing eighth in their KPL debut year in 2016 before going two positions better last year.

Despite his relative success, he was unceremoniously sacked in May with former Bandari FC boss Paul Nkata chosen as his successor.

“We are playing in a competitive league so I want to urge our fans to show up in large numbers to support the club. What we want now is to remain in the league and then next season we can achieve better things,” Mururi said.

After 21 rounds Vihiga are placed 16th on the KPL log with 20 points, just two clear of Wazito FC who occupy rock bottom and a point ahead of Thika United.

Mururi will make his managerial debut against Wazito on Sunday and will hope for a positive start.