A second suspect, a 14-year-old boy, was arrested on Thursday in connection with the desecration of Kenya’s national flag during a football match at Nyayo Stadium.
His arrest followed the earlier apprehension of a 17-year-old accomplice. Police confirmed both teenagers have been processed and are awaiting further action.
The incident occurred on 20 September 2025 during a CAF Champions League clash between Mogadishu City Club and Police FC. Video footage captured two youths disrespecting the Kenyan flag — an act that has sparked widespread outrage.
The National Flag, Emblems and Names Act, Cap 99, criminalises showing disrespect to the flag, the national anthem or other specified emblems, either in speech, writing or conduct.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen ordered swift arrests, prosecutions and even deportations if any culprits were found to be foreigners.
“We don’t allow anyone, whether Kenyan or foreigner, to play with our freedom and our symbols of national unity, including our national flag,” Murkomen said during a Jukwaa la Usalama forum in Wajir. “As a Ministry of Interior, we must show the world that we take our national flag seriously.”
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja confirmed the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is handling the matter.
“I have already directed the DCI that the person stepping on the flag that was fought for be sought and action taken,” Kanja said. “The flag must be respected.”
Clips of the incident, widely shared online, show Mogadishu City FC fans mocking the flag. In one video, two supporters stomp and kick the flag, with one rubbing it against his crotch as they laugh. Another clip shows a fan in a Somali sarong snatching a Kenyan flag from a Police FC supporter and throwing it to the ground.
Somalia’s Ambassador to Kenya, Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle, condemned the acts, joining the chorus of outrage from officials and the public.
Investigations are ongoing as detectives pursue those involved.
