Kenya and Somalia’s uneasy diplomatic relationship has been reignited after viral videos showed Mogadishu City FC fans disrespecting the Kenyan national flag during last weekend’s CAF Champions League clash against Kenya Police FC in Nairobi. The clips, which quickly spread online, showed the flag being stomped on, kicked around, and mocked, sparking national outrage and condemnation.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has directed police to arrest, prosecute, and deport those responsible. Somalia’s Ambassador to Kenya, Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle, also condemned the acts, calling them regrettable.
What action has the Kenyan government taken?
In one video, a Mogadishu City FC supporter spread the Kenyan flag on the ground before kicking it into the air, as another fan caught it and rubbed it against his crotch. In another, a man dressed in a traditional Somali sarong snatched a flag from a Kenya Police FC supporter and tossed it to the ground.
Speaking during the Jukwaa la Usalama Forum in Wajir, Murkomen was firm:
“Hatutakubali mtu yeyote, iwe Mkenya ama mgeni, kucheza na uhuru wetu and our symbols of national unity, including our national flag. So, bwana IG, take the necessary legal action. Let the law take its course.”
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja confirmed that the DCI had been instructed to act immediately.
“I have already directed the DCI, ya kwamba huyo mtu anakanyaga bendera yetu ya Kenya…hiyo anatuchezea na hatuwezi kubali kamwe,” said Kanja.
Kenya’s National Flag, Emblems and Names Act prescribes fines or imprisonment for anyone convicted of insulting the flag. Murkomen warned that foreigners who disrespect Kenya’s national symbols would lose the privilege of residing in the country.
How have others responded?
Sports journalist Tony Kwalanda criticised the incident, writing: “The flag of Kenya is being mocked, shredded, misused and abused by Mogadishu FC fans at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi. When did we get here?”
On X, Mohamed Abdikheyr distanced Somalis from the act, saying: “This is not representative of the average Somali. Sisi hatukuwangi hivi. These boys should be disciplined and banned from future matches.”
Ambassador Abdulle added, “We regret and firmly condemn the actions of few individuals whose behavior has overshadowed the remarkable performances of both teams.”
The controversy has revived historical tensions between the two nations, rooted in Somalia’s longstanding claim over Kenya’s Northern Frontier District in the 1960s, which fueled the Shifta War. While today relations are more stable, this incident has once again underscored the fragility of ties between Nairobi and Mogadishu..
By Risper Akinyi
