Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested a 17-year-old boy seen in a viral video desecrating the Kenyan flag during a football match at Nyayo Stadium.
The video, which spread rapidly online, shows a Mogadishu City Club supporter in a traditional Somali sarong approaching a Kenya Police FC fan, seizing his Kenyan flag, and tossing it to the ground. The act, captured in what appeared to be a well-planned stunt, sparked outrage both in the stadium and across social media, with many calling it “a blatant act of disrespect.”
In an official statement, the DCI confirmed the incident occurred on September 20, 2025, during the match between Mogadishu City Club and Police FC. “The incident took place on 20/09/2025 at Nyayo Stadium C where two individuals were captured on camera disrespecting the national flag, an act that is both unlawful and deeply offensive to the values we uphold as a nation,” the agency said.
Kenyan law is clear on the matter. Section 2B of The National Flag, Emblems and Names Act, Cap 99, states that any person who shows disrespect to the national anthem, flag, or specified emblems commits an offence punishable by law. Detectives confirmed that efforts are underway to arrest the second suspect believed to still be in the country.
The government has also weighed in strongly. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen condemned the incident, ordering the arrest, prosecution, and deportation of those involved. “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. As a Ministry of Interior, we must show the world that we take our national flag seriously,” Murkomen said.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja echoed the call for swift justice. “I have already directed the DCI, ya kwamba huyo mtu anakanyaga bendera yetu ya Kenya… bendera ile ilipiganiwa hapa mpaka tukapata uhuru wetu… hiyo anatuchezea na hatuwezi kubali kamwe,” he said. Kanja further emphasized that the flag must always be respected: “Bendera yetu lazima iheshimiwe.”
By Lucky Anyanje
