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.
In another clip, appearing staged, a Mogadishu fan in a traditional Somali sarong is captured snatching a Kenyan flag from a Kenya Police FC supporter and tossing it to the ground.
The incident drew swift outrage and condemnation from both fans inside the stadium and Kenyans online, many describing it as a “blatant act of disrespect.”
“The incident occurred on 20/09/2025 at Nyayo Stadium, where two individuals were caught on camera desecrating the national flag—an act that is both illegal and deeply offensive to the values we uphold as a nation,” the DCI said in part.
Citing Section 2B of the National Flag, Emblems and Names Act (Cap 99), the agency noted that anyone who shows disrespect—whether in speech, manner, or writing—towards the National Anthem, the flag, or any specified emblem commits an offence.
Detectives confirmed that efforts are underway to track down the second suspect, believed to still be in the country.
On Wednesday, Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen ordered the arrest, prosecution, and deportation of those involved. Somalia’s Ambassador to Kenya, Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle, also condemned the act.
“We will not allow anyone, whether Kenyan or foreign, to demean our freedom or our symbols of national unity, including the national flag. So, Mr. IG, take the necessary legal action and let the law take its course. As the Ministry of Interior, we must show the world that we take our flag seriously,” Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen said.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja added: “I have already directed the DCI to act. That individual was trampling on our Kenyan flag—a flag that was fought for until we gained our independence. He is mocking us, and we will never allow it.”
He emphasized that the DCI has direct instructions to act swiftly and decisively to arrest the suspect and present him before court. “Our flag must be respected,” IG Kanja stressed.
