Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested a 17-year-old boy featured in a now-viral video desecrating the Kenyan flag during a football match at Nyayo Stadium.
The incident, which unfolded during a CAF Confederation Cup match between Mogadishu City Club and Kenya Police FC on September 20, 2025, has triggered widespread outrage and condemnation both at the stadium and across social media platforms.
Two Videos Surface Showing Disrespect to Kenyan Flag
In the first video, the teenager is seen disrespecting the Kenyan national flag. A move many have termed as a “blatant act of disrespect.”
A second, seemingly well-choreographed video, shows a fan dressed in a traditional Somali sarong (macawis) approaching a Kenya Police FC supporter, grabbing the national flag, and casually tossing it to the ground
DCI Confirms Arrest, Says Search for Second Suspect Ongoing
In a statement released on Thursday, the DCI confirmed the arrest of the teenager and said investigations into the incident are ongoing.
The incident took place on 20/09/2025 at Nyayo Stadium 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
DCIDetectives also said efforts are underway to arrest the second individual, believed to still be within the country
Legal Implications Under Kenyan Law
According to Section 2B of The National Flag, Emblems and Names Act (Cap 99) of Kenyan law:
“Any person who shows disrespect, in speech, manner or writing, to or with reference to the National Anthem, or to any specified emblem, specified likeness or specified name, or any representation thereof, shall be guilty of an offence.”
Desecration of the national flag is a serious criminal offense that carries legal consequences.
Interior CS and Police IG Speak Out
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen strongly condemned the incident and ordered the arrest, prosecution, and deportation of the culprits.
As a Ministry of Interior, we must show the world that we take our national flag seriously
CS Kipchumba Murkomen Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja echoed the CS’s sentiments and confirmed that the DCI had been instructed to act swiftly:
The DCI is under direct instructions from the IG to move with speed and efficiency to ensure that the man is arrested and taken before a court of law
IG Douglas Kanja Somali Ambassador Also Condemns Incident
Somalia’s Ambassador to Kenya, Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle, also publicly denounced the act, stating that such behavior does not reflect the values of the Somali community.
Conclusion
With one suspect in custody and another still at large, the incident has ignited a broader national conversation around patriotism, respect for national symbols, and the consequences of public misconduct. Authorities have assured the public that legal action will be taken, and the Kenyan flag will continue to be protected as a symbol of unity and sovereignty.
