NAIROBI, Kenya — Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested a 17-year-old boy in connection with the desecration of the Kenyan flag during a football match at Nyayo Stadium. The arrest follows a viral video that showed two individuals disrespecting the national symbol.
The incident, which took place during a match between Mogadishu City Club and Kenya Police FC, sparked immediate outrage both at the stadium and on social media.
One of the viral clips shows a Mogadishu fan in a traditional Somali sarong approaching a Kenya Police FC supporter, grabbing his Kenyan flag, and tossing it to the ground. The DCI confirmed the incident in a statement.
“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 DCI statement read in part.
The DCI also confirmed that efforts to arrest the second individual, who is believed to be in the country, are ongoing.
According to Kenyan law, specifically Section 2B of The National Flag, Emblems and Names Act, Cap 99, it is an offense to show disrespect “in speech, manner or writing” to the National Anthem or any national emblem.
On Wednesday, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen ordered the arrest, prosecution, and deportation of the culprits.
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“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,” he said.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the gravity of the offense.
“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,” said IG Kanja.
He added that the DCI has been given direct instructions to act swiftly: “The DCI is under direct instructions from the IG that he must move with speed with efficiency to ensure that that man is arrested and taken before a court of law. Bendera yetu lazima iheshimiwe.”