Two minors captured in a viral video while seemingly desecrating the Kenyan flag last weekend have been arrested.
The duo, aged 14 and 17, were filmed on Saturday, September 20, 2025, while allegedly committing the act at Nyayo Stadium during a football match between Mogadishu City Club and Police FC.
Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) boss Amin Mohammed confirmed the arrest of the older minor, saying he is in police custody.
“He was arrested and is currently in police custody. Efforts to apprehend the other suspect, who is believed to be within the country, are ongoing,” he said.
Hours later, DCI confirmed the second arrest on their social media pages.
The incident has drawn condemnation from both the Kenyan and Somali governments. During the match, the minor and another suspect were seen showing blatant disrespect to the Kenyan flag—an act both unlawful and deeply offensive to national values.
Section 2B of the National Flag, Emblem and Names Act (Cap 99) states that any person who shows disrespect, in speech, manner, or writing, to the National Anthem, a specified emblem, likeness, or name, shall be guilty of an offence.
The arrest came barely 24 hours after Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen ordered action against the suspects.
The clip shows the minor and the other suspect spreading the flag on the ground, kicking it into the air, and rubbing it against their bodies while laughing.
Another fan supporting the Mogadishu team is seen snatching a Kenyan flag from a football supporter and throwing it to the ground.
Somalia’s government condemned the incident, emphasising that it involved only a few individuals.
Somalia’s ambassador to Kenya, Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle, said the actions do not reflect the values of respect, friendship, and sovereignty that underpin relations between the two nations.
“Let me state clearly that we regret and firmly condemn the action of a few individuals whose behaviour overshadowed the remarkable performances of our two teams,” he said.
Separately, Somalia’s Mogadishu City Club apologised after their fans were accused of disrespecting the Kenyan flag during a CAF Champions League first-leg tie against Kenya Police FC at Nyayo National Stadium on September 20.
The club distanced itself from the fans conduct, labelling it 'unfortunate' and 'unacceptable'.
“On behalf of Mogadishu City Club, we strongly condemn this act and extend our deepest apologies to the Government and People of Kenya. Such behavior has no place in football or in the spirit of friendship and sportsmanship that this competition represents.
"We fully support any appropriate action by the Kenyan authorities against those involved, and we urge our fans—especially the younger generation—to always respect all nations, their flags, and their people.”
The Somali club further underscored that football is meant to foster unity, love, and mutual respect, urging fans from both countries to use the game as a platform for peace and community building.
