Anger, condemnation after Mogadishu FC fans seen disrespecting Kenyan flag after football match

During the match, Kenya Police beat Mogadishu City 3-1 in the Saturday night encounter, but the victory was overshadowed by viral videos showing a section of Mogadishu supporters clearly trashing the Kenyan symbol of national unity.

Videos circulating on TikTok and X show two Mogadishu fans who take turns in mocking the flag - one spreads it on the ground and then kicks it up before his mate grabs it mid-air and rubs it up his crotch as they both erupt into laughter. 

In yet another well-choreographed video, a Mogadishu fan wearing the traditional Somali sarong wrap can be seen walking up to a Kenya Police FC fan, grabbing his Kenyan flag and then tossing it to the ground nonchalantly. 

The acts, widely seen as blatant disrespect, sparked outrage among Kenyans both in the stands and online.

“The flag of Kenya is being mocked, shredded, misused, and abused by Mogadishu FC fans at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi. When did we get here?” one fan posted in anger.

Someone else wrote: "This is bad manners and disrespect to our nation. Mogadishu FC fans not only fought in Nyayo Stadium but theh had the guts to snatch a Kenyan flag and throw it kwa ground. Wako na bahati sikuwa karibu. I hope this mf has been deported back to somalia!" 

Sports journalist Tony Kwalanda also condemned the acts, saying: “The flag of Kenya is being mocked, shredded, misused and abused by Mogadishu FC fans at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi. When did we get here?”

Evidence of tensions between the two sides is further reinforced by yet another video that shows commotion after a Mogadishu FC fan attempts to raise the Somali flag while surrounded by mostly Kenya Police fans. 

Immediately, some Kenyans grab the flag, and a brief altercation ensues.

While anger dominated social media, others urged caution against condemning the entire Somali community.

"This is not representative of the average Somali. Sisi hatukuwangi hivi. These boys should be disciplined and banned from future matches. Football is not about this sort of behaviour," Mohamed Abdikheyr said on X. 

The incident came despite Mogadishu City FC having rallied massive support from the Somali community in Kenya through an aggressive promotional drive.

What was supposed to be an opportunity to foster togetherness and neighbourly cohesiveness instead degenerated into a brazen spit on diplomacy. 

Kenya Police FC secured a commanding 3–1 victory, giving the team a strong start to their continental campaign.

After the win, Interior PS Raymond Omollo praised Police FC for their victory, stating: "Congratulations to Police FC for their 3–1 victory over Mogadishu City Club in the CAF Champions League preliminaries at Nyayo Stadium. This decisive win marks a brighter beginning for the team as they step confidently into continental football."

Kenya’s National Flag, Emblems and Names Act (Cap. 99) safeguards the flag from disrespect.

While the Constitution recognises it as a national symbol, it does not directly criminalise acts like stepping on it. Cap. 99, however, makes it illegal to insult or abuse the flag or other national emblems, with offenders liable to a fine of up to Sh5,000, six months in jail, or both.

The two sides are set to meet again in the return leg on Sunday, still at Nyayo National Stadium, with all eyes now on both the pitch and the terraces.