DCI arrests teen filmed desecrating Kenyan flag at Nyayo stadium

In a second, seemingly well-choreographed video, a Mogadishu fan in a traditional Somali sarong approaches a Kenya Police FC supporter, grabs his Kenyan flag, and casually tosses it to the ground.

The incident sparked immediate outrage and condemnation, both inside the stadium and on social media, with many Kenyans calling it a "blatant act of disrespect."

According to a DCI statement issued Thursday, the incident occurred during a football match between Mogadishu City Club and Police FC. 

"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 statement from the DCI noted in part. 

According to the Kenyan law, Section 2B of The National Flag Emblem & Names Act, Cap 99 states that;  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.

Detectives said efforts to arrest the remaining individual believed to be within the country are ongoing. 

On Wednesday, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen  ordered the arrest, prosecution, and deportation of the culprits, as Somalia’s Ambassador to Kenya, Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle, also denounced the acts.

“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 said: “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.

“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”