Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has threatened to deport individuals who are caught violating the Kenyan flag, days after several foreigners were caught on camera desecrating a flag during the Kenya Police FC and Mogadishu City FC.
In a press briefing on Wednesday, September 24, Murkomen warned that mocking or 'joking' with symbols of national unity, especially as a foreigner, is a sign of disrespect to the host country.
“When you joke with our symbols of national unity and pride, you have overstayed your welcome,” Murkomen stated.
The CS confirmed that security agencies led by the DCI have kick-started an investigation to identify individuals who were seen violating the flag. The individuals will be apprehended and will face the full force of the law in line with the Kenya National Flag, Emblems, and Names Act, according to Murkomen.
The Kenyan National Flag, Emblems, and Names Act prohibits the improper use, desecration, or commercial use of the national flag, national symbols, and names, and regulates their display.
Individuals found guilty of violating this act are liable to a fine that can lead to fines of up to Ksh5,000 and/or imprisonment for up to six months.
For some offences, such as displaying the flag on unauthorised vehicles, the penalties can be up to a fine of Ksh1 million and/or five years imprisonment.
"Yesterday I saw that after the game some fans disrespected the flag of Kenya and the Inspector General told me that their office was assessing the situation and they will look for exactly who it was and why," Murkomen stated.
"The Kenyan National Flag, Emblems, and Names Act will guide on what actions will be taken against the individuals, because it stipulates how someone is supposed to use and respect the flag and the consequences that may follow if they violate it," he added.
Kenyans came out guns blazing after videos circulating online showed two fans kicking and mocking the Kenyan flag after the CAF Champions League first-leg clash between Mogadishu City FC and Kenya Police FC at Nyayo National Stadium.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Somali-based club condemned the actions and distanced itself from the fans who were seen violating the flag.
According to the club, such actions risk sabotaging the spirit of sportsmanship and friendship between the two countries in the competition.
"On behalf of the 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," part of the statement read.
"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," it added.
