The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has announced the arrest of one of the suspects behind the desecration of the Kenyan flag during a match between Mogadishu FC and Kenya Police last Saturday.
Through a statement on Thursday, September 25, DCI noted that the suspect, a 17-year-old, was nabbed after a video of him and his accomplice desecrating the flag during the game went viral.
The incident, which occurred during the fixture on September 20, caused massive uproar amongst Kenyans, who demanded the immediate arrest of the two individuals.
“One of the individuals who was wanted by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations in connection with an incident involving the desecration of Kenya's national flag has been arrested,” DCI noted.
“The incident took place on 20/09/ 2025 at Nyayo Stadium during a football match between Mogadishu City Club and Police FC, 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,” it added.
As for the other individual in the video, police noted that he was still at large, adding that he was believed to still be in the country. Still, DCI maintained that efforts to flush him out from his hiding place were in high gear.
The arrest comes after Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja vowed to ensure that the two individuals were arrested. Speaking at a recent Jukwaa la Usalama event, Kanja directed the Director of the DCI to immediately arrest the two, citing the grave wrongdoing committed by them.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen echoed his sentiments, threatening to deport individuals who are caught violating the Kenyan flag. He noted that mocking or 'joking' with symbols of national unity, especially as a foreigner, is a sign of disrespect to the host country.
What The Law Says About Disrespecting the Kenyan Flag
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.
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.
Mogadishu FC vs Kenya Police
After the incident, Mogadishu FC issued a formal apology, condemning the actions, as they distanced themselves from the two fans implicated in the controversy.
"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 behaviour has no place in football or in the spirit of friendship and sportsmanship that this competition represents," the statement obtained by Kenyans.co.ke read.
Somalia’s Ambassador to Kenya, Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle, also issued a statement, condemning the incident, noting that it did not represent the values and interests of Somalia.
As far as the game on Saturday went, Kenya Police proved too strong for their opponents, as the FKF Premier League champions emerged 3-1 winners.
The fixture is subject to a second leg, which will also take place in Kenya, with Kenya Police set to face Sudan club Al Hilal SC if they advance to the next round.
