Thursday September 25, 2025
NAIROBI, Kenya (HOL) — Kenyan police have arrested a second teenager accused of desecrating the national flag during last weekend’s CAF Champions League clash in Nairobi, an incident that has fueled public outrage and diplomatic condemnation.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations said Thursday it had detained 14-year-old Muhidin Ahmed Abukar, who was filmed in viral clips mocking the flag during the September 20 match between Mogadishu City FC and Kenya Police FC. His arrest followed the earlier arrest of 17-year-old Ibrahim Haidar Yusuf. Both minors have been processed and remain in custody pending further action.
Videos widely circulated on social media show the two Somali youths stomping on and kicking the flag while laughing, with one rubbing it against his body. Another clip shows a man in a Somali sarong snatching a Kenyan flag from a Police FC supporter and throwing it to the ground.
Police say the acts violate Section 2B of the National Flag, Emblems and Names Act (Cap 99), which criminalizes showing disrespect to national symbols and carries penalties of fines or up to six months in prison.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen ordered swift arrests, saying foreigners found guilty could face deportation.
“We don’t allow anyone, whether Kenyan or foreigner, to play with our freedom and our symbols of national unity,” Murkomen said in Wajir. “As a Ministry of Interior, we must show the world that we take our national flag seriously.”
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja confirmed he instructed detectives to pursue those in the viral footage, saying “the flag must be respected.”
Authorities said investigations remain ongoing as detectives analyze additional footage to identify others involved.
Somalia’s Ambassador to Kenya, Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle,
condemned the acts as “regrettable,” emphasizing they do not represent Somali values.
“Such incidents overshadowed the performances of both teams and contradict the values of respect, friendship, and sovereignty that guide relations between Kenya and Somalia,” he said.
Mogadishu City FC also
issued an apology to the Kenyan government and people, calling the incident unacceptable and urging supporters to show respect for all nations’ symbols. The club pledged to cooperate fully with authorities.
The arrests come days before the second leg of the preliminary tie at Nyayo Stadium, where Kenya Police FC lead 3–1.
Murkomen appealed for calm, warning Kenyan fans against using the match for retaliation.
“There is nothing for Kenyans to take revenge against Somalia, because Somalia has not wronged any Kenyan,” he said. “The two young men are personally responsible.”