Wednesday September 24, 2025
NAIROBI, Kenya (HOL) — Kenyan authorities have ordered the arrest and possible deportation of Mogadishu City FC supporters filmed desecrating the national flag during last weekend’s CAF Champions League match in Nairobi, triggering widespread outrage and diplomatic condemnation.
The videos, which quickly went viral, showed Somali fans mocking the flag during the clash between Kenya Police FC and Mogadishu City FC at Nyayo Stadium. In one clip, a supporter kicked the flag into the air while another rubbed it against his body as they laughed. A separate video showed a man in a traditional Somali sarong snatching the flag from a Kenya Police supporter and discarding it on the ground.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki directed the Directorate of Criminal Investigations to identify and prosecute those involved. He warned that foreigners who defile Kenyan symbols will be deported.
“Our national flag is a symbol of unity,” Kindiki said. “Being in Kenya is a privilege, not a right, and those who play around with our sovereignty will lose that privilege.”
Kenyan law makes it a criminal offense to show disrespect toward the flag, punishable by a fine or up to six months in prison. Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja confirmed the DCI had been instructed to move with speed to arrest the suspects.
Somalia’s ambassador to Kenya, Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle, condemned the incidents as “regrettable” and stressed that they did not represent Somali values.
“We firmly condemn the actions of a few individuals whose behavior overshadowed the remarkable performances of our two teams,” Abdulle said. “Such incidents do not reflect the values of respect, friendship, and sovereignty that guide relations between Kenya and Somalia.”
Mogadishu City FC later issued an apology to the Kenyan government and people, pledging cooperation with authorities and urging fans to respect national symbols.
The videos sparked anger across Kenya, with sports journalists and fans describing the acts as a blatant insult. “The flag of Kenya is being mocked, shredded, misused and abused by Mogadishu FC fans at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi,” wrote journalist Tony Kwalanda. Others called for lifetime bans for those involved, warning that football should not be used to provoke tensions.
The two clubs are scheduled to meet again at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday for the second leg of their preliminary tie. Kenya Police hold a 3–1 advantage, with goals from Erick Zakayo, Edward Omondi, and David Simiyu, while Issa Adim Marsis scored for Mogadishu City.