Teen arrested over national flag insult at Nyayo Stadium
Image of a handcuffed man. The 17 year old suspect is in police custody. Photo/File
Officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested 17-year-old boy (name withheld) after he was identified in footage desecrating Kenya’s national flag during a high-profile match at Nyayo Stadium.
The arrest marks the first breakthrough in an incident that has stirred public outrage and prompted strong statements from government officials.
On 20 September, during a CAF Champions League match between Mogadishu City Club and Police FC at Nyayo Stadium, cameras captured two individuals mishandling Kenya’s flag—stepping on it, kicking it, and treating it in a disrespectful manner.
The incident circulated rapidly on social media, drawing condemnation across the political spectrum.
Subsequently, the DCI released stills of the suspects and launched a manhunt. Over the weekend, they took into custody the boy, one of the two individuals seen in the footage.
He is now held pending further investigations. Authorities say the second suspect is still at large but is believed to be within the country.
Under Section 2B of the National Flag, Emblems and Names Act (Cap 99), any person who shows public disrespect—by speech, conduct, or depiction—to the national anthem, flag, or related emblems commits an offense.
Conviction may lead to fines or imprisonment.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen condemned the act in strong terms.
He reminded all Kenyans that national symbols are protected by law. Speaking during his 45th Jukwaa la Usalama tour in Wajir, Murkomen said:
“When you joke with our symbols of national unity and pride, you have overstayed your welcome.”
“Many people don’t know that there is the National Flag, Emblems and Names Act. I urge the Inspector General of Police to ensure the law takes its course.”
He added that regardless of nationality, anybody who violates the country’s symbols must face consequences:
“If you misuse that privilege by attacking our symbols of unity, you will face consequences.”
Mr Murkomen also invoked deportation as a possible measure, especially in cases where foreigners are involved in disrespectful acts:
“When you joke with our symbols … you have overstayed your welcome.”
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja confirmed the seriousness of the matter, emphasizing that investigations under the DCI are ongoing:
“Desecration of national symbols is a serious offence, and those involved will face the full force of the law.”
IG Kanja reassured the public that no one is above the law and pledged cooperation with all agencies to bring the remaining suspect to justice.
The episode has reignited debate around respect for national symbols, patriotism, and accountability in Kenya.
Many citizens on social media expressed anger that a symbol meant to unify the nation could be disrespected so blatantly.
Legal experts note that such acts, though symbolic, strike deeply at national identity. Dr. Achieng’ Otieno, a constitutional law scholar, told Avdelta:
“The flag is more than cloth—it carries collective memory, sacrifice, and unity. Desecrating it is not just an act of disrespect but undermines national cohesion. The law must apply firmly but fairly.”
Some voices cautioned against politicisation—warning that enforcement should not become selective or weaponized.
Meanwhile, football stakeholders condemned the behaviour.
Mogadishu City Club issued an apology, distancing itself from the actions of a few fans and pledging cooperation with Kenyan authorities.
Critics argue that bold rhetoric must be accompanied by due process: timely investigations, credible prosecutions, and transparency—not just public show.
The DCI is expected to press charges against Yusuf under the National Flag, Emblems and Names Act.
The hunt continues for the second suspect, with police asking the public to assist. It has given a toll-free line (0800 722 203) and WhatsApp (0709 570 000).
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