NAIROBI, Kenya – Detectives attached to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested one individual connected with an incident involving the desecration of the Kenya’s national flag.
In a statement, the DCI identified the suspect as 17-year-old Ibrahim Haidar Yusuf, one of the individuals who was wanted by detectives in connection with the incident.
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.
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.
“Efforts to arrest the remaining individual who is believed to be within the country are in place,” the statement from DCI reads in part.
Mogadishu City Club has already denounced the desecration of the Kenyan flag by some of its followers and supports any necessary action taken by Kenyan authorities against those responsible.
How the unfortunate incident unfolded
In a statement, Mogadishu City Club stated that such actions have no place in football or the CAF Champions League’s spirit of friendship and sportsmanship.
“During the CAF Champions League first-leg match between Mogadishu City Club and Kenya Police FC, an unfortunate incident occurred in which a few young fans were seen kicking the Kenyan national flag. 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 read in part.
The club implored all fans, particularly younger ones, to respect all nations, flags, and people. It emphasised how football should foster unity, love, and mutual respect.
“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. Football is a game of unity, love, and mutual respect, and we call on all supporters to uphold these values and promote peace and harmony in our communities,” stated Mogadishu City Club.
Why Mogadishu FC had to issue an apology
The strong-worded statement comes after video emerged of some Mogadishu City Club fans disrespecting the Kenyan flag by laying it on the ground, stepping on it, and kicking it during the club’s 3-1 loss to Kenya Police FC at Nyayo Stadium on September 20. The first leg encounter drew enthusiastic supporters from both sides.
Kenya Police won with three goals from Eric Zakayo, Edward Omondi, and David Simiyu.
However, the home side’s jubilation sparked a response from some Mogadishu City Club fans, who desecrated the Kenyan flag in a disturbing display of dissatisfaction. Videos of the incident spread swiftly online, causing indignation throughout Kenya.
The two teams will meet again in the second game on Sunday at Nyayo National Stadium, with attention concentrated on both the pitch and the terraces.
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