NAIROBI, Kenya (BN24)— Detectives with Kenya’s Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested a 17-year-old boy filmed desecrating the Kenyan national flag during a football match at Nyayo Stadium, an act that has ignited nationwide outrage and condemnation.
The viral video, which has circulated widely on social media, shows the teenager throwing the flag to the ground. In a second video, another supporter wearing a traditional Somali sarong is seen approaching a Kenya Police FC fan, seizing the flag, and tossing it aside in what appeared to be a deliberate provocation.
The incident occurred during a Sept. 20 match between Mogadishu City Club and Police FC, according to a DCI statement released Thursday. Officials described the act as both unlawful and offensive to Kenya’s national values.
“The incident took place at Nyayo Stadium 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,” the DCI said.
Kenya’s National Flag, Emblems and Names Act, Cap 99, makes it a criminal offense to show disrespect toward national symbols, including the flag and anthem. Offenders are liable to prosecution.
Authorities confirmed that efforts are underway to apprehend the second individual seen in the video, who is believed to still be in the country.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen condemned the actions, ordering the immediate arrest, prosecution, and deportation of the culprits. Somalia’s Ambassador to Kenya, Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle, also denounced the acts.
“Hatutakubali mtu yeyote, iwe Mkenya ama mgeni, kucheza na uhuru wetu and our symbols of national unity, including our national flag. So, bwana IG, take the necessary legal action. Let the law take its course,” Murkomen said, stressing that Kenya must protect its national symbols.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja echoed the directive, instructing the DCI to move swiftly in apprehending the suspects. “Bendera yetu lazima iheshimiwe,” he said, insisting that the Kenyan flag, a symbol won through the struggle for independence, must never be disrespected.
The DCI confirmed it is acting under direct instructions from the Inspector General to bring the remaining suspect before a court of law.
Source: citizen.digital.com
