The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has arrested 17-year-old Ibrahim Haidar Yusuf in connection with the desecration of Kenya’s national flag during a football match at Nyayo Stadium.

The incident, which occurred on September 20, 2025, during a CAF Champions League first-leg clash between Mogadishu City Club and Kenya Police FC, has sparked widespread outrage across the country.

In a statement released on September 25, 2025, the DCI confirmed the arrest, stating that Yusuf was one of the individuals shown in an earlier published photo. The agency added that efforts to apprehend the second person of interest, believed to be within the country, are ongoing.

“17-year-old Ibrahim Haidar Yusuf, one of the individuals shown in the attached photo who was wanted by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations in connection with an incident involving the desecration of Kenya’s national flag, has been arrested.”

“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.”

Condemnation and apologies

According to the DCI, the act involved two individuals captured on camera disrespecting the national flag, described as unlawful and deeply offensive to the values upheld by the 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.'”

The behaviour reportedly involved a section of Mogadishu City Club supporters kicking the Kenyan flag, an incident that has drawn significant condemnation.

In response, the Mogadishu City Club issued an apology on September 24, 2025, distancing itself from the actions. “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,” the club’s statement read.

“On behalf of the Mogadishu City Club, we strongly condemn this act and extend our deepest apologies to the Government and People of Kenya.” The club pledged to support Kenyan authorities in taking action against those involved and urged its young supporters to respect national symbols.

Reactions

The incident has reignited tensions between Kenya and Somalia, with viral videos showing fans mocking the flag, fuelling public anger.

Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris called for strict enforcement of the law, citing Section 3 of the National Flag, Emblems and Names Act (Cap 99, Laws of Kenya), which prohibits improper use or desecration of the flag.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen also condemned the act, ordering the arrest, prosecution and deportation of the culprits during the Jukwaa la Usalama Forum in Wajir.

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja reinforced this directive, instructing the DCI to act swiftly. Somalia’s Ambassador to Kenya, Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle, similarly denounced the behaviour, expressing regret over the actions of a few individuals.