Mogadishu City Club of Somalia has issued an apology after a section of its supporters were seen kicking the Kenyan flag during their CAF Champions League first-leg clash against Kenya Police FC at Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday, September 20, 2025.

The disrespectful incident has drawn widespread outrage in Kenya, with calls for stern action against those involved. In a statement dated Wednesday, September 24, 2025, the Somali club distanced itself from the behaviour and expressed regret.

“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 statement said in part.

”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 added.

The club, which will face Kenya Police on Sunday, September 28, 2025, at the same venue in the return leg of the first preliminary round of the CAF Champions League qualifier, has promised to support relevant authorities in taking action against those involved in the act. It also asked its young supporters to respect countries and their national symbols.

”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.” Mogadishu City Club said.

Leaders condemn bad behaviour

Following the Saturday incident, Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris has called for the strict enforcement of laws protecting the Kenyan flag, warning that its misuse dishonours the sacrifices made for the country’s independence, as stated in a post on her X account on Tuesday, September 23, 2025.

Passaris urged the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to arrest individuals found desecrating or misusing the national flag. The Lawmaker based her call on Section 3 of the National Flag, Emblems and Names Act (Cap 99, Laws of Kenya), which prohibits improper use, insult, or desecration of the Kenyan flag.

“Section 3 of the National Flag, Emblems and Names Act (Cap 99, Laws of Kenya) prohibits the improper use, insult, or desecration of the Kenyan flag, with penalties for offenders,” Passaris said.
“Blood was shed for this flag to be raised high,” she emphasised, framing the flag as a reminder of the price paid during the struggle for independence.

Ahead of the Sunday return leg, Police FC boast a commanding 3-1 lead against Mogadishu City Club courtesy of goals from Erick Zakayo, Edward Omondi and David Simiyu. The particular showdown will be played at Nyayo for the second time in a week, given Somalia’s lack of CAF-approved stadia.