Mogadishu FC fans under fire for disrespecting Kenyan flag during match against Kenya Police FC
In one case, a youth, believed to be a Mogadishu City Club fan, placed the flag on a chair and stepped on it repeatedly while being recorded.
A wave of anger swept social media after some fans were caught disrespecting the Kenyan flag during a match at Nyayo Stadium.
The incidents occurred as Kenya Police FC hosted Mogadishu City Club in the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Champions League preliminary round on Saturday.
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Kenya Police FC secured a commanding 3–1 victory, giving the team a strong start to their continental campaign.
Supporters from both teams filled the stands, singing, cheering, and waving national flags. The stadium was a sea of colours, with fans proudly displaying their team jerseys and celebrating every goal.
However, celebrations were marred by acts of disrespect toward the Kenyan flag.
In one case, a youth, believed to be a Mogadishu City Club fan, placed the flag on a chair and stepped on it repeatedly while being recorded.
Another pair of boys threw the flag to the ground and stomped on it, with one using it against his groin. Separately, a fan rubbed a Somali flag on the faces of two female supporters.
The incidents drew sharp criticism online. X user Wanjiru said: “This is bad manners and disrespect to our nation. Mogadishu FC fans not only fought in Nyayo Stadium, but they had the guts to snatch a Kenyan flag and throw it on the ground."
Sports journalist Tony Kwalanda also condemned the acts: “The flag of Kenya is being mocked, shredded, misused and abused by Mogadishu FC fans at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi. When did we get here?”
Another X user urged police to take action against the youth who were captured on the video, stepping on the Kenyan flag. "This is total disrespect. The Kenyan police should take firm action against them... The Kenyan flag deserves respect."
Interior PS Raymond Omollo praised Police FC for their win, stating: "Congratulations to Police FC for their 3–1 victory over Mogadishu City Club in the CAF Champions League preliminaries at Nyayo Stadium. This decisive win marks a brighter beginning for the team as they step confidently into continental football."
Kenya’s National Flag, Emblems and Names Act (Cap. 99) safeguards the flag from disrespect.
While the Constitution recognises it as a national symbol, it does not directly criminalise acts like stepping on it. Cap. 99, however, makes it illegal to insult or abuse the flag or other national emblems, with offenders liable to a fine of up to Sh5,000, six months in jail, or both.
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