Detectives have launched an investigation into a video that showed a group of youths desecrating the Kenyan flag during last weekend’s CAF Champions League clash between Kenya Police FC and Mogadishu City FC in Nairobi.
This is after Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has ordered the arrest, prosecution, and deportation of the culprits if they are foreigners.
Murkomen termed it unfortunate, the incident that was captured on video and has since been widely shared online.
Officials said a team of detectives at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations headquarters was pursuing the suspects.
It is believed they are non-Kenyans.
The clips showing the flag being stomped on and kicked around have sparked public outrage and official condemnation.
This came as Somalia’s Ambassador to Kenya, Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle, also denounced the acts.
The two Mogadishu City FC fans are seen, in the viral video, taking turns mocking the Kenyan flag.
One spreads it on the ground and kicks it into the air, while the other grabs it mid-flight, rubbing it against his crotch as they burst into laughter.
In a second, seemingly well-choreographed video, a Mogadishu fan wearing a traditional Somali sarong walks up to a Kenya Police FC supporter, snatches his Kenyan flag, and tosses it casually to the ground.
The incident triggered immediate outrage and condemnation; both at the stadium and across social media with many Kenyans describing it as a “blatant act of disrespect.”
Murkomen, while presiding over the Jukwaa la Usalama Forum in Wajir, called for action to be taken against the culprits.
“We don’t allow anyone wheather Kenyan or foreigner to play with our freedom and our symbols of national unity, including our national flag.”
“So, IG, take the necessary legal action. Let the law take its course. As a Ministry of Interior, we must show the world that we take our national flag seriously,” he said.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja said the matter is under investigations.
“I have already directed the DCI, that the person stepping on the flag that was fought for be sought and action be taken,” said Kanja.
“The DCI is under direct instructions from the IG that he must move with speed with efficiency to ensure that that man is arrested and taken before a court of law. The flag must be respected.”
According to the law, “A person who shows disrespect, in speech, manner or writing, to The Flag shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine or imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months.”
Murkomen warned that Kenya will not be lenient to its neighbouring citizens who disrespect the country.
“Being in Kenya is a privilege, and when you play around with our instruments of national unity, you lose the privilege to live in our country,” stated Murkomen.
Somali ambassador to Kenya Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle condemned the acts, describing them as regrettable, adding that authorities are investigating the matter for possible action.
“Let me state clearly that we regret and firmly condemn the actions of a few individuals whose behavior has overshadowed the remarkable performances of both teams,” Abdulle said.
Police said they were pursuing leads on the whereabouts of the youths behind the incident for arrest and grilling.
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