UPDATE: The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has announced the arrest of an individual who was filmed desecrating the Kenyan flag.
In a statement on Thursday, September 25, DCI said that 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 the 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,” said DCI.
“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.”
DCI has added that efforts to arrest the remaining individual “who is believed to be within the country” are in place.
Earlier, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen had ordered police to take swift legal action against individuals captured in a viral video desecrating the Kenyan national flag.
Murkomen issued the directive during the Jukwaa la Usalama security forum held in Wajir, calling the act a serious violation of Kenyan law and an affront to national unity.
National Outrage
The video, which went viral on Tuesday, shows a group of young people stepping on and mishandling the Kenyan national flag.
The incident occurred at Nyayo National Stadium after a CAF Champions League preliminary match between Kenya Police FC and Mogadishu City FC of Somalia.
The incident triggered widespread public anger, with many Kenyans demanding accountability and strict enforcement of the law.
Murkomen stated that the action violated the National Flag, Emblems, and Names Act, which prohibits any form of disrespect towards the Kenyan flag or other national symbols.
He emphasized that the law must be upheld to protect the dignity of these symbols.
“There is a law that governs how our national flag is to be treated, and no one, whether Kenyan or a foreigner, has the right to demean our flag. It was earned through sweat and blood, and we will not allow anyone to play around with it.”
Murkomen Call to IG Kanja
Addressing the gathering, Murkomen directed the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, to spearhead the investigations and ensure that those responsible are arrested.
“Inspector General, Kenyans expect decisive action. Those involved must be identified, investigated, and prosecuted without delay. The law must take its course to restore public confidence in our ability to enforce justice.”
Present at the meeting were Mohamed Ibrahim Amin, Director of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI); John Otieno, North Eastern Regional Commissioner; and Karuku J. Ngumo, Wajir County Commissioner.
Regional security leadership included Papita Ranka, Regional Police Commander, and Abdi Argamso, Regional Administration Police Commander.
Also in attendance was Ahmed Abdullahi, the Governor of Wajir County, who pledged the county government’s support for national security operations.
Murkomen confirmed that the DCI has been tasked with leading the probe into the Nyayo Stadium incident, gathering evidence, and coordinating with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to ensure charges are filed swiftly.
Upholding Patriotism and National Values
Murkomen emphasized that the incident was not merely a law enforcement issue, but also a matter of national identity and pride.
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He warned that failure to act would erode patriotism and set a dangerous precedent for future generations.
“We must raise children who respect our symbols and values. When a flag is burned, trampled, or misused, it sends a dangerous message. We will not allow such acts to go unpunished.”
The Cabinet Secretary also cautioned visitors to Kenya, pointing out that staying in the country is a privilege that comes with strict obligations.
“Being in Kenya is not a right. If you misuse that privilege by attacking our symbols of unity, you will face consequences,” Murkomen warned.
Broader Security Focus
The Jukwaa la Usalama forum addressed security challenges affecting northern Kenya, including terrorism, cross-border crimes, and inter-communal conflicts.
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Murkomen said protecting the nation’s symbols was integral to strengthening the rule of law and national cohesion.
“If we allow people to trample on our flag today, tomorrow they will trample on our constitution. We will restore the confidence of Kenyans by showing that no one is above the law,” Murkomen said.
Murkomen concluded by directing the police to provide regular public updates on the investigation and to act decisively to reassure citizens that the law is being enforced.
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