A teenager of Somali origin in custody after viral flag desecration footage sparks outrage at Nyayo Stadium
Their follows growing apprehension by Kenya citizens who accuse the duo of disrespecting and disparaging the Kenya nation statehood
Two teenagers, a 14 year old Muhidin Ahmed Abukar and his 17 years old accomplice Ibrahim Haidar Yusuf have been arrested in connection with an incident involving desecration of Kenya’s national flag.
Yusuf was arrested on Wednesday this week while Muhidin was arrested yesterday.
Their follows growing apprehension by Kenya citizens who accuse the duo of disrespecting and disparaging the Kenya nation statehood.
“The two have been processed pending further police action,” an update by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations reads in part.
They were a viral video that indicated the desecration of the Kenya’s national flag last Sunday during a match between Police FC of Kenya and Mogadishu City FC of Somalia.
An update by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) indicates that the minor identified as Ibrahim Haidar Yusuf was arrested for his act contrary to Section 2B of The National Flag Emblem & Names Act, Cap 99.
“17 year old Ibrahim Haidar Yusuf 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 DCI stated.
The incident took place on Sunday 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.
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 DCI has stated that efforts to arrest the remaining individual who is believed to be within the country are in place.
The arrest comes even after the club issued a statement apologizing for the act by its fans.
In a statement, Mogadishu City Club expressed profound regret for the actions of a few individuals, emphasizing that such behaviour does not reflect the values of their club, its players, or the majority of its fan base.
They condemned the act as disrespectful and uncalled for, reiterating their commitment to sportsmanship and mutual respect between nations.
“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 club said in a statement.
