Somali football club Mogadishu City FC has issued a public apology following a controversial incident in which some of its supporters were seen disrespecting the Kenyan national flag during a CAF Champions League preliminary match against Kenya Police FC.
The incident occurred on September 20 at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, during the first-leg encounter, where Kenya Police FC defeated Mogadishu City 3-1. Despite the on-pitch action, the match was overshadowed by viral videos showing a group of Mogadishu City fans engaging in provocative and disrespectful behavior toward the Kenyan flag.
Footage widely shared on social media platforms, including TikTok and X (formerly Twitter), shows several individuals kicking, stomping on, and mocking the flag.
In one video, two fans take turns desecrating the flag one laying it on the ground and kicking it, while the other grabs it mid-air and rubs it against his crotch.
Another clip captures a man in traditional Somali attire snatching a Kenyan flag from a local supporter and discarding it.
These actions sparked widespread condemnation from Kenyan fans both online and inside the stadium.
Tensions escalated further when a Mogadishu City supporter attempted to wave the Somali flag in a crowd dominated by Kenya Police FC fans, prompting a brief scuffle.
Amid the outrage, several voices urged caution, warning against generalizing the behavior of a few individuals to the entire Somali community.
Many Kenyans of Somali descent distanced themselves from the incident and called for the culprits to be held individually accountable.
“This is not representative of the average Somali. Sisi hatukuwangi hivi. These boys should be disciplined and banned from future matches. Football is not about this sort of behavior,” said Mohamed Abdikheyr, a Kenyan-Somali commentator, via X.
Kenya’s National Flag, Emblems and Names Act (Cap. 99) prohibits insulting or abusing the national flag and other state symbols. Offenders can face fines of up to sh.5,000, six months in jail, or both.
Although the Constitution doesn’t explicitly criminalize acts like stepping on the flag, the law provides a legal basis for prosecution.
In response to the backlash, Mogadishu City FC released a statement on September 24 condemning the actions of the fans involved and offering an apology to the Kenyan government and its people.
“On behalf of Mogadishu City Club, we strongly condemn this act and extend our deepest apologies to the Government and People of Kenya. Such behavior has no place in football or in the spirit of friendship and sportsmanship that this competition represents,” the club said.
The club also pledged full support for any disciplinary action taken by Kenyan authorities and urged its supporters especially younger fans to always show respect for all nations, their flags, and their citizens.
Prior to the match, Mogadishu City FC had conducted an aggressive community outreach and promotional campaign among the Somali diaspora in Kenya, rallying support for the team.
With no suitable stadium available in Somalia, the team designated Nyayo National Stadium as its “home” ground for the first leg.
Kenya Police FC’s 3-1 win gives them a strong lead ahead of the return leg, which is also set to take place at Nyayo Stadium this Sunday.
A win or draw will see the reigning FKF Premier League champions progress to the next round of the CAF Champions League qualifiers.
Two Arrested in Kisumu Over Theft of Power Infrastructure Worth Ksh.3 Million
