Somali Minors Face Charges for Desecrating Kenyan Flag at Nyayo

• Sep 26, 2025

Two Somali minors accused of desecrating the Kenyan flag during a football match at Nyayo Stadium have been arraigned in court. The boys, aged 14 and 17, were filmed stepping on the flag during last Saturday’s CAF Champions League preliminary match between Kenya Police FC and Mogadishu FC, an act that sparked nationwide condemnation and prompted a swift police response.

The minors are facing three charges: being in the country illegally, damaging a national symbol of unity, and causing disturbance during a public event. Their case has drawn widespread attention, with many Kenyans demanding accountability while also raising questions about the treatment of underage offenders.

During their first court appearance before Senior Resident Magistrate Rose Gitau, the two did not take a plea. Instead, the magistrate directed that they be placed under the care of the Gigiri Children’s Protection Unit while a social inquiry report is prepared. This report will help the court decide how the minors should proceed with the charges.

Relatives of the two requested that the boys be released into their custody, but the court rejected the application since those seeking custody were not their biological parents. The minors will therefore remain under state protection until Wednesday, when the case is scheduled for further mention.

The incident has raised legal and public debate. The National Police Service (NPS) has already confirmed that desecrating national symbols is a serious crime and warned that offenders, regardless of background, will face the full force of the law.

At the same time, legal experts have pointed out that the case highlights the delicate balance between protecting national dignity and upholding the rights of children under the Children Act. While minors are entitled to special protections in the justice system, their actions still carry significant consequences, particularly when they involve disrespect toward national symbols.

The case continues to attract close attention from both the public and legal observers. As proceedings resume next week, the outcome is expected to set an important precedent on how Kenya addresses offences involving juveniles and acts considered to undermine national pride.