Nairobi County Chief Officer of Environment, Geoffrey Mosiria, has expressed strong disapproval after the Kenyan flag was displayed upside down during a public apology by Somalia’s ambassador to Kenya, Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle. The apology came in response to outrage over videos showing Mogadishu City FC fans disrespecting the Kenyan flag during a CAF Champions League match against Kenya Police FC.
However, many Kenyans noted that during the press conference where the apology was delivered, the national flag was still incorrectly displayed. Mosiria described the incident as deeply concerning, questioning whether it was accidental or intentional.
“Just looking at the positioning of our Kenyan flag, apologising while still displaying it upside down, raises serious concerns. Was it intentional? It is unfortunate that even after the apology, our national flag continues to be disrespected in this way,” Mosiria said on X on Thursday, September 25, 2025.
He emphasised that respect for national symbols is non-negotiable, recalling strict enforcement of flag protocols in schools. “I recall back in primary and secondary school, our scouts were very strict about this. If the flag was ever raised upside down, there were immediate consequences. Even as students, if one walked while the flag was being raised or lowered, disciplinary action would follow,” he added.
Mosiria further noted that unlike past incidents, which were often unintentional mistakes by students, the current display seemed deliberate. He believes the apology by the Somali ambassador does not adequately address the seriousness of the disrespect shown.
“In those days, people would be arrested for disrespecting our flag in any way. What I see here appears more deliberate than the mistakes we witnessed from those young boys. For this reason, we still call for a more sincere and clear apology,” he said.
The episode serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting Kenya’s national symbols at all times, particularly during public events. Mosiria urged authorities and foreign representatives to ensure careful handling of the national flag to avoid further controversies.
