Two Somali minors who were arrested and charged with desecrating the Kenyan flag have been released on a cash bail of Ksh50,000 each. The decision came after the two, aged 17 and 14, pleaded not guilty to the charges when they appeared before the court.
The minors had been held at the Gigiri Children’s Protection Unit for a week before their release. The court, however, directed that they appear again on October 8, 2025, for further directions. This comes after the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) informed the court that the probation inquiry report on the suspects was not yet ready.
Viral Video Sparks Public Outcry
The arrests followed a viral video that circulated widely on social media, sparking outrage among Kenyans. In the footage, the minors, who are Mogadishu City Club fans, were seen grabbing a Kenyan flag from a Police FC supporter and stepping on it. The incident occurred on September 20, 2025, at Nyayo Stadium during a football clash between Mogadishu City Club and Kenya Police FC.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) confirmed the arrests on September 25, stating that the act was both unlawful and deeply offensive to the values of the nation. According to DCI, the 17-year-old was apprehended first, followed by the 14-year-old the next day.
National Reactions
Many Kenyans condemned the act as disrespectful to national symbols, with calls for swift justice against the suspects. Desecration of the national flag is a serious offense under Kenyan law, carrying heavy penalties due to its symbolic importance.
The case is set to continue on October 8, when the court will review the probation report before giving further directions. Until then, the minors remain out on bail but under strict legal obligations.
