Two Somali minors, aged 14 and 17, are currently detained at the Child Protection Unit (CPU) in Nairobi’s Gigiri Police Station following allegations of desecrating the Kenyan flag. The boys were arrested after the incident and are set to miss the upcoming return leg match between Kenya Police and Mogadishu City at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday.
The arrest stems from accusations that the minors damaged the flag during an event, which led to their detention pending further investigations. The case is expected to be brought before the Milimani Children’s Court on October 4, 2025, when the boys will know whether they will face formal charges.
The court has ordered a thorough investigation to verify the true ages of the suspects and to prepare a juvenile report before any charges can be filed. The boys’ legal representatives argue that the incident was a misunderstanding and claim that the minors had no ill intention in handling the flag. They insist the boys were merely playing football, with no awareness of any disrespect toward the flag.
The prosecution, however, emphasized the need to verify the boys’ ages and background, with a request for a medical age assessment from a government doctor. The children’s welfare report, which will cover their family background and reason for staying in Kenya, is also crucial to the case. The magistrate noted that the suspects’ relatives should be present to support the minors and ensure proper representation in court.
Despite the charges, the defense lawyer, Ishmael Nyaribo, has appealed for leniency, pointing out that the minors were not involved in any intentional disrespect of the flag. He also highlighted that the minors’ families, who were present in court, are prepared to support the legal process, offering to deposit sureties to ensure the boys’ appearance at the trial.
The case remains under investigation, and the court will reconvene on October 4 to review the findings of the age assessment and juvenile report.
