Mogadishu City vs Kenya Police: How DCI Tracked and Arrested Flag Desecration Suspects

Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested two suspects believed to be behind the desecration of Kenya’s national flag during a football match at Nyayo Stadium. 

The incident, which occurred on September 20, 2025, during a tense clash between Mogadishu City Club and Kenya Police FC, sparked nationwide outrage and calls for swift justice.

According to authorities, the suspects—17-year-old Ibrahim Haidar Yusuf and 14-year-old Muhidin Ahmed Abukar—were captured on viral video footage disrespecting the Kenyan flag in what appeared to be a coordinated act.

“I have already directed the DCI, ya kwamba huyo mtu anakanyaga bendera yetu ya Kenya [that the person stepping on our Kenyan flag]…bendera ile ilipiganiwa hapa mpaka tukapata uhuru wetu [that flag was fought for until we got our independence]…hiyo anatuchezea na hatuwezi kubali kamwe [they are mocking us and we can never allow it],” said Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, vowing that those responsible would face the full force of the law.

“The DCI is under direct instructions from the IG that he must move with speed with efficiency to ensure that that man is arrested and taken before a court of law."

The first arrest took place early in the day when Ibrahim Haidar Yusuf was tracked down and taken into custody.

 Investigators, using intelligence from stadium CCTV footage and viral clips shared on social media, identified the teenager and moved swiftly to apprehend him. Hours later, his alleged accomplice, Muhidin Ahmed Abukar, was also arrested, bringing both key suspects into police custody.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen welcomed the arrests, saying they were a testament to the government’s commitment to safeguarding national symbols.

“Hatutakubali mtu yeyote, iwe Mkenya ama mgeni [we will not allow anyone, whether Kenyan or foreigner], kucheza na uhuru wetu [to play with our freedom] and our symbols of national unity, including our national flag. So, bwana IG [Mr. Inspector General], take the necessary legal action. Let the law take its course. As a Ministry of Interior, we must show the world that we take our national flag seriously,” he said.

The arrests follow days of heated debate online and offline, with Kenyans demanding accountability for what many termed a blatant act of disrespect.

In the viral video, a Mogadishu fan dressed in a traditional Somali sarong is seen approaching a Kenya Police FC supporter, snatching the national flag, and casually throwing it to the ground. The action drew boos from the crowd and triggered a wave of patriotic outrage.

Under Section 2B of The National Flag, Emblems and Names Act, Cap 99, any person who shows disrespect—whether by speech, manner, or writing—towards the national anthem, flag, or other specified emblems commits an offence. Legal experts expect that charges will be preferred in court soon.

Somalia’s Ambassador to Kenya, Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle, condemned the act, stressing that it did not reflect the values of the Somali people. 

“We regret and firmly condemn the actions of a few individuals whose behavior has overshadowed the remarkable performance of both teams,” he said, reaffirming strong bilateral ties.

Police have confirmed that both suspects are being processed as investigations continue. Detectives say efforts are underway to ensure that any other individuals involved are brought to justice swiftly.