Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested a 17-year-old boy captured in a viral video desecrating the Kenyan flag during a football match at Nyayo Stadium.

The suspect, identified as Ibrahim Haidar Yusuf, was among the individuals seen in a widely circulated clip showing two boys mishandling the national flag in a manner that sparked outrage across the country. DCI confirmed yesterday that Yusuf was arrested and is now in custody as investigations continue.

The incident happened on September 20, 2025, during a football match between Mogadishu City Club and Police FC at Nyayo Stadium. The video, which quickly spread on social media, showed the suspects disrespecting the Kenyan flag – an act that many Kenyans described as deeply offensive to national values and unity.

Under the National Flag, Emblems and Names Act, Cap 99, Section 2B:

“Any person who shows disrespect, in speech, manner or writing, to or with reference to the National Anthem, or to any specified emblem, specified likeness or specified name, or any representation thereof, shall be guilty of an offence.”

DCI said that efforts to arrest the second suspect, who is still at large but believed to be within the country, are ongoing.

The arrest is against the backdrop of mounting pressure on the DCI from both Kenyans and senior government leaders. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen ordered swift action on the culprits, calling for their arrest, prosecution, and subsequent deportation.

“Hatutakubali mtu yeyote, iwe Mkenya ama mgeni, kucheza na uhuru wetu and our symbols of national unity, including our national flag. So, bwana IG, 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,” Murkomen said on Wednesday.

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja reinforced the directive, emphasizing that the act disrespected Kenya’s hard-earned independence and would not be tolerated.

“I have already directed the DCI, ya kwamba huyo mtu anakanyaga bendera yetu ya Kenya…bendera ile ilipiganiwa hapa mpaka tukapata uhuru wetu…hiyo anatuchezea na hatuwezi kubali kamwe. 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. Bendera yetu lazima iheshimiwe,” said IG Kanja.

The incident has also drawn regional attention. Somalia’s Ambassador to Kenya, Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle, strongly condemned the actions, distancing his country from the individuals involved.