“Efforts to arrest the remaining individual who is believed to be within the country are in place,” DCI stated in part in its statement released on Thursday, September 25.

The arrest marks a strong message from law enforcement: disrespecting Kenya’s symbols of unity will not go unpunished.

This came a day after Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja announced that the National Police Service (NPS) was apprised of the incident, which rattled the whole of Kenya to its very core.

The police boss announced that NPS responded by launching investigations to track down those involved and ensure they face appropriate action.

“Desecration of national symbols is a serious offence, and those involved will face the full force of the law,” said IG Kanja during the 45th Jukwaa La Usalama security meeting in Wajir County on Wednesday, September 24, where Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen was in attendance.

The footage, which circulated widely on Tuesday, showed a group of youths supporting Mogadishu City FC stepping on and mishandling the Kenyan flag at Nyayo National Stadium following the match. The incident sparked nationwide outrage, with Kenyans calling for accountability and strict enforcement of the law.

Murkomen stressed that the actions violated the National Flag, Emblems, and Names Act, which prohibits disrespect toward the Kenyan flag and other national symbols. He underscored the need to uphold the law to safeguard the dignity of these emblems.

Further, he cautioned that ignoring such incidents would weaken patriotism and create a dangerous example for future generations. He stressed the importance of raising children to respect national symbols and values, warning that acts like burning, trampling, or misusing the flag send harmful signals and cannot be tolerated.

He further reminded foreign nationals that living in Kenya is a privilege that carries strict responsibilities. “Being in Kenya is not a right. If you misuse that privilege by attacking our symbols of unity, you will face consequences,” Murkomen warned.

In reaction to the uproar, Mogadishu City Club released a public apology, disassociating itself from the conduct of its supporters.

Somalia’s envoy to Kenya, Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle, released a statement denouncing the flag desecration, stressing that the act in no way reflects Somalia’s values or national interests.

On the pitch, Kenya Police dominated the Saturday clash, securing a 3-1 victory over Mogadishu City Club. The tie will be decided in a second-leg match, also scheduled to be played in Kenya, where Kenya Police will earn the chance to face Sudan’s Al Hilal SC should they progress to the next round.