Mogadishu City Club has issued a public apology after a section of its supporters sparked outrage by desecrating the Kenyan flag during their Confederation of African Football (CAF) Champions League first-leg tie against Kenya Police FC at Nyayo National Stadium on September 20.

Footage circulating online showed a handful of fans kicking the national flag, an act that has provoked widespread anger across Kenya and triggered calls for decisive action.

In a statement released on Wednesday, September 24, the Somali club condemned the incident, stressing that the actions of “a few young fans” do not represent the club’s values.

“During the CAF Champions League first-leg match between Mogadishu City Club and Kenya Police FC, an unfortunate incident occurred in which a few young fans were seen kicking the Kenyan national flag,” the statement read in part.

“On behalf of the Mogadishu City Club, we strongly condemn this act and extend our deepest apologies to the Government and People of Kenya. Such behavior has no place in football or in the spirit of friendship and sportsmanship that this competition represents.”

The club went further, backing any disciplinary measures Kenyan authorities may choose to take against those responsible and urging its fans—particularly the youth—to uphold respect for all nations and their symbols.

“Football is a game of unity, love, and mutual respect, and we call on all supporters to uphold these values and promote peace and harmony in our communities,” added the statement.

Kenya Police FC kicked off their continental journey in style with a 3–1 win, setting the tone for their Champions League campaign.

The Nyayo National Stadium was packed with fans from both sides, creating a vibrant atmosphere of chants, cheers, and flags waving proudly in the air. Supporters donned their team colors, celebrating every moment with passion. But the excitement was overshadowed by incidents of disrespect directed at the Kenyan flag.

In one video, a young Mogadishu City Club supporter is seen placing the Kenyan flag on a chair before stepping on it several times as others filmed. In another, two boys hurled the flag to the ground and stomped on it, with one even holding it against his groin. Separately, a fan was caught rubbing a Somali flag on the faces of two women in the crowd.

The incidents fueled heated debate online, with many Kenyans demanding CAF step in to address what they described as a blatant show of disrespect. Others have urged local authorities to tighten stadium security and punish culprits to deter similar acts in the future.

For the Mogadishu City Club, the apology is an attempt to cool tensions ahead of the second leg of the continental clash. But for many Kenyans, the flag desecration has already left a bitter taste, overshadowing what should have been a showcase of East African football talent.

In Kenya, the national flag is more than just a symbol — it is protected by law under the National Flag, Emblems and Names Act (Cap 99, Laws of Kenya). The Act clearly outlines how the flag should be treated and specifies penalties for misuse.

According to the law, unauthorized use of the flag is prohibited. Individuals or organizations are not permitted to display the flag or any design resembling it on merchandise, branding, or advertisements without prior approval from the government. 

The Act also makes it an offense to show disrespect to the flag. This includes actions such as burning, tearing, defacing, stepping on, or otherwise desecrating it. Authorities interpret “disrespect” broadly, meaning even commercial or casual misuse that appears to ridicule the national symbol can attract legal action.

Anyone found guilty of violating the law faces penalties of up to Ksh 5,000 in fines or a jail term of up to six months, or both. In addition, courts may order the seizure or destruction of items that misuse the flag.

The flag is considered a powerful emblem of Kenya’s identity and sovereignty, and the law seeks to preserve its dignity. Disrespecting it — whether deliberate or accidental — carries legal consequences.