Murkomen Orders Arrest of Individuals Recorded Disrespecting Kenyan Flag
Kipchumba Murkomen Responds After Somali Nationals Seen Stepping on Kenyan Flag: “The Law Will Take Its Course”
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has spoken out strongly after a viral video showed Somali nationals disrespecting the Kenyan flag during a football match in Nairobi.
The disturbing footage, which has circulated widely on social media, showed two young men believed to be fans of Mogadishu City FC stomping and kicking the Kenyan flag.
The incident took place during the CAF Champions League preliminary first-leg clash between Kenya Police FC and Mogadishu City on Saturday at Nyayo Stadium.
Kenya Police FC went on to record an impressive 3-1 win in the game, with goals from Erick Zakayo, Edward Omondi, and substitute David Simiyu. However, the celebrations were overshadowed by the shocking act against the national flag, which left many Kenyans outraged.
Across social media, Kenyans condemned the behavior, calling it shameful and demanding immediate arrests. For many, the act was not just about football rivalry but an insult to Kenya as a nation.
Murkomen’s response to the viral video
Speaking in Mandera County during his Jukwaa la Usalama tour, CS Kipchumba Murkomen said he had already been updated about the incident by the Inspector General of Police. He confirmed that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) had officially taken over the matter.
“I saw the video online of foreigners stepping on our national flag after the football match. The Inspector General has briefed me that the DCI is already handling the case,” Murkomen explained.
The CS noted that Kenya has clear laws on how the flag should be treated and made it clear that the individuals involved would be held responsible.
“We must find out exactly who those individuals were, why they behaved in that manner, and what legal steps should be taken against them. Their conduct cannot go unpunished,” he added.
What the law says about misuse of the flag
Murkomen reminded the public that Kenya’s National Flags, Emblems and Names Act provides strict guidelines on how the flag and other national symbols should be treated. The Act spells out penalties for misuse, including acts considered as abuse or desecration.
“The law is very clear, and those behind this incident must face justice. We cannot allow anyone to insult our national symbols. The law will take its full course,” he said firmly.
The incident has now become the biggest talking point from the Saturday game, with Kenyans calling on authorities to ensure that such acts of disrespect are never repeated in the future.
Similar past controversy: The burial of blogger Albert Ojwang
This is not the first time the handling of the Kenyan flag has sparked heated debate. Newshub.co.ke previously reported on the controversial burial of slain blogger Albert Ojwang, who died in police custody under unclear circumstances.
Ojwang’s casket was draped in both the Kenyan national flag and the Manchester United flag during his burial in Homa Bay. What angered many was that, unlike official practice, the national flag was not removed before the body was lowered into the grave.
The move sharply divided Kenyans online. Some saw it as a symbolic act meant to highlight the injustice surrounding Ojwang’s death, while others argued that it was a clear violation of the law.
Military officers later clarified that, according to the law, the Kenyan flag should never be buried. Even in state or military funerals, the flag is carefully folded and handed over to the bereaved family rather than being lowered into the grave.
Both incidents – the football flag desecration and Ojwang’s burial – highlight the sensitivity Kenyans attach to national symbols.
Many now insist that the government must firmly enforce the law to protect the dignity of the flag and ensure that respect for the nation remains non-negotiable.
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