Two Somali minors who were caught on camera stepping on the Kenyan flag at Nyayo Stadium have been arraigned in court.
The boys, aged 14 and 17, are facing charges of:
- Being in the country illegally
- Damaging a national symbol of unity — the Kenyan flag
- Causing disturbance during a public event
The incident occurred during last Saturday’s CAF Champions League preliminary match between Kenya Police FC and Mogadishu FC, sparking widespread condemnation and an immediate police manhunt.
Court Proceedings
The minors appeared before Senior Resident Magistrate Rose Gitau, but they did not take a plea. The magistrate ordered that they be taken to the Gigiri Children’s Protection Unit, directing that a social inquiry report be filed before they can respond to the charges.
Relatives of the two requested their release into their custody, but the court declined on grounds that they were not biological parents.
The minors will remain under state protection until next Wednesday, when the case will come up for further proceedings.
Public and Legal Response
The National Police Service (NPS) has already confirmed that anyone found guilty of desecrating national symbols will face the full force of the law. Legal experts note that while minors are entitled to protection under the Children Act, the case underscores the delicate balance between juvenile justice and safeguarding national dignity.
