A teenager, aged 17, has been arrested in relation to the viral video of two youths disrespecting the Kenyan flag, an act that took place during a football match at Nyayo Stadium.
The youth identified as Ibrahim Haidar Yusuf, was one of the two young men in the video at Nyayo Stadium on September 20, when a match between Mogadishu City Club and Police FC was taking place.
The video circulated widely online, and Kenyans took to social media to express their outrage and demand the arrest of the two.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) confirmed that the teen was arrested on Thursday, September 25.
His accomplice, also seen in the video, remains at large but is believed to be in the country.
“The suspect is in custody as efforts to apprehend the second individual are ongoing,” DCI said.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja had earlier vowed to have the two brought to book, calling their actions “a serious show of disrespect.” Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen also warned that anyone mocking the national flag would be handled by the law, even going as far as threatening foreigners with deportation when caught doing so.
Disrespecting national symbols such as the flag or national anthem is an offence in Kenyan law and can result in fines or even imprisonment.
Mogadishu City Club has since apologised to Kenyans and disowned the two fans, stating that the act was against the spirit of friendship and sportsmanship.
Somalia’s Ambassador to Kenya also condemned the act.