Outraged as Mogadishu Supporters Desecrate Kenya National Flag During CAF Clash
A fiery CAF Champions League match between Kenya Police FC and Mogadishu City FC has sparked anger among Kenyans after videos surfaced showing Somali fans stepping on and kicking the Kenyan flag at Nyayo Stadium.
The Saturday night game ended 3-1 in favour of Kenya Police but the win was quickly overshadowed by the disturbing scenes in the stands. Footage circulating online shows a group of Mogadishu supporters desecrating the national flag, an act many Kenyans have described as deliberate disrespect.
The incident has caused outrage both at the stadium and on social media.
“The flag of Kenya is being mocked, shredded, misused and abused by Mogadishu FC fans at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi. When did we get here?” one angry fan asked. Another commented: “This is bad manners and disrespect to our country. Mogadishu FC fans not only fought at Nyayo Stadium but also had the guts to snatch a Kenyan flag and throw it on the ground. They’re lucky I wasn’t close. I hope this person has been deported back to Somalia.”
While many demanded punishment for those involved, some Kenyans cautioned against generalising the behaviour to the entire Somali community.
“Hawa ni wale mafala wanataka kuharibia community jina juu ya likes za social media. Not all were like that, but this one deserves a ban,” another fan noted.
Mogadishu City FC had earlier enjoyed massive support from the Somali community in Kenya after staging a big promotional campaign to rally support ahead of the match. But what was meant to be a celebration of sporting unity instead turned into a diplomatic embarrassment.
The return leg is on Sunday at Nyayo National Stadium and authorities are expected to tighten security to prevent a repeat of the ugly scenes. Both the match and fan conduct are under the spotlight.
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Outraged as Mogadishu Supporters Desecrate Kenya National Flag During CAF Clash