Saturday September 27, 2025
FILE - The Milimani Law Courts in Nairobi, Kenya
NAIROBI, Kenya (HOL) — A Nairobi court has ordered two Somali teenagers accused of desecrating the Kenyan flag during a football match to remain in custody until their ages and social backgrounds are verified.
Principal Magistrate Rose Gitau issued the ruling Thursday after prosecutors told the Milimani Children’s Court that the minors, aged 14 and 17, could not take a plea because their ages had not been confirmed. The Eastleigh Children’s Office also failed to file a required social inquiry report detailing their circumstances.
Prosecutor Leah Ngatia requested a deferment of the plea, arguing that the offence was serious and that detention in a secure facility would serve the teenagers’ best interests during investigations. “The plea should be deferred to allow an age assessment and social inquiry report to be filed before the matter proceeds,” Ngatia told the court.
Defence lawyer Ishmael Nyaribo supported the deferment but opposed placing the minors at Kamiti Youth Correctional Facility, warning that exposure to adult offenders would be harmful. “These are not children we can put in the line of criminality,” Nyaribo said. “While their actions were unacceptable, they must be corrected properly since they are still kids.”
The magistrate ordered that the minors remain at the Gigiri Child Protection Unit until the reports are submitted. Their passports will remain under court custody. The case will be mentioned again on October 2, when the court will decide whether they can take a plea.
The arrests followed a viral video shared on September 20 showing fans mishandling the Kenyan flag during a CAF Champions League match between Mogadishu City Club and Kenya Police FC at Nyayo National Stadium. In the footage, supporters were seen stepping on and tossing the flag, images that provoked public outrage and drew
apologies and condemnation from
senior officials. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen denounced the act as “regrettable,” directing police to arrest those involved and warning that any foreigners found culpable would be deported.
Desecrating a national flag is a punishable offence under Kenyan law, typically resulting in fines but can also include imprisonment.