Mogadishu City Club of Somalia has issued an apology after a section of its supporters were seen kicking the Kenyan flag during their CAF Champions League first-leg clash against Kenya Police FC at Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday, September 20, 2025.
The disrespectful incident has drawn widespread outrage in Kenya, with calls for stern action against those involved. In a statement dated Wednesday, September 24, 2025, the Somali club distanced itself from the behaviour and expressed regret.
“During the CAF Champions League first-leg match between Mogadishu City Club and Kenya Police FC, an unfortunate incident occurred in which a few young fans were seen kicking the Kenyan national flag,” the statement said in part.
”On behalf of the Mogadishu City Club, we strongly condemn this act and extend our deepest apologies to the Government and People of Kenya. Such behaviour has no place in football or in the spirit of friendship and sportsmanship that this competition represents,” the statement added.
The club, which will face Kenya Police on Sunday, September 28, 2025, at the same venue in the return leg of the first preliminary round of the CAF Champions League qualifier, has promised to support relevant authorities in taking action against those involved in the act. It also asked its young supporters to respect countries and their national symbols.
”We fully support any appropriate action by the Kenyan authorities against those involved, and we urge our fans—especially the younger generation—to always respect all nations, their flags, and their people. Football is a game of unity, love, and mutual respect, and we call on all supporters to uphold these values and promote peace and harmony in our communities.” Mogadishu City Club said.
On September 20, a video went viral showing two Mogadishu City FC supporters kicking and trampling on the Kenyan flag.
In a separate clip, another fan wearing a traditional Somali wrap is seen approaching a Kenya Police FC supporter, snatching away a Kenyan flag and throwing it to the ground.
Kenya’s National Flag, Emblems and Names Act (Cap. 99) provides legal protection for the national flag against acts of disrespect.
The law, however, makes it an offence to demean or misuse the flag or other state emblems.
Anyone found guilty can face a fine of up to Sh5,000, a jail term of six months, or both.
In the match, Kenya Police scored three goals through Eric Zakayo, Edward Omondi and David Simiyu to seal a 3–1 victory.
Mogadishu City FC and Kenya Police FC are set to clash again this Sunday at Nyayo National Stadium in the return leg, with focus now expected to be as much on fan behaviour as on events on the pitch.
