After the football match between Kenya Police FC and Mogadishu City FC last weekend, the government has started inquiries into a video where individuals are seen desecrating the Kenyan national flag during the game.
The disturbing video that has gotten popular among the public shows one person taking the flag from a fan at Nyayo National Stadium and throwing it on the ground.
The action has elicited an uproar from the people who not only criticize the disrespect to the flag – a symbol of national unity – but also ask for the perpetrators to be arrested and prosecuted.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has been quick to offer his hand of support in finding the people involved. He stressed that the National Flag, Emblems and Names Act governs the handling of national symbols very strictly.
In addition, he asserted that whoever disrespects the flag in any way shall be held accountable as per the law.
“Besides, these small-scale hooligan activities are King cob-web to the extreme; they scrape the societal moral root and spoil the goodwill of football, which by being the universal friend, is supposed to reconcile contrary views rather than fuel up regional disputes,” Murkomen said.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja put the public at ease as he stated that the National Police Service is dealing with the case as a priority.
He affirmed that investigations are in progress and further assured that once they are complete, legal procedures will continue accordingly.
Mogadishu City FC was beaten by Kenya Police FC 3–1 in that contentious match, and the return leg will be played this weekend.