Somali champions Mogadishu City Club (MCC) have issued a formal apology to the Government and people of Kenya after a group of their fans were captured on video disrespecting the Kenyan national flag during a CAF Champions League match against Kenya Police FC.
The incident occurred on September 20, 2025, during the first leg of the preliminary round tie played at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, where Mogadishu City Club had opted to stage its “home” fixture. Videos that quickly went viral on social media showed a few supporters stepping on and tossing the Kenyan flag, sparking outrage among Kenyans and igniting debate about respect and sportsmanship in regional football.
The match itself ended 3–1 in favour of Kenya Police FC, with goals from Erick Zakayo, Edward Omondi and David Simiyu putting the visitors in control ahead of the second leg.
In a strongly worded statement, Mogadishu City Club condemned the actions of the fans involved, distancing the club from the behaviour.
“On behalf of Mogadishu City Club, we strongly condemn this act and extend our deepest apologies to the Government and People of Kenya,” the club said. “Such behaviour has no place in football or in the spirit of friendship and sportsmanship that this competition represents.”
The club added that it fully supports any appropriate action Kenyan authorities may take against those responsible and urged its supporters, especially the younger generation, to show respect for all nations, their flags and their people.
“Football is a game of unity, love, and mutual respect,” the statement concluded.
Kenya’s National Flag, Emblems and Names Act (Cap. 99) makes it an offence to demean or misuse the national flag, with penalties including a fine of up to KSh5,000, imprisonment for six months, or both. Legal experts have noted that this provision could apply to those involved in the incident.
The footage provoked widespread condemnation online, with many Kenyans calling for accountability while others warned against generalising the actions of a few fans to the wider Somali community. The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and CAF are also expected to keep a close watch, with potential disciplinary action not ruled out.
Mogadishu City Club, which won the Somali First Division title last season, is no stranger to playing its continental matches outside Somalia due to infrastructure and security challenges at home. Nairobi has often served as a convenient venue for Somali teams competing in regional tournaments.
The club now faces a daunting task on the pitch, as Kenya Police FC head into the return leg—scheduled for September 28 at the same venue—with a strong advantage. But for many observers, the biggest test will be off the field: ensuring that fans conduct themselves with dignity and that football continues to be a platform for unity rather than division.
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