A Nairobi court has declined to release two Somali teenagers accused of desecrating the Kenyan flag at Nyayo Stadium, ordering that they remain in protective custody until a social inquiry into their case is completed.
Senior Resident Magistrate Rose Gitau on Friday directed that the boys, aged 14 and 17, be placed at the Gigiri Children’s Protection Unit, saying only their biological parents could be considered for custody at this stage.
Relatives who sought to take them in were turned down.
The minors, who are also accused of being in Kenya unlawfully, damaging a national symbol, and causing disturbance, did not take a plea during Wednesday’s session.
The magistrate instructed that a social inquiry report be presented before their next court appearance scheduled for next week.
The case stems from an incident on September 20 during a Confederation of African Football (CAF) Champions League fixture between Somalia’s Mogadishu FC and Kenya Police FC at Nyayo Stadium.
After the match, the two boys were captured on video desecrating the Kenyan flag, stepping on it and engaging in other indecent acts.
Clips of the incident quickly spread on social media, sparking outrage among Kenyans. Many demanded stern action against the culprits, while others questioned how minors accused of such acts should be handled under the law.
The viral videos and subsequent arrests have ignited debate on the protection of national symbols and the treatment of children in conflict with the law, with the matter now awaiting further direction when the teenagers return to court next Wednesday, October 1, 2025.