Somali Ambassador to Kenya Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle faced a firestorm of criticism after a diplomatic blunder marred his attempt to mend ties following a flag desecration incident. During a press conference in Nairobi, Abdulle aimed to apologise for Somali youths caught on video disrespecting the Kenyan flag at a CAF Confederation Cup match between Kenya Police FC and Mogadishu City Club on September 20.
The ambassador’s gesture, meant to foster peace, backfired when the Kenyan flag was displayed upside down behind him, igniting widespread outrage among Kenyans. The initial incident occurred at Nyayo Stadium, where Kenya Police FC secured a 3-1 victory over Mogadishu City Club.
Post-match videos showed two Somali fans stomping on, kicking, and mocking the Kenyan flag, with one rubbing it against his body. The clips, which went viral on social platforms, sparked fury among Kenyans, who viewed the acts as a direct affront to national pride.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen condemned the behaviour, citing the National Flags, Emblems, and Names Act, which prohibits disrespecting national symbols and carries penalties of up to Sh5,000 or six months in jail.
The purpose of Abdulle’s press conference was to calm the anger. Mogadishu City Club officials flanked him as he denounced the fans’ actions as “regrettable” and unreflective of Somalia’s respect for Kenya.
“We firmly condemn the behaviour of a few individuals that overshadowed the remarkable performances of both teams,” he said, pledging that Somali authorities were investigating.
Yet, the upside-down Kenyan flag during his address turned the apology into a diplomatic blunder, perceived by many as a second insult. Social media erupted, with users calling it “a mockery of our sovereignty.”
Kenyans expressed frustration online, with some demanding Abdulle’s recall. “How do you apologise for disrespecting our flag while displaying it upside down?” posted netizen.
Others, like @MohamedAbdikheyr, urged restraint, arguing the error was unintentional and not representative of Somali sentiment. The incident follows a history of strained Kenya-Somalia relations, including disputes over Jubaland and airspace violations, as seen in a January 2025 diplomatic row when Somalia summoned Kenya’s ambassador over an unauthorised flight.
Murkomen reiterated the government’s stance, ordering the arrest and prosecution of the culprits, with possible deportation for non-Kenyans. By September 25, two teenagers, aged 14 and 17, were arrested by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) for the flag desecration.
DCI boss Mohamed Amin confirmed ongoing efforts to apprehend others involved. Mogadishu City Club also issued an apology, condemning the fans’ actions as “unacceptable” and supporting Kenya’s legal measures.
The flag blunder has cast a shadow over Abdulle’s reconciliation efforts, raising questions about diplomatic sensitivity at a time when Kenya and Somalia navigate fragile ties. With the second leg of the CAF match set for September 28 at Nyayo Stadium, authorities are bracing for heightened tensions, urging fans to uphold unity and respect.