A diplomatic incident has unfolded after Somalia’s Ambassador to Kenya, Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle, issued a public apology for the desecration of the Kenyan flag by fans of Mogadishu City FC during a CAF Champions League match.
The apology, intended to mend relations, was overshadowed when eagle-eyed netizens noticed that the Kenyan flag displayed at the press conference was inverted.
The incident occurred on September 21, 2025, when two fans were filmed stepping on and kicking the Kenyan flag at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi.
The footage quickly went viral, sparking outrage among Kenyans and prompting the Somali ambassador to condemn the actions and emphasize that they did not reflect the values of Somalia-Kenya relations.
However, the apology itself became a point of contention. Observers pointed out that the upside-down display of the Kenyan flag during the press conference was a serious oversight, further fueling criticism.
Nairobi County’s Environment Chief Officer, Geoffrey Mosiria, condemned the act, stating that it raised serious concerns about respect for the national symbol.
The incident has underscored the sensitivities surrounding national symbols and the importance of cultural awareness in diplomatic engagements.
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