Two Somali teenagers have been detained by the Milimani Children’s Court in Kenya pending a social inquiry report after being accused of desecrating the Kenyan flag during a football match at Nyayo Stadium.

• The minors, aged 14 and 17, will remain at the Gigiri Children’s Protection Unit until Wednesday for the report and plea taking.
• Prosecutors allege the teens are in Kenya illegally and committed charges of damaging a national symbol and causing a disturbance.
• The incident, captured in a viral video on September 20, led to a public uproar, an apology from Mogadishu City Club, and condemnation from Somalia’s Ambassador to Kenya, Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle.

Two teenagers were arrested in Nairobi, Kenya, for allegedly desecrating the Kenyan flag after a football match between Kenya Police FC and Mogadishu FC. The incident, captured on viral video, has sparked debate regarding the legal handling of minors.

• The minors are aged 17 and 14 years old.
• The incident occurred on Saturday, September 20, and arrests were made on Thursday, September 25.
• Kenyan law stipulates that disrespecting national symbols can lead to fines up to Ksh5,000 and/or imprisonment for up to six months.
• The Children Act, 2022 states that children aged 14 to 17 years can be held criminally liable, but their best interests must be the primary consideration, and detention should be a last resort.
• Arrested minors are entitled to rights including legal representation and should not be held with adults.

Two teenagers, aged 17 and 14, appeared before the Milimani Children's Court for allegedly desecrating the Kenyan national flag during a CAF Champions League match in Nairobi. This incident sparked discussion on how Kenyan law treats minors accused of crimes, emphasizing rehabilitation over punishment.

• The 14 and 17-year-olds fall within the age bracket where criminal charges can be sustained.
• Minors are tried in specialized Children's Courts, with strict privacy rules prohibiting the publication of identifying details, and are entitled to legal representation, including state-funded lawyers for those under 16.
• The National Flag, Emblems and Names Act (Cap 99), under which they may be charged, carries a fine not exceeding Sh5,000 or imprisonment for up to six months, or both, but requires the written consent of the Attorney-General for prosecution.