By Eddah Waithaka
An attempt by Somalia’s government to calm tensions over the desecration of the Kenyan flag backfired spectacularly this week.
During the official apology, officials displayed the Kenyan flag upside down, a fresh blunder that compounded the initial insult.
The controversy began on September 20 when videos circulated online showing Somali fans kicking, trampling, and rubbing the Kenyan flag on their bodies.
The incident occurred during a CAF Champions League match between Kenya Police FC and Mogadishu City Club at Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium.In response to the outrage, Somalia’s government condemned the actions of what it called “a few individuals.”
In condemning the incident, the Somali government emphasized that the conduct of a few individuals was inconsistent with the principles of respect, friendship, and sovereignty that form the foundation of the bilateral relationship.
Somalia’s ambassador to Kenya, Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle, stated, “Let me state clearly that we regret and firmly condemn the action of a few individuals whose behavior overshadowed the remarkable performances of our two teams.”
He emphasized that the behavior did not reflect the respect and friendship between the two nations.However, the gesture of reconciliation quickly turned awkward.
During the ambassador’s apology, the Kenyan flag mounted behind him flew upside down, a signal of distress in international protocol. Kenyans on social media immediately spotted the gaffe, with many calling it a “second insult.”
“First, they disrespect the flag, then they apologize while putting it upside down. Is this really an apology?” one user posted.
Another asked, “What are they trying to show? Could the ambassador not recognize the mistake?”The flag mishap overshadowed an earlier apology from the Mogadishu City Club, which had already distanced itself from the fans’ actions.
The club had issued a statement “strongly” condemning the behavior, terming it “unacceptable,” and pledging support for disciplinary measures against those involved.
