Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has warned that anyone disrespecting Kenya’s national symbols will face the full force of the law.
His remarks came after videos emerged online showing fans trampling and kicking the Kenyan flag during a CAF Champions League match between Kenya Police FC and Mogadishu City FC last Saturday. Police won the match 3-1.
“When you joke with our symbols of national unity and pride, you have overstayed your welcome,” Murkomen said during the Jukwaa La Usalama forum in Wajir on Tuesday.
The CS reminded Kenyans that the National Flag, Emblems and Names Act criminalises the misuse of the flag and other national symbols.
“Many people do not know that there is such a law. I urge the Inspector General of Police to ensure it is enforced,” he added.
Inspector General Douglas Kanja confirmed that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is already pursuing suspects.
“This matter is extremely serious. I have directed the DCI to move with speed and arrest those responsible. Our flag must be respected,” he said.
While in Wajir, Murkomen also reviewed ongoing reforms in civil registration.
He noted a sharp increase in the number of residents receiving Identification Cards since the government scrapped the controversial vetting process for border counties.
“Last year, 11,000 residents got IDs. This year alone, 27,000 have been issued. It shows just how much discrimination had locked people out,” he said.
The government has also abolished fees for first-time ID applicants and authentication charges for birth certificates used in passport applications.
Civil registration services are now available in five of Wajir’s six constituencies, with the final registry set to open before the end of the year.
Wajir, one of the largest counties in Kenya, has long been seen as a hub for livestock trade and regional commerce.
Officials credited ongoing collaboration between security agencies and communities for the relative calm in the region.
Murkomen was accompanied by senior security chiefs, including Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, Deputy Inspector General of the Administration Police Service Gilbert Masengeli, Director of Criminal Investigations Mohamed Amin, General Service Unit Commandant Ranson Lolmodooni, North Eastern Regional Commissioner John Otieno, and other top officials.
