Nairobi, Kenya – Two Somali teenagers accused of desecrating the Kenyan flag have been released on bail after spending five days in police custody. The Milimani Children’s Court in Nairobi granted each of them a cash bail of KSh50,000, accompanied by two sureties — one of whom must be a Kenyan citizen.
Magistrate Rose Gitau, who presided over the case, stipulated that all release documents must be duly signed by the sureties to guarantee the minors’ compliance with court proceedings.
The teenagers were handed over to a Kenyan relative, Mohamed Ali, a Nairobi-based businessman, who has been tasked with ensuring they attend all future court appearances. The court further emphasized the responsibility placed on Ali and the sureties to monitor the teens’ conduct while out on bail.
The case, which sparked public debate on cross-border relations and respect for national symbols, is expected to proceed to full hearing in the coming weeks. Authorities have yet to disclose whether additional charges or rehabilitation measures will be pursued, given the minors’ age.
The incident highlights growing concerns around online provocation involving national emblems and the legal implications for underage offenders caught in politically sensitive acts.