The teenagers, aged 14 and 17, appeared before Principal Magistrate Rose Gitau at the Milimani Children’s Court but did not take a plea after the prosecution informed the court that age verification documents and a social inquiry report were still pending.
The court directed that the minors remain in custody until their ages and backgrounds are confirmed.
Court delays plea pending age assessment
Prosecutor Leah Ngatia asked the court to postpone the plea-taking process, citing the need for an official age assessment and a report from the Children’s Office in Eastleigh.
The prosecution told the court that the reports would help establish the teenagers’ family background, nationality, residence status, and other relevant details.
The prosecutor said holding the minors at a child protection facility would safeguard their welfare while investigations continue.
Defence opposes detention at youth facility
Defence lawyer Ishmael Nyaribo supported the decision to delay the plea but opposed holding the teenagers at Kamiti Youth Facility.
He argued that placing minors in an environment with adult offenders could negatively affect them.
The lawyer asked the court to consider releasing them to relatives or placing them in a facility suitable for children.
“These are children who need proper correction, not exposure to criminal influences,” Nyaribo told the court.
Court orders custody at Gigiri Child Protection Unit
Magistrate Rose Gitau directed that the teenagers remain at the Gigiri Child Protection Unit as the matter progresses.
The court also ordered that their passports remain in court custody.
The Children’s Office was directed to prepare a detailed report within four days addressing the teenagers’ age, family circumstances, nationality, and immigration status in Kenya.
The case will be mentioned again on October 2, when the teenagers are expected to take plea.
Arrests followed viral football match video
The arrests followed the circulation of a video showing an incident during the CAF Champions League match between Mogadishu City Club and Kenya Police FC on September 20.
The footage showed several fans allegedly mishandling the Kenyan flag during the match, leading to public outrage.
One individual was captured rubbing the flag against his body, while another person allegedly took the flag from a Kenya Police FC supporter before discarding it.
Government condemns flag incident
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen condemned the incident and called for those responsible to face legal action.
The Cabinet Secretary described the incident as unacceptable and directed authorities to arrest and prosecute individuals involved.
He also warned that foreign nationals found culpable could face deportation.
The court will determine the next steps after receiving the required reports and hearing the matter during the next mention date.
