The desecration of our flag started long before the stadium incident

Youth during Gen Z protests in Nairobi. When youth carried the national flag to Parliament in the June and July protests, they were affirming their belonging to the republic.[File, Standard]

National symbols do not lose their sanctity in an instant. They erode when those entrusted with their defence betray their meaning. Therefore, the uproar over Somali youngsters allegedly desecrating Kenya’s flag rings hollow.

To be honest, the desecration of our national flag did not begin last week. It began the day Gen Z youth, draped in the same flag, were gunned down in front of Parliament by police officers acting under the authority of the state.