Coast

Probe launched after altercation between KDF, police officers at Likoni Ferry

A screengrab showing the altervation between Kenya Defence Forces and Police officers at the Likoni Ferry, Mombasa.

By Farhiya Hussein | Sunday, April 28, 2024

Two incidents occurred in the coastal region, where KDF officers attacked police in Kilifi and Mombasa counties.

An investigation has been launched after an altercation took place on Saturday evening at the Likoni Ferry involving Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) soldiers and police engaging in a physical fight at the crossing point.

The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) released a statement after clashes between its personnel and the police officers.

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Two incidents occurred in the coastal region, where KDF officers attacked police in Kilifi and Mombasa counties.

In the Kilifi incident, a military officer entered a police station, assaulted officers, and released a prisoner.

In another incident in Mombasa, KDF soldiers were filmed attacking police officers and security guards.

“This evening at the Likoni Ferry, KDF soldiers were involved in a scuffle that has been circulated through various social media mediums. To establish the circumstances leading to the incident, Military Police and requisite investigation agencies are currently handling the matter,” KDF stated.

KDF noted the incident as highly regrettable.

“As KDF personnel, we are beholden to the core value of professionalism,” it said.

During the Likoni Ferry incident, five active-duty servicemen were observed assaulting police officers and security personnel stationed at Likoni Ferry on the island side.

Demanded release of suspect

In another incident, in Rabai Sub-county, Kilifi County, police at Kambe Ribe Police Station detained a suspect for assault. Following the arrest, a relative of the suspect, a KDF officer stationed in Garissa, arrived at the station and demanded the suspect's release.

According to a police statement, the KDF officer physically attacked a police officer, forcibly freeing the suspect by breaking through a steel door and window pane in the report office.

“The KDF officer assaulted a police officer by twisting his right hand at the wrist joint and punching him in the chest with his fist. They further broke the steel door and window pane to the report office letting the suspect escape from there,” a police statement read.

“They turned to the complainant of the assault case who was also present, strangled and beat him at the report office.”

Last month, Lodwar Police Station authorities apprehended KDF soldiers who assaulted and disarmed a fellow soldier at a checkpoint for failing to promptly remove road spikes.

According to a police statement, the KDF personnel were traveling in a water bowser when the incident occurred.