Officers from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) clashed with Kenya Police officers at the Likoni channel in Mombasa on Saturday, resulting in a viral video capturing the altercation.
The footage shows a KDF officer slapping a Kenya Ferry Service guard before turning his attention to a Kenya Police officer who attempted to intervene. The KDF officer, accompanied by armed colleagues, engaged in a physical altercation with the police officer, leading to a heated exchange.
The video also captured the reaction of onlookers, with an unidentified woman questioning the motives behind the altercation: “Why do you do that to us? We are all in the same job, why are you doing this to us?”
To which a nearby KDF officer replied: “Why is he charging his rifle? What is his intention?”
Reports indicate that two police officers sustained injuries during the clash.
The KDF responded to the incident by stating they were launching investigations into the “regrettable” matter.
“To establish the circumstances leading to the incident, Military Police and requisite investigation agencies are currently handling the matter,” stated KDF.
“The incident is highly regrettable. As KDF personnel, we are beholden to the core value of professionalism,”
Previous KDF and Police Officers Clash
This marks the second incident in less than a month where KDF officers have been involved in altercations with police officers. In a separate incident, KDF officers clashed with police officers at a roadblock in Lodwar. The incident involved a water bowser and began when the KDF officers delayed removing road spikes.
A KDF officer slapped a police officer and seized his rifle and threatened him saying, “Sisi tumeua alshabaab wengi, naweza kumaliza wewe sai.” ( We have killed many Al Shabaab millitia, and I can easily finish you right now.”)
The police seized the rifles and detained the uncooperative KDF officers. Subsequently, the KDF attempted a rescue at the Lodwar police station. However, the Kenya Defence Forces refuted allegations of their soldiers assaulting and raiding the station.
By Vivian K.