KDF, police reach truce after Likoni channel face-off

“We agreed on mutual respect, multi-agency cooperation and open communication to avoid a repeat."

In Summary
  • A video emerged on Sunday showing a group of KDF officers engaging in a scuffle with police officers and private security guards at Likoni crossing channel.
  • KDF confirmed the incident happened on Saturday evening and said that investigations had been launched to establish the reason behind the altercation.

Officers from the Kenya Defense Forces and the National Police Services have resolved their differences following an altercation at the Kenya Ferry Service crossing channel over the weekend.

A police officer and a KDF soldier shake hands after burying the hatchet following an ugly face-off over the weekend at the Likoni crossing channel in Mombasa, April 29, 2024.
A police officer and a KDF soldier shake hands after burying the hatchet following an ugly face-off over the weekend at the Likoni crossing channel in Mombasa, April 29, 2024.
Image: CHARLES MGHENYI

Officers from the Kenya Defense Forces and the National Police Services have resolved their differences following an altercation at the Kenya Ferry Service crossing channel over the weekend.

An amateur video emerged on social media Sunday showing a group of KDF special forces officers engaging in a scuffle with police officers and private security guards at the channel used to access ferry services.

KDF confirmed the incident happened on Saturday evening and said that investigations had been launched to establish the reason behind the altercation.

On Monday afternoon, a reconciliation meeting between KDF, National Police, private security guards and the Kenya Ferry Services and Kenya Ports Authority officials was held at the Likoni crossing channel.

The meeting was attended by Kenya Navy Base Commander Lt Col John Mutabari, Likoni Deputy County Commissioner Mwangi Wambugu, Likoni OCPD Geofrey Ruheni and KPA Manager Security Services Tony Kibwana.

Others were KFS operations manager and the entire Likoni Security and Intelligence Committee.

“We agreed on mutual respect, multi-agency cooperation and open communication channels to avoid a repeat of a similar incident,” said a senior officer who attended the meeting.

On Sunday, KDF said in a statement that the incident was highly regrettable.

“To establish the circumstances leading to the incident, Military Police and requisite investigation agencies are currently handling the matter. The incident is highly regrettable. As KDF personnel, we are beholden to the core value of professionalism,” the statement said.

The team take a group photo after resolving their differences following an altercation between KDF soldiers, police officers and private security guards at the Likoni crossing channel on Saturday.
The team take a group photo after resolving their differences following an altercation between KDF soldiers, police officers and private security guards at the Likoni crossing channel on Saturday.
Image: CHARLES MGHENYI
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