KDF breaks silence after soldiers, police scuffle in Likoni

The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) have released a statement addressing the altercation between its soldiers and those from the Kenya Police Service in Likoni.

The incident, captured in videos shared on social media, shows a scuffle at the Likoni Ferry terminal where two police officers and security guards are reported to be injured.

KDF investigations

The KDF's statement acknowledged the scuffle and indicated that Military Police and other relevant investigation agencies are examining the incident to determine what led to the confrontation.

Happened at Likoni Ferry.
Kenya Police Vs KDF Rangers.
Imagine Common citizens were forced to Cheap in & Mediate.
Where are we heading as a country?pic.twitter.com/sMqeJkQzBd— Omwamba 🇰🇪 (@omwambaKE) April 27, 2024

"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 announced in a statement.

KDF expressed regret over the incident, emphasizing that the force is known for its professionalism.

"The incident is highly regrettable. As KDF personnel, we are beholden to the core value of professionalism," the statement concluded.

This development comes just 11 days after another incident involving KDF and police officers in Lodwar town, Turkana County.

Reports indicated that four KDF soldiers were arrested following an altercation with National Police Service personnel.

However, KDF denied the involvement of its officers in the altercation, dismissing the circulating videos and photos as attempts to "embarrass, humiliate, and create alarm."

According to a police report, the four soldiers had disarmed Police Constable Cleophas Makhapila at a roadblock near Turkana University College, slapped him, and demanded that he kneel.

When he refused, one of the soldiers reportedly fired several shots into the air. The officer was ordered to retrieve his firearm at the Loturerei army camp in Kanam Kemer Ward.

KDF vs police

He then alerted his superiors, leading to an effort to track down the soldiers, who were eventually found at Moi Garden, where they were detained at Lodwar Police Station.

Further complications arose when additional soldiers arrived at the police station, attempting to coerce police officers into releasing their detained colleagues.

This prompted officials of the Sub-County Security Committee to intervene, engaging with KDF bosses to resolve the situation.

The two incidents have drawn public scrutiny and raised questions about the interactions between military and police personnel.