In recent times, the topic of KDF vs. Kenya Police has been making headlines, raising concerns about the relationship between these key security forces in Kenya. The tensions between the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and the Kenya Police culminated in a physical altercation at the Likoni Ferry in Mombasa, which was captured in a now-viral video.
The Incident: A Breakdown
The incident involving the KDF assault Kenya police took place on the evening of April 27, 2024. A group of KDF special operations brigade officers heading to the Kenya Navy Mtongwe base found themselves embroiled in a scuffle with police officers at the Likoni Ferry Island.
Triggering the Scuffle
The altercation was reportedly ignited when the KDF soldiers assaulted a private security guard at the Likoni Ferry. This aggression caught the attention of the present police officers, who then intervened to diffuse the situation. However, the KDF officers redirected their rage towards the police officer, leading to an escalation of the incident.
Public Reaction
The video of KDF attacking Kenya police quickly spread across social media platforms, sparking public outrage. The video showed the KDF soldiers assaulting the police officers, despite the latter’s attempts to intervene. The public’s reaction to this incident was largely of shock and disapproval, with many calling for disciplinary action against the involved KDF soldiers.
Response from the Kenya Defence Forces
The KDF, in response to the scuffle, issued a statement acknowledging the physical altercation. The statement indicated that the Military Police and other relevant investigative agencies are currently examining the incident to determine the circumstances that led to the confrontation. The KDF expressed regret over the incident, emphasizing that the force is known for its adherence to the core value of professionalism.
Previous Instances of KDF-Police Altercations
This incident was not the first case of KDF vs. Kenya Police. A similar drama unfolded between the KDF and police officers in Turkana County just a few days prior. In this event, four KDF soldiers were reportedly arrested following a confrontation with National Police Service personnel.
The Lodwar Incident
The incident in Lodwar took place on April 17, 2024. A group of KDF soldiers demanded that a police officer manning a roadblock near Turkana University College remove the roadblock to allow their water truck to pass. The delay in complying with the soldiers’ demands led to a physical assault on the police officer and the seizure of his firearm.
The Aftermath
Following this incident, more KDF soldiers arrived at the Lodwar Police Station, attempting to coerce the police officers into releasing their detained colleagues. The situation was eventually resolved with the intervention of the Sub-County Security Committee and the engagement of the KDF bosses.
Public Outcry and Concerns
The recent incidents involving KDF vs. Kenya Police have drawn public scrutiny and raised concerns about the interaction between these two pivotal security forces in Kenya. Public opinion is largely dominated by calls for disciplinary action against the KDF officers involved in the altercations.
Impact on Public Trust
Such incidents have the potential to erode public trust in Kenya’s security forces. The violent confrontations are seen as a breach of professionalism, a value that both the KDF and Kenya Police are expected to uphold.
Need for Proper Investigation and Action
There have been widespread calls for a thorough investigation into these incidents and appropriate action against the officers found culpable. The public expects that such investigations will be carried out impartially, without any favor towards the KDF or Kenya Police.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the recent KDF vs. Kenya Police altercations have raised serious concerns about the relationship between these two key security forces in Kenya. Investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances leading to these incidents. The public is eagerly awaiting the outcomes of these investigations, hoping that they will shed light on the tensions between the KDF and Kenya Police and pave the way for effective collaboration between these two forces in the future.