In response to recent violent clashes between the military and police forces, Defence Forces Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and Interior Ministry Cabinet Secretary Prof. Kithure Kindiki have urged the conflicting security personnel to work in harmony. The CSs emphasized the importance of comradeship and cooperation between the two security formations, calling for an end to the confrontations.
Both officials broke their silence on the matter, stressing that unity and mutual respect are crucial for maintaining national security and ensuring effective law enforcement. They reiterated the need for both the military and police to collaborate and support each other in their respective roles to safeguard the country.
security framework, we are comrades, we are partners, we are brothers and sisters. I call upon all of you that we have one mandate provided in the constitution to protect and defend the country and the citizens and to provide security and stability for social economic development to be attained,
“So we want to ask each and every member of the security organs; the Kenya Defence Forces, the National Security Intelligence, the Kenya Police Service and al the formations below them that at all times, let our focus be that of comradeship, uniting the country and defending the citizenry and their property and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our nation,” stated Duale.
The recent incidents of Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officers assaulting National Police Service (NPS) personnel have sparked significant public debate and concern, leading to the Senate Committee on National Security, Defence, and Foreign Relations announcing an investigation into these confrontations. The most recent altercation occurred in Mombasa, following similar incidents in Nairobi and other areas.
Senator Samson Cherargei raised these security concerns, noting three notable incidents that have drawn public attention in recent months. One incident at the Likoni Ferry, widely shared on social media, showed a confrontation between KDF and police officers. Another involved the arrest of KDF personnel, and a third incident in Nairobi saw KDF officers roughing up police officers.
In response, Senator Cherargei called on the Senate committee to produce a comprehensive report detailing the causes of these confrontations and the disciplinary actions taken against the involved officers. This report aims to identify the root causes of the tensions between the NPS and KDF and to recommend measures to foster better cooperation and prevent future conflicts.
Both Defence Forces Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and Interior Ministry Cabinet Secretary Prof. Kithure Kindiki have emphasized the need for unity and mutual respect between the two security formations, urging them to display comradeship and work together to ensure national security and effective law enforcement.
“The committee should assess the level of risk the confrontation pause to the public and state disciplinary actions taken against the officers,” he stated.
Following the move by Cherargei, Deputy Speaker Kathuri Murungi referred the matter to the committee.
Last month alone, at least three incidents were reported where the soldiers and police clashed.
First, there was an incident at Lodwar Police Station where officers arrested KDF soldiers who had allegedly slapped and disarmed their colleague at a roadblock for delaying the removal of spikes on the road. However, KDF said their attention was drawn from videos, photos, and texts circulating on both mainstream and social media on the arrest of KDF soldiers on Wednesday, April 17, 2024.
“Notably, it has so far been established that; KDF soldiers neither, “assaulted” police officers nor, “stormed” the station as alleged,” KDF said in a statement.
“The orchestration of the detainment is demeaning in context, intended to embarrass, humiliate, and create alarm. The incident, though localized and occurring at a tactical level, is of great concern to the entire KDF fraternity. It also degrades the complementary spirit in Multi-Agency environments and operations,” KDF said.
Then there was a confrontation between Kenya Navy soldiers and police officers manning the Likoni Ferry channel.
It was reported that the scuffle ensued when the said KDF soldiers arrived at the Likoni channel and blocked it with their tactical military land cruiser, demanding to be given priority to board the ferry.
In a video that went viral, a KDF officer is seen slapping a Kenya Ferry Service guard.
He then walks towards a Kenya Police officer who tried to intervene, flanked by colleagues all carrying guns.
In the latest incident this month, two police officers from Spring Valley Police Station in Westlands were assaulted by KDF officers during a routine patrol near Waiyaki Way.
The incident is said to have ensued when the police identified a suspicious character riding on a motorcycle in the wee hours of Saturday morning.
The officers trailed the suspect along Kitisuru Road to Waiyaki Way and managed to intercept him near Red Hill/Waiyaki Way roundabout.
While they were still interrogating the suspect, three military personnel manning Kabete Barracks approached the roundabout and demanded that the suspect be released.
The two cops introduced themselves and stated the reasons for stopping the suspect but their request was not heeded as the KDF officers assaulted one of the officers. He sustained injuries on the right leg below the knee.
Following the altercation, military officers came in large numbers as backup and overpowered the two officers, rescuing the suspect in the process.
And speaking during the handover of Sh 1.2 billion Wanini Keriri Magereza Hospital to the management of Ruiru Prisons Training College in Ruiru, Kiambu County on Saturday, the two CSs stated that while the roles of the military and police are different, their mandate – that of securing Kenya from internal and external threats is the same.
“When I see the collaborative arrangements in terms of programs and projects, I am a very happy minister. The government continues to invest in facilitating our security personnel. All our national security organs and agencies exist for one purpose and therefore our mandate is one, we are a one united formation. It is important for this collaboration to continue,” said CS Kindiki.
The modern level 4 hospital was constructed by KDF and is expected to enhance access to quality medical care services to uniformed officers.
The 150-bed capacity facility has two major theatres, two ICU beds, a maternity wing and dental care unit will also be serving Ruiru residents on referral basis.
The two CSs emphasized that the government was committed to ensure uniformed officers get the best quality medical services to enable them offer the best security services for social-economic development of the country.
“This project is a testament of the Kenya Kwanza government’s commitment in ensuring quality healthcare services,” said Duale.
On his part, Kindiki emphasized the need for maintenance of government facilities, noting that regrettably many such buildings and equipment were in a state of neglect and dilapidation.
Speaking at the occasion, Ruiru MP Simon King’ara said the facility will decongest Ruiru level 4 hospital that is always crowded owing to the populous nature of the constituency.
“We thank the government for opening the new health facility and we are happy that the two ministers have pledged to offer medical services to the neighbouring community,” said the MP.
He added that his office will continue partnering with the Prison Staff Training College and the Ruiru correctional facility to uplift standards of living for locals.
