KDF vows action against soldiers caught on video assaulting police officers in Likoni

The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) has launched a probe into a disconcerting incident where its soldiers assaulted Kenya Police officers at the Likoni ferry channel in Mombasa.

A troop of over five KDF soldiers were captured in a viral video engaging in a scuffle with Kenya Police officers which escalated into a brawl. The KDF officers are seen beating a police officer as the latter’s colleagues try to intervene.

A lady recording the video is heard pleading with the officers to simmer down asking them: "What is wrong? Why are you hitting him? Why are you doing this to us… this is too much. It is not right, leave him alone."

A nearby KDF officer replies: "Why is he charging his rifle? What is his intention?"

KDF says it is probing the incident which has elicited condemnation from the public, vowing to bring those found culpable to book.

“To establish the circumstances leading to the incident, Military Police and requisite investigation agencies are currently handling the matter," read a statement issued on Saturday evening.

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

The incident came just a week after four KDF soldiers were arrested in Lodwar after a bitter confrontation with police officers for arresting four of their colleagues.

The KDF officers reportedly stormed Lodwar Police Station demanding the release of the quartet who had earlier been arrested for allegedly disarming and assaulting a police officer manning a roadblock near Turkana University College.

They are said to have slapped the officer and ordered him to go down on his knees before one of the soldiers shot severally in the air after the officer refused to kneel before them.

The soldiers, who were at the time riding in a water bowser towards Moi Garden, then ordered the officer to collect his firearm at the Loturerei army camp in Kanam Kemer Ward.