Kenyan police officers arrested in Tanzania
Two police officers were on January 6 arrested by Tanzanian authorities after crossing the border in pursuit of a suspect
Two police officers were on January 6 arrested by Tanzanian authorities after crossing the border in pursuit of a suspect accused of obtaining items by false pretence.
According to a police report from Lungalunga Police Station in Kwale County, the officers were attached to the Tononoka Police Station Crime Office.
At the time of their arrest, they were found in possession of two Ceska pistols, each loaded with 15 rounds of ammunition. The firearms were confiscated by Tanzanian authorities.
The arrest was linked to an alleged cross-border pursuit of a suspect, who eventually made it to Tanzania to allegedly evade Kenyan authorities.
However, the Kenyan law enforcers found themselves in trouble with Tanzanian authorities since the pursuit was conducted without coordination with security agencies from the neighbouring country.
Also with the two Kenyan police officers was a driver from the coast development authority who was driving the vehicle used during the operation. He was also detained.
In the recent past, authorities in the neighbouring countries have been in conflict with Kenya, albeit for different reasons. As recently as in May 2024, five detectives from Buruburu Sub-County were detained by Tanzanian authorities after crossing into Tanzania at Tarakea while tracking a motor vehicle theft syndicate. They were later released following diplomatic engagement.
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In the Lake Victoria region, feuds involving Kenyan and Ugandan security personnel have also occurred repeatedly, with the feud mainly stemming from desire for control over the Lake Victoria waters.
One such case occurred in 2018, where three Kenyan police officers and four fishermen were arrested by Ugandan security officers near Usenga Beach on Lake Victoria, prompting demonstrations by local residents over repeated detentions.
There have also been instances where Kenyan Coast Guard officers arrested Ugandan soldiers operating within Kenyan territory.
Separately, in 2023, four Kenyan police officers were attacked by a mob and later arrested by Tanzanian authorities for allegedly crossing the border illegally.
Common factors cited in such arrests have included unauthorised cross-border pursuit of suspects without prior notification to host security agencies, illegal presence resulting from crossing porous or unmarked borders, and jurisdictional misunderstandings arising from differing border enforcement procedures between neighbouring states.
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