KDF soldier arrested for beating police officers in Kilifi

On April 27, 2024, in Rabai, Kilifi County, a member of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) was apprehended for reportedly attacking police officers and aiding a suspect’s escape from custody.

The altercation took place at the Bondora Police Post in Rabai Sub County, as per the police report.

“The said KDF soldier assaulted police officer William Omondi by twisting his right hand at the wrist joint and punching him at the chest with his fist.

“They further broke the steel door and window pane to the report office letting the suspect to escape from there in.

“They turned to the complainant of the assault case who was also present, strangled and beat him at the report office,” read part of the police report.

However, additional officers arrived and successfully apprehended the pair, placing them in custody. The incident was relayed by Chief Inspector Christine Madiah, the OCS of Kambe Ribe police station.

Madiah recounted that while her team was in the Magao area near the Bondora police post, approximately 3 kilometers south of it, they faced an assault from a KDF soldier named George Lenga. This altercation occurred subsequent to the apprehension of Tyson Shabaki, who was accused of assault.

According to Madiah’s statement, the assault on her officers happened following an agreement with the suspect’s family to present him at the post at 09:09 hours, which they did.

However, at the police post, George Lenga, the KDF soldier who is related to the suspect, along with his uncle Edwin Lenga, who works at the Coast Water Development Authority, obstructed the police officers from placing the suspect in custody.

Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Rabai office visited the scene and launched investigations into the case.

A similar incident was reported in Mombasa on April 27, when Kenya Navy officers assaulted police officers and a private security guard.

“A military tactical land cruiser approached from town and blocked the exit lane and  Navy officers jumped out of the vehicle and started assaulting the security guard who sort for assistance from the police who were providing security at the lock up.

“Police officers tried to intervene but they were also assaulted. Police officers Emmanuel Chigunda, and Anwar Hassan and one security guard by the name Wilson Obege sustained injuries as a result of the attack,” police noted in a report.

SOURCE: NEWS AGENCIES