Kenyan Police Officers Arrested in Tanzania

Two Kenyan police officers were arrested by Tanzanian authorities on Tuesday, January 6, after they crossed the Kenya–Tanzania border while chasing a suspect.

According to a report from Lungalunga Police Station in Kwale County, the officers are attached to Tononoka Police Station Crime Office. They were reportedly pursuing a suspect accused of obtaining goods by false pretence.

At the time of their arrest, the officers were found carrying two Ceska pistols, each loaded with 15 rounds of ammunition. Tanzanian security officers confiscated the firearms immediately.

Police reports indicate that the suspect managed to escape into Tanzania in an attempt to avoid arrest by Kenyan authorities. However, the Kenyan officers followed him across the border without informing or coordinating with Tanzanian security agencies, leading to their arrest.

Past Similar Incidents

This is not the first time Kenyan security officers have been arrested in neighbouring countries while carrying out investigations.

In May 2024, five detectives from Buruburu Sub-County were arrested in Tanzania after crossing the border at Tarakea while tracking a stolen vehicle. They were later released after diplomatic talks between the two countries.

Similar incidents have also been reported in the Lake Victoria region, where Kenyan and Ugandan security officers have clashed over control of fishing waters. In 2018, three Kenyan police officers and four fishermen were arrested by Ugandan forces near Usenga Beach, sparking protests from residents.

There have also been cases where Kenyan Coast Guard officers arrested Ugandan soldiers who were found operating inside Kenyan territory.

In another incident in 2023, four Kenyan police officers were attacked by a mob and later arrested by Tanzanian authorities after allegedly crossing the border illegally.