Tension flared today in Turkana town as Kenya National Service Police Officers (KNPS) clashed with the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).

The incident occurred mid-morning when two Kenya Police officers stationed at a roadblock in Lodwar allegedly delayed removing the barrier for an oncoming KDF water bowser.

According to a police incident report obtained by Kondele News, the delay angered the KDF officer driving the bowser.

“The officers delayed removing the erected spikes at the roadblock, causing the KDF water bowser to approach. The driver of the bowser got out and slapped one of the officers on his right cheek,” stated the report.

Another KDF officer exited the vehicle, seized a rifle from the Kenya Police Officer, and cocked it immediately.

“He grabbed his rifle, an AK47 assault rifle, and uttered the words ‘sisi tumeua alshabaab wengi, naweza kumaliza wewe sai.‘ He ordered Police Constable Cleophas to kneel, but he refused,” the statement further explained.

The report continued, “He fired four rounds of live ammunition just adjacent to where Pc Cleophas was standing. The KDF officer then informed Pc Cleophas that he would retrieve his rifle at Loturerei camp, their base. They departed towards Lodwar town.”

Feeling intimidated, PC Cleophas informed the sub-county commander, who swiftly summoned all KNPS officers to pursue the water bowser. The vehicle was later located at Moi Garden in Lodwar Town.

“KNPS officers from Lodwar Police station proceeded to Moi Garden to investigate. Upon arrival, three KDF officers were found seated, with the driver inside the water bowser. When ordered to surrender, the driver cocked his AK47 assault rifle. Officers responded by firing into the air, prompting the driver to surrender by exiting the water bowser, leaving his rifle inside,” the report stated.

Two AK47 assault rifles were recovered from the water bowser’s cabin.

The situation attracted significant attention, with locals gathering to observe.

“The KDF officers were asked to drive their water bowser to the station to establish what transpired. Their commander, wearing a sergeant’s badge, refused, leading to their arrest and escort to Lodwar Police station for further action,” the report detailed.

“The driver refused to hand over the ignition keys, leaving them at Moi Garden. Upon arrival at Lodwar Police station, a group of KDF officers, led by Lt D. Okello, arrived in a land cruiser and cordoned off the station. The Sub County Police Commander Turkana Central, Mr. Boit, intervened. Lt Okello instructed the KDF officers to return to their vehicle and calm the situation, as court proceedings were halted due to public interest,” it continued.

The arrested KDF officers refused to provide their identities and were booked as UNKNOWN, placed in police custody to be charged with the offense of robbery with violence.