A dramatic scene played out in Busia on Thursday when Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officers arrested two Ugandan soldiers accused of harassing Kenyan fishermen. Locals gathered to watch the action unfold, relieved that justice was finally being served.
The two Ugandan officers, identified as Sergeant Richard Amrie and Sergeant Michael Busola from the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), were caught at Sumba Island in Port Victoria.
Witnesses said the officers had already detained several Kenyan fishermen and were preparing to take them to Uganda before KDF officers intervened.
KDF officers in action. Photo: Tuko Source: Facebook
The arrest came after fishermen and other locals reported that Ugandan soldiers had been crossing into Kenyan waters, harassing, beating, and extorting money from them.
Acting on these complaints, KDF officers on patrol quickly moved in and cornered the two suspects.
Residents, who had long complained of mistreatment by Ugandan forces, cheered as the KDF officers took control of the situation.
One fisherman shared how he had been beaten and accused of trying to escape after following orders from the Ugandan officers.
KDF officers during a past operation in Somalia. Photo: NTV Kenya Source: Facebook
The arrested soldiers were taken to Budalangi Police Station, where they are being held as investigations continue. It is not yet clear whether they will be sent back to Uganda or charged in Kenya.
This incident highlights ongoing border tensions between Kenyan fishermen and security officers from neighboring countries.
The Kenyan government has increased patrols in Lake Victoria by deploying KDF and Coast Guard officers to protect its people and waters.
For Busia locals, the sight of KDF officers taking action was a moment of relief and celebration, bringing hope that such harassment will finally come to an end.
All the same, it remains to be seen if the govt of Uganda will respond to the development and how.
