KDF protests ‘demeaning’ police detainment of its personnel in Lodwar » Capital News

NAIROBI, Kenya, Apr 18- The Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) has termed Wednesday’s arrest of its personnel in Lodwar as ‘demeaning’ alleging a plot to humiliate military officers.

KDF denied allegations that the officers had attacked and disarmed a local police officer in the line of duty, even as it promised a joint probe on the matter.

“The orchestration of the detainment is demeaning in context, intended to embarrass, humiliate and to create alarm,” KDF said in a response on Thursday.

“Joint investigations by the relevant competent authorities to further establish facts on this unfortunate incident are ongoing and the outcome will inform the next course of action,” KDF stated.

The police took the four KDF soldiers into custody after they allegedly attacked and disarmed a police officer standing guard at a checkpoint. 

Other KDF troops reportedly surrounded and overran the station, demanding the release of their colleagues.

KDF however said its troops are committed to upholding the rule of law, affirming the military institution’s resolve to remain subordinate to civilian authority. 

“The troops deployed in Lodwar and other areas remain professional, subordinate to civilian authority as stipulated in the constitution of Kenya 2010.” 

The Defence Forces warned that Lodwar’s incident could strain multi-agency cooperation between the military and the police.

By Judy Cherop

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