KDF probing incident where soldier was shot during scuffle with police in Embakasi

The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) is actively investigating an incident in which a soldier was shot in his right thigh during a scuffle with police officers in the Kware area of Embakasi early Wednesday morning.

"Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) assures the public that such matters are taken seriously and remains committed to maintaining highest levels of integrity and professionalism amongst all its service personnel," the Strategic Communications said in response to a question by The Eastleigh Voice.

According to the police, the incident happened when officers on patrol arrested two soldiers (unbeknown to them) along the way and two more civilians at the Cornerstone area at around 1:30 am.

They said they handcuffed the four and bundled them into the police vehicle before embarking on the drive back to the station.

However, along the way, they said an unknown person ran towards the vehicle, jumped inside, and began wrestling the officers before grabbing the firearm of one of the officers.

"In the process, the two arrested persons (soldiers) also joined in the struggle and he reached for the firearm when the two persons who had been handcuffed began shouting informing the one who had jumped into the motor vehicle to grab the magazine where a discharge occurred," the report filed at Kware police station reads.

Upon arriving at the station, the officers noted that the discharged bullet hit the soldier who jumped into the motor vehicle and rushed him to Mama Lucy Hospital where he is undergoing treatment.

"Meanwhile the two continued to be violent while at the station and they declined to identify themselves. Finally, they were subdued and upon searching them it was established they were KDF officers. They also produced a Military identity card belonging to the one who sustained gunshot injuries. All the arrested persons were placed in custody," the report said.

One police officer, whose gun was being grabbed sustained bruises on the neck, and both her sweater and blouse got torn during the incident.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations is also investigating the incident, which counts as the latest of emerging scuffles between members of the KDF and those of the National Police Service.