Two Kenyan police officers were arrested by Tanzanian authorities on January 6, 2026, after crossing into Tanzanian territory near the Horohoro area in Lungalunga, Kwale County in pursuit of a suspect, authorities confirmed.
Citizen Digital
According to the police report from Lungalunga Police Station, the officers—Police Constables Patrick Kithinji and Ahmed Ali, both attached to the Tononoka Police Station crime office—crossed the international boundary without prior coordination with Tanzanian security forces while attempting to apprehend a suspect identified as Omar Ali, who was wanted in connection with an alleged offence of obtaining money by false pretense in Kenya.
Citizen Digital
At the time of their arrest in Horohoro, Tanzanian authorities discovered the officers in possession of two Ceska pistols, each loaded with 15 rounds of ammunition, which were confiscated.
Citizen Digital
The Kenyan officers were not alone. Also detained was a civilian driver, identified as Abdkadir Adan Ganyure, a staff member of the Coast Development Authority, who was driving their vehicle (registration number KDA 240P). All three individuals—the two officers, the driver, and their vehicle with firearms—remain in Tanzanian custody as the case is processed.
Citizen Digital
Why This Matters:
– The incident highlights ongoing cross-border law enforcement challenges between Kenya and Tanzania, particularly in border regions where suspects sometimes flee to evade arrest.
Kenyans
– Security operations that cross international borders usually require prior notification and cooperation with neighbouring security agencies to avoid diplomatic and legal conflicts. In the absence of such coordination, officers may face arrest by host authorities.
Kenyans
Context and Precedent:
Cross-border detentions of Kenyan officers in East Africa are not unprecedented. Similar incidents have occurred in border areas, such as in 2024 when five detectives were detained by Tanzanian authorities at the Tarakea border while tracking a motor vehicle theft syndicate, and later released after diplomatic engagement.
Kenyans
The current situation remains under diplomatic and legal review as Tanzanian authorities determine the next steps in accordance with international and bilateral protocols on law enforcement cooperation.
