Kenyan Police Arrested in Tanzania While Pursuing Fraud Suspect

Two Kenyan police officers are being held in Tanzania after they crossed the border on 6 January while pursuing a fraud suspect, Tanzanian authorities confirmed.

The officers, attached to the Crime Office at Tononoka Police Station, were arrested after entering Tanzania without prior coordination with local security agencies. A driver from the Coast Development Authority, who was operating the vehicle used in the pursuit, was also detained.

A report recorded at Lungalunga Police Station in Kwale County states that the officers were carrying two Ceska pistols, each loaded with 15 rounds of ammunition. The firearms and ammunition were confiscated at the time of their arrest.

The operation was linked to a suspect accused of obtaining goods by false pretence. Investigators believe the suspect crossed into Tanzania to avoid arrest, prompting the officers to follow. Their entry, however, was deemed to be outside agreed cross-border procedures, placing them in breach of Tanzanian jurisdiction.

Similar incidents have been reported in the past. In May 2024, five detectives from Buruburu Sub-County were detained in Tarakea, Tanzania, during investigations into a vehicle theft syndicate. They were later released following diplomatic engagement between the two countries.

Disputes have also occurred along the Kenya–Uganda border, particularly around Lake Victoria, where disagreements over fishing grounds and territorial boundaries have involved security forces. In 2018, three Kenyan officers and four fishermen were arrested by Ugandan authorities near Usenga Beach, leading to protests by local residents.

There have been cases involving Kenyan enforcement actions as well. Kenyan Coast Guard officers have previously detained Ugandan soldiers accused of operating in Kenyan waters. In 2023, four Kenyan officers were attacked by a mob and later arrested by Tanzanian authorities over allegations of illegal border crossing.

Security analysts say many of these cases involve limited communication between neighbouring agencies and unclear or contested boundary lines.