The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has taken swift action following the suspension of several security guards involved in a shocking February 5 incident at the Likoni ferry crossing. The guards were caught on video pelting pedestrians with stones, an act that has raised concerns about commuter safety and security at the busy channel.
KPA’s Head of Security, Tony Kibwana, stated that the suspension was necessary to uphold workplace dignity and ensure that order is maintained at the ferry crossing. “This move signifies our commitment to ensuring professionalism among our security personnel,”.
In response to the incident, KPA has announced a series of measures to improve security and prevent similar occurrences in the future. These include the installation of additional smart CCTV cameras to enhance surveillance and the automation of the clearance system at the waiting bays. The objective is to facilitate smoother movement of pedestrians and minimize conflicts.
“We will also be having a multi-agency approach at the crossing channel. This will ensure more discipline and order at the channel,” Kibwana noted. To achieve this, KPA will collaborate with the Mombasa County Inspectorate, the National Police Service, and the Kenya Coast Guard Service to streamline security operations.
The altercation began when a pedestrian attempted to bypass security measures by jumping over the rail barrier at the mainland waiting bay to catch a ferry. Private security guards apprehended him, but their handling of the situation provoked outrage from the crowd, leading to chaos. Stones were thrown at the guards, who then retaliated in a similar manner, escalating the confrontation.
Ismax Security, the firm contracted to provide security at the ferry, has since placed the involved guards on a 21-day compulsory leave pending investigations. The company’s project manager, Dancan Muombo, regretted the incident, emphasizing that the actions of the guards did not reflect the values of Ismax Security or KPA. “What happened was quite unfortunate. We do not condone such behavior,” he stated.
Muombo also highlighted a pattern of incidents involving aggressive pedestrian behavior. He cited previous cases on January 15 and January 30 where security personnel were attacked by commuters after attempting to enforce safety regulations. “On February 5, our boys thought they could not take it anymore. However, they used the wrong tactic to address the situation,” he admitted.
Moving forward, KPA and Ismax Security have pledged to enhance professionalism among security personnel while urging pedestrians to adhere to ferry rules to prevent further conflicts. Investigations into the incident are ongoing, with all parties expected to appear before a disciplinary committee to determine the next course of action.
