By Our Correspondent
Tanzanian authorities have released five people, including two Kenyan police officers, who were detained at the Horohoro One-Stop Border Point over a cross-border law enforcement incident.
The officers, Patrick Kithinji and Ahmed Ali, both attached to Tononoka Police Station in Mombasa, were freed alongside three civilians. They are Mzee Mwinyi, Sophia Menza Mbogo and Abdikadir Adan.
According to a police report, the group was detained on January 6, 2026, following a joint briefing by government agencies from Kenya and Tanzania.
The incident occurred after the two officers allegedly crossed into Tanzanian territory while pursuing a suspect.
Police reports indicate the officers were trailing Omar Ali, who is wanted in connection with an alleged fraud case involving obtaining money by false pretences in the Tononoka area.
Although the five have been released, the move came with conditions.
Two Ceska pistols, each loaded with 15 rounds of ammunition, and a government motor vehicle registered to the Department of Water Development remain detained at Lungalunga Police Station in Kwale County.
Police say the retention of the firearms and vehicle suggests internal procedures are still ongoing as authorities review the circumstances surrounding the cross-border pursuit.
The case underscores the challenges involved in transnational law enforcement operations and the need for strict adherence to protocol when officers pursue suspects across international borders.
Kenya and Tanzania have cooperative security arrangements, but such operations typically require formal coordination between relevant agencies.
Police have yet to indicate whether disciplinary action will be taken or when the detained equipment and vehicle will be released.
The Horohoro One-Stop Border Point is a key crossing between Kenya and Tanzania, serving both trade and passenger traffic between the two countries.