Tanzanian authorities have released two Kenyan police officers and three civilians who were previously detained at the Horo-Horo One-Stop Border Post (OSBP).
The release was confirmed following a joint briefing by both governments, which addressed the circumstances of the arrest. The officers, Patrick Kithinji and Ahmed Ali from Tononoka Police Station in Mombasa, were taken into custody on January 6, 2026, along with civilians Mzee Mwinyi, Sophia Menza Mbogo, and Abdikadir Adan.
According to initial reports, the officers were pursuing a suspect, identified as Omar Ali, over allegations of obtaining money by false pretence in Tononoka. The operation reportedly extended into Tanzanian territory, prompting their arrest.
Authorities in Kenya have retained the officers’ firearms and a government vehicle belonging to the Department of Water Development at Lungalunga Police Station in Kwale County. The seized firearms include two Ceska pistols, each loaded with 15 rounds of ammunition, and will remain in custody pending further internal police action.
The incident has prompted calls for increased cross-border coordination to prevent misunderstandings during law enforcement operations in the region.
