By Henry Okello
MALABA
Business at the Malaba border post ground to a halt today, Friday, 24th January, 2025 as Kenyan protesters blocked the border point, demanding the immediate release of a police officer allegedly detained by Ugandan authorities.
Philex Osamong, a Kenyan police officer stationed at the Malaba Kenya One-Stop Border Point, was reportedly arrested on Thursday, 23rd January by the Revenue Protection Unit of the Police Force of Uganda.
Osamong was later transferred to Kampala, sparking outrage among the Kenyans.
In response, a group of angry protesters from Kenya put roadblocks using stones and logs at the border point, massively cutting off movement between Kenya and Uganda. The blockade left hundreds of travellers, particularly truck drivers, stranded with their goods.
“Not even small cars are being allowed to pass,” reported one witness. “The travelers have been stuck here the entire day, unable to proceed.”
The protesters said they will not reopen the border until the detained officer is released.
“We will not open Malaba border until we see our son. We don’t even know where he is right now by the way.” Another protester said.
Efforts by our reporter to get a comment from security personnel at the border were futile, as officials locked themselves in private meetings and rejected to speak to the media.
Unconfirmed reports indicate that Officer Osamong was arrested on accusations of smuggling Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) uniforms from Kenya into Uganda.
It is alleged that he played a role in facilitating the illicit transfer.
The protest has caused significant disruption, with long queues of trucks piling up on both sides of the border.
The standoff has not only strained relations between traders but has also raised concerns over the free movement of goods and services along the Malaba trade route.
