Business was interrupted at the Likoni Ferry in Mombasa on the morning of Wednesday, February 5, after ferry boarders attacked security officers who were blocking them from boarding the ferry.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke shortly after the incident, Kenya National Private Security Workers Union (KNPSWU) Secretary General Isaac Andambwa revealed that chaos erupted when the ferry failed to reach the picking point at the stipulated time and customers, while in a hurry to board, started jumping over the wall to get in.
In a bid to prevent them from endangering their lives, the security officers tried to block them from jumping over the ferry entrance. That was when all hell broke loose, and in resistance, the passengers attacked the security officers, throwing stones at them as they forcefully entered the ferry.
The incident left three private security officers injured. They were rushed to different hospitals for treatment.
KNPSWU is now calling on the Kenya Ports of Authority (KPA) to do due diligence and provide education to passengers on security measures and what to do when ferry delays to avoid such incidents in the future.
"The conduct at the ferry station should be the same as that we see in airports and train stations where announcements are made, and passengers are told to expect delays and are directed on what to do at such time," Andambwa told Kenyans.co.ke.
The Union also called on relevant authorities to investigate the matter and urged the state to enhance the security of security officers saying that such incidents pose a danger to them.
"We call upon the relevant authorities to investigate this matter thoroughly and ensure accountability. At the same time, we urge all security firms to uphold professional conduct and prioritise conflict resolution mechanisms that respect the dignity of all individuals," the Union said in a statement on Wednesday.
In August 2024, the KPA streamlined operations at the Likoni Ferry Crossing Channel including unveiling marked roads.
The crossing channel is used by more than 300,000 passengers and 6,000 vehicles daily, leading to heavy congestion, particularly during peak hours in the morning and evening.
Some of the measures put up by KPA to reduce congestion and seal revenue loopholes included the automated payment system, automatic barrier gates, and well-marked roads.
The residents of Mombasa also hailed KPA for reducing cases of theft with the new measures.
