The Kenya Ports Authority has welcomed the suspension of some security guards following a February 5 incident where they pelted ferry commuters with stones.
KPA head of security Tony Kibwana told the Star the move signified a willingness to maintain the dignity of the workplace.
Kibwana also announced a raft of measures they will implement at the ferry crossing channel to enhance the safety of commuters.
These include installing more smart CCTV cameras and automating the clearance system at the waiting bays.
The measures will ensure there is smooth movement of pedestrians.
“We will also be having a multi-agency approach at the crossing channel. This will ensure more discipline and order at the channel,” he said.
The KPA will have a meeting with the Mombasa county inspectorate, the National Police Service and the Kenya Coast Guard Service to see how they can work together to enhance efficiency and safety at the crossing channel.
On February 5, a pedestrian reportedly jumped over the rail barrier at the mainland waiting bay as he tried to catch a ferry.
He was arrested by the security guards manning the channel but the crowd was angered by the manner in which he was manhandled and they went to his rescue.
The commotion saw stones thrown at the security guards, who retaliated.
When contacted for a comment, a security manager at the firm stated that the guards were given 21 days compulsory leave to pave way for investigations.
“What happened on February 5 morning was quite an unfortunate incident that as a company we regret. That is not the true image of the company. Whatever happened was not, by all means, in the interest of the company and the interest of our client, the KPA," he said.
The manager said they (guards) would appear before a disciplinary committee to explain their conduct once their leave days are over.
“We will use all the labour laws and our regulations to ensure every party gets justice.”
However, the manager called for more discipline from the commuters, saying the incident was a result of constant provocation by pedestrians.
The manager noted that on January 15, a similar incident occurred where a pedestrian jumped over the barrier, crossed to the ladies’ bay, over into the bicycle lane and onto the vehicle lane.
“When he was arrested by our boys, the crowd beat up our boys. The same thing happened on January 30. So, on February 5, our boys thought they could not take it anymore. However, they used the wrong tactic to address the situation,” the manager said.
All the incidents happened on the mainland side.
“One of our boys has lost a nail on the hand because of pedestrians stoning them after they wanted to conduct a search on him.”