Residents in Malaba protesting over what they term as police harrassment.[PHOTO|Carren Papai Westfm]

Activities were paralyzed in Malaba border Monday afternoon when a long distance truck driver blocked the highway protesting over the arrest of his co- driver.

It is alleged that the Criminal Investigation Officers intercepted the co driver and asked him to produce a passport where it is said that he declined hence prompting an immediate arrest.

The arrest moved the truck driver to block the Northern corridor and other residents mostly clearing agents led by the KIFWA Chair Stephen Otwane joined him.

They together took to the streets lamenting about massive police harassment vowing not to clear the way before the drive could be set free.

Teso Police boss Elphas Korir who arrived at the scene in company of the Bass Commander Bii Koskey had a rough time calming the rowdy crowd who pointed accusing finger to the newly deployed bass commander for what they termed oppression of the poor.

Having been cornered by the anxious drivers and residents, the OCPD, implored the help of General Service Unit (GSU) who arrived immediately from a nearby Akichelesit camp to contain the situation.

The crowd took to their heels in a bid to save their lives leaving Malaba town a ghost town with only security officers patrolling all corners of the border town.

Addressing journalists immediately after the crowd was dispersed, Korir revealed the driver who blocked the highway had escaped with the key saying that he will be apprehended and taken to court once found.

 He retaliated to the incident saying that he was not going to compromise security at the border adding that the few people being used to incite the drivers will be dealt with.

Business normalized after three hours when the hiding driver handed the truck keys to one of the drivers making the jam to flow and activities resume normally.

Police are now hunting down the driver who blocked the highway and fled.