By Andrew Kariuki
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has moved to court seeking orders to detain six suspects, including Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) personnel, over an alleged plan to rob a senior military officer.
In a miscellaneous application filed before a Nairobi Milimani Magistrates Court, detectives are seeking to have the suspects held at Capitol Hill Police Station for 14 days to allow completion of investigations into an alleged robbery with violence targeting Major General George Okumu.
Prosecutors told the court that investigations are ongoing and that other suspects believed to be part of the network remain at large. They warned that releasing those already in custody could lead to interference with witnesses and compromise the integrity of the case.
According to investigators, the arrests followed a week-long surveillance operation triggered by intelligence reports of a planned attack on the residence of the senior KDF officer.
Preliminary findings indicate that the suspects are part of a broader criminal network involving both serving military personnel and civilians. Those arrested include Charles Kiio Matata, a KDF sergeant based at Kahawa Garrison; David Ng’aa Mwangangi, a civilian mechanic attached to the KDF at Kahawa Barracks; Samuel Agango Odoyo, a KDF service member currently on interdiction; Alex Mumo Kisilu of Umoja; Richard Mwania Muasya of Tala; and Stella Nzuki Mweni of Umoja Inner Core.
Detectives told the court that searches conducted on two vehicles associated with the suspects led to the recovery of several items believed to be linked to the planned robbery. These include jungle military uniforms, boots, a crowbar, a knife, a hammer, pliers, cable ties and multiple mobile phones.
Investigators further revealed that additional searches are yet to be conducted at the suspects’ residences, where a firearm, suspected to be an AK-47 rifle, is believed to be concealed.
The court also heard that the suspects are yet to undergo interrogation by a multi-agency team tasked with establishing the full scope of the alleged plot and determining whether they may be connected to other criminal activities.
Authorities noted that confirming the military status and roles of some of the suspects requires formal communication with military headquarters, a process governed by strict procedures that may take time.
The prosecution further argued that the suspects are believed to have been in the process of sourcing a firearm to facilitate the planned robbery, heightening concerns over the seriousness of the alleged offence.
The court is expected to rule on the detention application as investigations continue.
