By John Mutiso
The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) has responded to reports alleging that some of its personnel stole part of a major drug consignment intercepted in the Indian Ocean.
In a statement on Tuesday, December 2, KDF acknowledged that allegations had emerged suggesting that some personnel stole part of the drugs while they were being offloaded.
“On 25th October 2025, a multi-agency security team, including personnel from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), successfully intercepted a dhow off the coast carrying 1,024 kilograms of methamphetamine (crystal meth).
“It has been alleged that during the operation, and as the narcotics were being offloaded for transport ashore, some KDF personnel involved in the mission stole and concealed a portion of the narcotics for personal gain,” the statement read.
However, the military was categorical that none of the drugs are missing, noting that the entire consignment remains secure under a multi-agency watch.
“We wish to clarify that the entire 1,024 kilograms of methamphetamine offloaded ashore remains intact and is under continuous, round-the-clock protection by a dedicated multi-agency security team,” the statement added.
KDF added that investigations into the officers suspected of involvement are ongoing, and disciplinary action will follow if the claims are proven.
“The suspected KDF personnel are currently under investigation by the relevant authorities. Should the allegations be substantiated, appropriate disciplinary and legal measures will be taken in accordance with the law,” the statement concluded.
A multi-agency team comprising the Kenya Navy, Anti-Narcotics Unit, Kenya Coast Guard, National Intelligence Service, and NACADA on Saturday, October 25, intercepted a vessel with the drugs during an operation code-named Bahari Safi.
The vessel was intercepted 630 kilometers east of Mombasa in the Indian Ocean and escorted to the port of Mombasa.
The multi-agency team searched the vessel and discovered 769 packages of methamphetamine weighing 1,024 kilograms stacked in sacks.
“Following the interception of a vessel suspected of ferrying drugs, a search and seizure order was obtained yesterday. Consequently, today, 25 October 2025, officers from the National Police Service conducted a search of the vessel and discovered 769 packages of methamphetamine with an estimated value of Ksh8.2 billion,” the National Police Service (NPS) said in a statement.
During the operation, the six Iranian nationals were arrested and taken into custody, while the consignment was seized and secured as evidence.
The vessel was on the radar of the international community for suspected involvement in drug trafficking before the Kenyan authorities seized it.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen announced that the Ksh8.2 billion synthetic methamphetamine will be publicly destroyed.
Speaking on Sunday, October 26, in Kisumu, Murkomen reiterated the government’s commitment to the war against drugs, illicit alcohol, and substance abuse.
“Yesterday, you saw that, thanks to the vigilance of our military and police, we intercepted drugs that Iranians were transporting near our waters, worth Ksh8.2 billion.
“They will be taken to court and, soon, you will see us publicly destroy the drugs, because as a nation we have resolved to fight drugs, illicit alcohol and all kinds of things that are destroying the lives of our people,” he said.
