DCI seeks detention of KDF-linked suspects over plot to rob senior military officer

In a miscellaneous application filed before a Nairobi court, detectives are requesting that the suspects be held at Capitol Hill Police Station for 14 days to allow completion of investigations into the alleged robbery with violence.

Prosecutors told the court that inquiries are ongoing and that other suspects remain at large. Investigators warned that releasing those already in custody could lead to interference with witnesses and compromise the case.

According to the DCI, the arrests followed a week-long surveillance operation prompted by intelligence reports of a planned attack targeting the residence of Major General Okumu, a senior KDF officer.

Preliminary findings indicate that the suspects are part of an alleged criminal network involving both serving military personnel and civilians. Among those arrested are a KDF officer based at Kahawa Garrison, another officer currently on interdiction, and a civilian employee attached to a military facility. The remaining suspects are civilians believed to be linked to the wider syndicate.

Detectives told the court that searches conducted on two vehicles associated with the suspects led to the recovery of items including jungle military uniforms, boots, a crowbar, a knife, a hammer, pliers, cable ties and multiple mobile phones. The items are believed to be connected to the planned robbery, although investigators said the motive is yet to be fully established.

The DCI further informed the court that investigations remain incomplete and additional time is required to conduct searches at the suspects’ residences, where a suspected AK-47 rifle is believed to be hidden.

Authorities also indicated that the suspects are yet to undergo interrogation by a multi-agency team to determine the full scope of the alleged plot and establish whether they may be linked to other similar crimes.

Investigators noted that verifying the military status of some of the suspects requires formal communication with military headquarters, a process governed by strict procedures that may take time.

The court was told that releasing the suspects at this stage could jeopardise the investigation due to the risk of witness interference, evidence tampering or absconding.

The prosecution added that the suspects are believed to have sought access to a firearm to facilitate the planned robbery.

The court is expected to rule on the detention application