A multi-agency security team in Kenya has made a significant discovery during a routine security check in Kitui County. The team recovered 48 live rounds of AK-47 ammunition secretly tucked inside pieces of meat. This operation was conducted along the Thika-Garissa Highway, where officers intercepted a Zafanana coach traveling from Dadaab to Nairobi. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) reported that the bus was searched, leading to the discovery of a suspicious package.
The DCI stated that a blue woven bag placed in the overhead luggage rack was found to contain the ammunition. The bag was serving passengers seated at positions 23, 24, and 25. Upon inspection, what appeared to be an ordinary consignment of meat concealed a black nylon package containing the ammunition. The 48 rounds of 7.62×39mm ammunition are compatible with AK-47 assault rifles. This discovery has raised concerns about the potential misuse of such ammunition.
Two suspects were arrested in connection with the discovery of the ammunition. The bus driver, Samuel Ngui Munyithya, and his turnboy, Justus Muatha Kiola, were taken into custody at Kanyonyoo Police Station. They failed to account for the package or identify its owner, prompting their arrest. The police are working to establish who owned the ammunition and its intended destination.
The bus was detained at the police station, and the ammunition has been secured as an exhibit while investigations ensue. The DCI is leading the investigation into this matter. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the ammunition or its intended use to come forward.
The incident has sparked concerns about security along major highways in Kenya. The Thika-Garissa Highway is a major route connecting Nairobi to the eastern part of the country. The interception of the ammunition has highlighted the importance of routine security checks in preventing potential threats.
The DCI has assured the public that they are working diligently to uncover the details behind this discovery. The investigation aims to identify the owner of the ammunition and their intended use. Authorities are also looking into how the ammunition was concealed inside the meat.
The recovery of the ammunition has prevented a potential security threat. The authorities have not disclosed any information about potential suspects or motives. The incident remains under investigation.
Key points
- 48 live rounds of AK-47 ammunition were recovered hidden inside pieces of meat during a routine security check in Kitui County.
- Two suspects, the bus driver and his turnboy, were arrested in connection with the discovery.
- The investigation aims to identify the owner of the ammunition and its intended use.
