The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has told a court that several suspects arrested over an alleged robbery plot targeting a senior military officer are linked to the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).
According to investigators, the arrests followed a week-long surveillance operation triggered by intelligence reports of a planned attack on the residence of Major General George Okumu.
The court heard that among those arrested is a serving KDF officer based at Kahawa Garrison, another officer currently on interdiction, and a civilian employee working within a military facility.
The remaining suspects are civilians believed to be part of a wider criminal network.
Detectives said searches conducted on two vehicles linked to the suspects led to the recovery of items believed to be connected to the planned robbery.
These include jungle military uniforms, boots, a crowbar, a knife, a hammer, pliers, cable ties and multiple mobile phones.
Investigators told the court that while the items raise suspicion, the motive behind the alleged plot is still under investigation.
In an application before the court, the DCI said investigations are incomplete and sought additional time to carry out further inquiries, including searches at the suspects’ residences.
Officers are also pursuing a suspected AK-47 rifle believed to be in the possession of the suspects or their accomplices.
The court was further informed that the suspects are yet to undergo interrogation by a multi-agency team, which is expected to establish the motive of the alleged robbery and determine whether they are linked to other similar crimes in the country.
Detectives also noted that confirming the military status of some suspects requires formal communication with military headquarters, a process governed by strict procedures.
The DCI warned that releasing the suspects at this stage could jeopardise investigations, citing the risk of interference with witnesses, tampering with evidence and possible flight.
“They are believed to have hired a firearm… We pray for 14 days to conduct investigations,” the court heard.
