The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has asked a Nairobi court to detain six suspects- including personnel from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF)- over an alleged plot to rob Major General George Okumu.
In court filings, detectives are seeking to have the suspects held for 14 days at Capital Hill Police Station to allow completion of investigations into what they describe as a planned robbery with violence.
“Investigations are ongoing and other suspects are still at large,” the prosecution told the court. “Releasing those already in custody may lead to interference with witnesses and compromise the case.”
According to investigators, the arrests followed a week-long surveillance operation triggered by intelligence reports of a planned attack targeting the residence of the senior KDF officer.
Preliminary findings suggest the suspects may be part of a coordinated criminal network involving both serving military personnel and civilians. Among those arrested are a KDF officer based at Kahawa Garrison, another currently on interdiction, and a civilian employee attached to a military facility, alongside other civilians believed to be linked to the wider syndicate.
Detectives told the court that searches conducted on vehicles associated with the suspects led to the recovery of items believed to be linked to the alleged plot.
“Items recovered include jungle military uniforms, boots, a crowbar, a knife, a hammer, pliers, cable ties and multiple mobile phones,” Investigators said in court documents.
While the exact motive remains unclear, authorities indicated that the nature of the recovered items suggests a well-planned operation.
The DCI further told the court that more time is needed to complete investigations, including searches at the suspects’ residences, where a suspected AK47 rifle is believed to be hidden.
“Investigations remain incomplete and additional time is required to conduct further searches,” detectives stated.
Authorities also revealed 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 it could be linked to other similar crimes.
Investigators noted that verifying the military status of some suspects requires formal communication with military headquarters, a process governed by strict procedures.
The prosecution warned that releasing the suspects at this stage could jeopardise the investigation.
“There is a risk of witness interference, evidence tampering and absconding if the suspects are released,” the court heard.
They further 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.
