Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested a 41-year-old suspected Al-Shabaab militia who had previously eluded police dragnet for several months.
In coordination with other intelligence agencies, the undercover sleuths apprehended the suspect near a supermarket in the Riruta area of Dagorreti, Nairobi, on Friday, August 18.
An immediate search of his pockets and bag led to the recovery of five sachets of a white narcotic substance believed to be cocaine prompting the sleuths to interrogate him further.
The suspect was compelled to lead the detectives to his house located behind the supermarket, where they recovered a Glock pistol loaded with six rounds of 9mm calibre, Ksh31,000 in cash and 25Kgs of 4-inch nails suspected to be used in the assembly of improvised explosives devices.
Detectives forced their way into the house after the suspect declined to open it, conscious of the alleged incriminating evidence.
"Upon further scrutiny of the suspect’s mobile phone, the officers discovered radicalization literature with extremist teachings, linked to the Al-Shabaab terror network," the statement read in parts.
DCI added that a preliminary investigation indicated that the suspect was a hardcore convict who had served a 15-year jail sentence at Shimo La Tewa Prison in Mombasa.
"The suspect is detained at the DCI-Anti Terror Police Unit headquarters, currently being grilled by anti-terror detectives before being arraigned in court on Monday," DCI stated.
In recent months, there has been a resurgence in Al-Shabaab attacks in the country, prompting security officers to heighten surveillance.
In July 2023, the group claimed responsibility for a series of attacks in the northeastern counties of Garissa and Lamu, which killed over 10 security officers.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki expressed concern over the latest operations of Al-Shabaab in the country and promised to deal firmly with the insurgents.
Kindiki urged Kenyans of goodwill to help security personnel in availing crucial information that will lead to the arrest and prosecution of the suspects.
