Kitui: Police Seize Ammunition and Government Security Gear from PSV Bus in Major Security Operation
Police in Kitui have intercepted a public service vehicle (PSV) carrying a suspicious consignment that included live ammunition and assorted government security equipment, in what authorities now believe could be linked to a wider criminal network.
According to a statement released on Sunday, May 3, by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the bus, registration number KCW 208A, belongs to Buscar Sacco and was travelling from Lamu to Nairobi when it was stopped for what was initially described as a routine security inspection.
What started as a standard check quickly escalated into a major security discovery after officers carried out a detailed search of the vehicle.
During the inspection, officers found a blue metallic box in the luggage compartment of the bus. The box raised suspicion, prompting police to open it for further examination. Inside, they uncovered a significant cache of military-related items and ammunition.
The DCI reported that the recovered items included 19 rounds of 7.62x51mm G3 live ammunition, 116 rounds of 7.62x39mm AK-47 live ammunition, and two empty AK-47 magazines. In addition to the ammunition, officers also discovered two machetes, along with a full set of government security attire.
The clothing items included a complete General Service Unit (GSU) ceremonial uniform, two GSU combat jackets, three jungle green trousers, and a GSU red beret, among other related items.
The presence of both ammunition and official-looking security gear immediately raised serious security concerns among investigators.
Preliminary findings indicate that the box had been booked as a parcel at the Mokowe booking office in Lamu County and was addressed to Nairobi. However, authorities noted that the parcel had no clear sender details, which has further deepened suspicion around its origin and intended destination.
Following the discovery, law enforcement officers took swift action. The bus driver, identified as Said Abdulrazak Ahmed Abadalla, and the conductor, Bernard Ochieng Odhiambo, were arrested at the scene for questioning and possible involvement in the transportation of the illegal consignment.
Both suspects, together with the bus and all recovered items, were escorted to Kanyonyoo Police Station, where they are currently being held as investigations continue.
Security agencies have since launched deeper investigations to trace the individuals behind the shipment.
Authorities say they are actively following crucial leads aimed at uncovering the source of the ammunition and uniforms, as well as determining whether the consignment is linked to a larger criminal or organized network.
The incident has raised fresh concerns over the use of public transport systems for the movement of illegal weapons and sensitive security equipment, prompting calls for stricter surveillance and screening of parcels transported across counties.
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