NAIROBI, Kenya — The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has asked a Nairobi court to detain six suspects, including serving and interdicted Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) personnel, for 14 days as investigators probe an alleged plot to rob Major General George Okumu, a senior military officer.
In a miscellaneous application filed before the court, prosecutors argued that releasing the suspects would jeopardise ongoing inquiries, noting that other accomplices remain at large and that those already in custody could interfere with witnesses or tamper with evidence.
Detectives told the court that the case involves a suspected criminal network blending military insiders and civilian collaborators, raising concerns about security breaches within the defence sector.
According to investigators, the arrests followed a week-long surveillance operation launched after intelligence reports indicated a planned attack targeting Major General Okumu’s residence.
The DCI said the suspects had been monitored closely as they allegedly prepared for the robbery, prompting an intelligence-led interception.
Those arrested include a KDF officer based at Kahawa Garrison, another officer currently on interdiction, and a civilian employee attached to a military facility.
The remaining suspects are civilians believed to be linked to a wider criminal syndicate. Authorities told the court that verifying the military status of some suspects requires formal communication with KDF headquarters, a process governed by strict protocols that may take time.
Detectives reported that searches conducted on two vehicles associated with the suspects led to the recovery of jungle military uniforms, boots, a crowbar, a knife, a hammer, pliers, cable ties, and multiple mobile phones, items believed to be connected to the planned robbery.
Investigators also disclosed that a suspected AK‑47 rifle may be hidden at one of the suspects’ residences, necessitating further searches.
Prosecutors added that the suspects are believed to have sought access to a firearm to facilitate the planned attack, underscoring the seriousness of the alleged plot.
The DCI informed the court that the suspects are yet to undergo interrogation by a multi-agency team, which will determine the full scope of the alleged criminal network and assess whether the group is linked to other similar crimes.
Investigators argued that the complexity of the case — involving military personnel, civilian accomplices, and potential access to weapons — requires additional time to complete.
The court is expected to issue its ruling on the detention request after considering submissions from both the prosecution and defence.
For now, the six suspects remain in custody as investigators push to unravel what authorities describe as a coordinated and potentially dangerous plot targeting a senior military officer.
