NAIROBI, Kenya- Kenyan authorities have arrested five suspects and seized a cache of explosives smuggled aboard a passenger bus in what officials say could have led to a major security incident.
The explosives were discovered during a routine security operation by a multi-agency team along the Kanyonyoo–Embu Highway in Kitui County.
The officers stopped a Meru-bound bus originating from Mombasa for a search.
What appeared to be a regular luggage check turned into a major security alert when they found a white carton branded with LATO Milk logos. Inside, they discovered ten water gel explosives marked EXPLOGEL V6, a detonating cord, and two electric detonators.
The bus was immediately escorted to Kanyonyoo Police Station. The driver, Lawrance Kioko Mutuku, and the conductor, Said Rashid Amour, were detained for questioning.
SUSPECTS NABBED, EXPLOSIVES SEIZEDA multi-agency security team on routine patrol along the Kanyonyoo–Embu Highway intercepted a Meru-bound passenger bus from Mombasa, uncovering a cache of explosives.The discovery came during a meticulous search that revealed a medium-sized
Authorities believe the explosive materials were being trafficked with a possible intention to cause harm, though investigations are still underway to determine the exact motive.
Using forensic evidence from the packaging and sender details, detectives from the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU) and the Bomb Disposal Unit (BDU) tracked down the person who dispatched the parcel.
Brenda Imboyanga Makhulungu, the registered sender, was arrested in Mundutsu village, Kakamega County. Police say she declared the contents at the Tahmeed bus service office in Kakamega as “Dawa ya Maji,” Swahili for water treatment chemicals.
The parcel reportedly travelled from Kakamega to Mombasa before being rerouted to the Meru-bound bus via Kitui—raising concerns about gaps in intercity cargo vetting.
Following her arrest, investigators extended the probe to Meru town, where they apprehended two more suspects; David Tindi Andala and John Kariuki Kung’u. Police say the suspects may have been awaiting the arrival of the package.
All five are currently in custody, with authorities holding the bus and the recovered explosives as exhibits in the ongoing investigation.
Security officials say this interception is a major success in ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and organized crime.
The ATPU has urged public transport operators to remain vigilant, especially when accepting parcels from unverified sources.
The National Police Service said it is working with intelligence agencies to uncover any broader network linked to the intercepted consignment.
Kenya has faced sporadic threats from terror groups in the past, particularly al-Shabab, and security agencies remain on high alert.
