KITUI, Kenya — Two people have been arrested after police recovered 30 rounds of live ammunition during a security operation along the Garissa–Thika Highway in Kanyonyoo area, Lower Yatta Sub-County, Kitui County.
The arrests were made on Monday after a multi-agency security team manning a roadblock intercepted a public service vehicle (PSV) and conducted a routine search, according to the National Police Service (NPS).
Police said officers discovered a backpack left unattended on a passenger seat, which upon inspection was found to contain the live ammunition.
“Upon conducting a search, officers recovered a backpack left on a passenger seat containing 30 rounds of live ammunition,” the National Police Service said in a statement.
Two suspects were immediately arrested and escorted to Kanyonyoo Police Station, where they are being processed ahead of arraignment in court. The PSV involved was also detained, while the recovered ammunition was secured as an exhibit.
Police did not immediately disclose the calibre of the ammunition or its intended destination, saying investigations were ongoing to establish ownership, origin, and possible links to criminal activity.
The operation forms part of intensified security measures along major highways aimed at curbing the proliferation of illegal firearms and ammunition, particularly in regions affected by insecurity and cross-border crime.
“The National Police Service remains committed to combating illegal firearms and ammunition, and to enhancing public safety and security,” the statement added.
Kenya has in recent years stepped up multi-agency operations along transport corridors, following concerns that public vehicles are increasingly being used to ferry contraband, including weapons and narcotics.
