DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania — Tanzanian police have arrested a 30-year-old dual Kenyan-US national — a U.S. Army sergeant — at the Sirari border for allegedly trying to enter the country with four CS M68 hand grenades.
The arrest occurred around midday on Sunday, November 16, 2025, in the Tarime-Rorya region.
According to the Tanzanian Police, the suspect was traveling in a Toyota Land Cruiser coming from Kenya when he was stopped.
The force stated that even if he had sought permission, the Tanzanian Arms Ownership Law prohibits entry with such explosive devices.
Authorities say they are currently interrogating him and conducting investigations to determine why he carried the grenades and what his intentions were. Appropriate legal action, they added, will follow if charges are substantiated.
The arrest happens amid heightened security tensions in Tanzania. The country recently held general elections on October 29, 2025, which saw President Samia Suluhu win re-election with about 98pc of the vote.
The elections sparked protests and clashes, with reports of arrests and uncertainty from human rights groups.
Some critics have expressed skepticism about the arrest, citing past disputes with police and alleging political motives. But Tanzania’s law enforcement insists it is treating the case as a serious national security matter.
