Suspected Al-Shabaab Operative Apprehended in Kiambu with Materials for Nail Bomb

NTV Kenya
CAROLYNE ATETWE
Sunday August 20, 2023

The Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) apprehended an individual in Kiambu believed to be a terrorist affiliated with the militant group Al-Shabaab, based in Somalia.

The individual, aged 41, cooperated with detectives and led them to his residence in Riruta, Dagoreti, Kiambu County. During the search, the authorities recovered a Glock pistol with six rounds of ammunition, a sum of Sh31,000 in cash, and 25kg of 4-inch nails which are suspected to be intended for use as shrapnel in the production of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).

Moreover, the officers discovered five sachets containing a white powdery substance, suspected to be cocaine, in the suspect’s possession. Additionally, the suspect’s home contained literature promoting extremism and associated with teachings endorsed by the al-Shabaab terrorist network.

The DCI’s statement revealed that after conducting a comprehensive background investigation of the suspect at the DCI-Anti Terror Police Unit headquarters, it was uncovered that the individual had a significant criminal history. He had served a 15-year sentence behind bars at Shimo La Tewa Prison.

At present, the anti-terror detectives are interrogating the suspect, and he is set to face charges in court on Monday.