'Plot foiled': Six arrested in attempted robbery on senior military officer

Detectives have foiled a planned robbery targeting a senior military officer in Kitengela, arresting six suspects in what authorities described as a well-coordinated, intelligence-led operation.

In a statement, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said the plot involved a criminal syndicate comprising both serving Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) personnel and civilian accomplices, raising concerns about insider involvement.

According to investigators, the operation was set in motion on Monday, March 23, 2026, after detectives received credible intelligence indicating that a robbery targeting a high-ranking military officer was imminent.

Surveillance teams were immediately deployed to monitor the suspects’ movements and preparations.

“Detectives acted on actionable intelligence and placed the suspects under close surveillance, carefully tracking their activities ahead of the planned attack,” the DCI said.

On the day of the planned robbery, the suspects reportedly arrived at the target location in a black Toyota Harrier, while a Toyota Ractis remained stationed nearby with a driver on standby, believed to be part of the escape plan.

Authorities said a female suspect exited the Harrier and approached the main gate under the pretext of seeking entry, in what investigators believe was a tactic to gain access and assess the situation before the rest of the group moved in.

However, detectives who had already secured the area swiftly moved in and apprehended her, triggering a coordinated response by backup teams that intercepted both vehicles and arrested the remaining suspects.

“Officers who had secured the scene immediately arrested the female suspect, prompting backup teams to intercept both vehicles and detain the other accomplices,” the agency said.

The six suspects are currently in custody, undergoing processing and interrogation as investigators work to unravel the full extent of the syndicate’s operations.

A search conducted at the scene yielded several items believed to have been intended for use in the planned robbery.

These included KDF jungle uniforms, military boots, a crowbar, a claw hammer, a knife, pliers, and multiple mobile phones.

“The recovery of military gear and tools points to a well-organised plan, possibly designed to disguise the suspects and facilitate access to restricted premises,” the DCI noted.

The crime scene has since been processed, with forensic teams collecting evidence to support ongoing investigations.

Authorities are also seeking to establish whether the suspects are linked to other criminal incidents in the region.

The DCI reaffirmed its commitment to tackling organised crime, warning that individuals involved in criminal activities would face the full force of the law, regardless of their status or affiliation.

“We remain committed to dismantling organised criminal networks and ensuring all those involved are brought to justice,” the agency said.