Panic as hand grenade is recovered at scrap yard in Syokimau

There was panic when a suspected live hand grenade was recovered from a scrap metal yard in Syokimau, Machakos county.

The incident prompted a response from bomb disposal experts.

According to police, the incident was reported on April 10, 2026, at a yard located along Mombasa Road.

The company supervisor reported that casual labourers sorting scrap metal at the facility stumbled upon the explosive device during their work. 

The workers handed over the object to the supervisor, who secured it in an isolated area within the premises.

Police officers and a bomb disposal expert from the Bomb Disposal Unit based at JKIA visited the scene on April 11 and confirmed the device to be a 5MK hand grenade.

Despite being heavily rusted, it was determined to still be active and potentially dangerous.

The grenade was safely collected by the bomb disposal unit and transported to DCI headquarters for safe disposal.

Authorities have launched investigations to establish how the grenade ended up among the scrap metal delivered to the company.

The vehicle that transported the scrap consignment remains unidentified.

Police urged scrap metal dealers to always be cautious when handling their materials.

This was after the grenade was detonated and proved to be lethal.

Meanwhile, detectives from DCI Isebania, in collaboration with K9 officers from Isebania Police Station, arrested two suspects and recovered a firearm and other weapons following an intelligence-led operation in Nyametaburo Location, Migori County.

Acting on credible intelligence, officers raided the residence of a 51-year-old suspect and a search of the premises led to the recovery of a homemade firearm concealed under a sofa set, alongside one round of ammunition wrapped in aluminium foil. 

Also recovered were a twisted metal rod, a blue balaclava mask, a dotted dera dress, a black Marvin, and a black jacket used to conceal the weapon.

The suspect subsequently led officers to the residence of his accomplice within Nyametaburo, where he was arrested. 

A search at the second residence resulted in the recovery of a Maasai sword in a red sheath.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the first suspect is a habitual offender with several cases pending before the Kehancha Law Courts.

Both suspects were detained pending further investigations and will be arraigned in court upon completion of processing.

The area has been experiencing a surge in crime in the past month which has left some locals dead and injured in attacks. 

This has prompted police operations to address the menace. 

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling criminal networks and safeguarding public security.