The Directorate of Criminal Investigations has asked a Nairobi court to detain six suspects over an alleged plot to rob Major General George Okumu.
In a miscellaneous application submitted to a Nairobi court, detectives requested permission to hold the suspects at Capitol Hill Police Station for 14 days to complete the probe into an alleged attempted robbery with violence targeting the senior military officer.
Prosecutors informed the court that the investigation remains active as authorities track down additional accomplices who are still at large. Investigators cautioned that granting the current suspects bail could jeopardize the case, citing a high risk of witness interference.
The DCI revealed that the arrests capped a week-long surveillance mission. This operation was launched after intelligence reports surfaced detailing a coordinated plan to attack the residence of Major General Okumu, a high-ranking officer within the KDF.
Preliminary findings suggest the suspects, including members of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), belong to a sophisticated criminal network that bridges the gap between serving military personnel and civilians. Among those in custody are a KDF officer stationed at Kahawa Garrison, an officer currently under interdiction, and a civilian employee working at a military installation. The remaining individuals are civilians whom investigators believe play key roles in the wider syndicate.
Detectives informed the court that a search of two vehicles linked to the group yielded a chilling collection of equipment. Officers recovered jungle military uniforms, boots, a crowbar, a knife, a hammer, and pliers, along with cable ties and several mobile phones. Investigators believe the planned robbery was the intended use for these items, but they noted that the specific motive behind the plot remains under investigation.
The DCI further argued that the current 14-day detention request is vital for the recovery of more dangerous weaponry. They told the court that they still need to search the suspects’ private residences, where they believe an AK-47 rifle – a key piece of evidence – is currently hidden.
Authorities revealed that a multi-agency team, responsible for uncovering the full scope of the alleged plot, has yet to interrogate the suspects. This specialized team aims to determine if the group has links to other, similar crimes across the country.
Investigators also noted that confirming the military status of several suspects requires formal communication with military headquarters. They explained to the court that this process follows strict protocols and typically takes significant time to complete.
The prosecution argued that releasing the suspects now would jeopardize the entire operation, citing a high risk that they might interfere with witnesses, tamper with evidence, or flee from justice altogether. Furthermore, the court heard that the suspects allegedly attempted to acquire a firearm specifically to facilitate the planned robbery.
The court is now expected to deliver a ruling on the detention application to determine whether the suspects will remain in custody during the investigation.
