DCI foil planned robbery targeting senior military officer, arrest six suspects
Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) 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 issued on Thursday, March 26, the agency said the suspects were part of a criminal syndicate involving both serving Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) personnel and civilian accomplices, raising concerns over insider involvement in the plot.
According to investigators, the operation was triggered by credible intelligence received on March 23 indicating that a robbery targeting a high-ranking military officer was imminent.
Detectives immediately placed the suspects under close surveillance, tracking their movements and preparations ahead of the planned attack.
“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 was stationed nearby with a driver on standby, believed to be part of an escape plan.
Authorities said a female suspect alighted from the Harrier and approached the main gate under the pretext of seeking access, in what investigators believe was a tactic to gain entry and assess the situation.
However, detectives who had already secured the area swiftly moved in and arrested her, triggering a coordinated response by backup teams that intercepted both vehicles and apprehended 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.
Those arrested include Charles Kiio Matata, a KDF sergeant stationed at Kahawa Garrison; Samuel Agango Odoyo, a KDF service member currently on interdiction; and David Ng’aa Mwangangi, a civilian mechanic attached to KDF at Kahawa Barracks.
Others are Alex Mumo Kisilu, Richard Mwania Muasya, and Stella Nzuki Mweni.
A search at the scene led to the recovery of items believed to have been intended for use in the robbery, including 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 as investigations continue to establish the full scope of the syndicate’s activities and possible links to other criminal incidents.
The six suspects remain in police custody undergoing processing and interrogation.
The development comes a week after DCI detectives arrested three suspects in connection with a robbery incident in Kuria East, Migori County, where a motorist was robbed of Sh320,000 at gunpoint on the night of March 14, 2026.
