Nairobi – A 22-year-old man was arrested late Tuesday night in Nairobi after police discovered him carrying explosives-related materials, raising suspicions of terror activity.
The arrest happened at around 11:20 p.m. along a patrol route near Kamukunji, where officers noticed the suspect behaving erratically. A report by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) stated that the man drew attention through his “evasive and erratic behavior,” which led officers to stop and question him.
When police searched his bag, they found 21 detonators, 21 packets of a white powder believed to be ammonium nitrate, and a five-meter-long electric cable. Authorities confirmed that other suspicious items were also recovered at the scene.
“His conduct and the contents of the bag raised immediate concerns,” read the DCI’s official report.
Police detained the man on the spot and later handed him over to the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU) for interrogation. Authorities have not released the suspect’s name as investigations are ongoing.
The arrest comes amid heightened vigilance across urban centers in Kenya, where security agencies continue to monitor potential threats tied to extremist groups. While the exact intent behind the possession of the items remains under investigation, ammonium nitrate is commonly used in the production of improvised explosive devices.
Experts note that the amount and combination of materials found suggest a level of planning that warranted swift action.
Security teams are now analyzing the evidence to determine if the suspect had any links to known terrorist networks. Forensic teams are also testing the white substance to confirm its chemical composition.
Police urged the public to remain alert and report any suspicious activity, especially in populated areas.
“We remain committed to preventing threats before they escalate,” a senior officer familiar with the case stated.
As of Wednesday morning, the suspect remains in ATPU custody. Further updates are expected once preliminary lab tests and interviews are complete.
This arrest adds to a growing list of terror-related interventions made by Kenyan authorities in recent months, underscoring the continued pressure faced by security forces in preventing potential attacks before they happen.
