Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have foiled a planned robbery targeting a senior military officer in Kitengela, apprehending six persons of interest, including serving and former members of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).

In a statement on Thursday, March 26, 2026, the directorate said the six suspects were arrested following an intelligence-led operation.

“Detectives have foiled a planned robbery targeting a senior military officer in Kitengela, arresting six persons of interest in an intelligence-led operation involving a criminal syndicate of serving Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) service members and civilian accomplices,” part of the statement read.

According to the DCI, they received intelligence on Monday, March 23, 2026, of an imminent robbery.

The Planned Robbery

Officers immediately placed the individuals under close surveillance, tracking their movements and preparations ahead of the planned robbery.

“On Monday, March 23, 2026, detectives received credible intelligence about an imminent robbery and placed the suspects under close surveillance, monitoring their movements and preparations ahead of the planned attack,” DCI noted.

The Directorate stated that on the day of the robbery, the persons of interest arrived in a black Toyota Harrier, while a Toyota Ractis remained nearby with a driver on standby.

A female person of interest alighted from the Harrier and approached the main gate under the pretext of seeking access.

Those arrested

However, the detectives, who had already secured the area, moved in and arrested her, prompting backup teams to swiftly intercept both vehicles.

“On the D day, they arrived in a black Toyota Harrier, while a Toyota Ractis remained nearby with a driver on standby. A female person of interest alighted from the Harrier and approached the main gate under the pretext of seeking access. Detectives, who had already secured the area, moved in and arrested her, prompting the swift interception of both vehicles by backup teams,” DCI noted.

The arrested individuals 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 the 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 scene has been processed, and investigations are ongoing to establish the full scope of the syndicate’s activities and possible links to other criminal incidents,” DCI added.