A multi-agency security team made a chilling discovery during a routine patrol along the Kanyonyoo–Embu Highway, uncovering a cache of explosives hidden inside a Meru-bound passenger bus from Mombasa. The shocking find has sent ripples across the country as authorities race to dismantle what appears to be a well-coordinated terror plot.
The Deadly Discovery
During a meticulous search, officers stumbled upon a medium-sized white carton branded with LATO Milk logos. Inside, they found a dangerous arsenal: ten water gel explosives (EXPLOGEL V6), one detonating cord, and two IDEAL Electric Detonators—materials capable of causing mass destruction.
The bus was immediately escorted to Kanyonyo Police Station, where the driver, Lawrance Kioko Mutuku, and conductor, Said Rashid Amour, were arrested. However, the investigation was far from over.
The Mastermind Unmasked
Acting on forensic intelligence, detectives from the Anti-Terrorist Police Unit (ATPU) and Bomb Disposal Unit (BDU) tracked down the key suspect—Brenda Imboyanga Makhulungu—in Mundutsu village, Kakamega County.
Brenda, the registered sender of the deadly package, had deceitfully declared the explosives as “Dawa ya Maji” (water treatment chemicals) at Tahmeed’s Kakamega office. Investigators revealed that the package had been routed from Kakamega to Mombasa, then loaded onto the Meru-bound bus via Kitui—a carefully planned logistical chain likely intended to evade detection.
Wider Arrests as Probe Deepens
The dragnet expanded as detectives arrested two more suspects—David Tindi Andala and John Kariuki Kung’u—in Meru town, tightening the noose around the terror network.
All five suspects are now in custody as security agencies piece together the intended target of the explosives. The bus and seized items remain detained as crucial exhibits in the ongoing investigation.
Security on High Alert
This incident has raised serious concerns about terrorist infiltration in public transport systems. Authorities have urged bus operators and passengers to remain vigilant, warning that terror groups may disguise explosives as harmless goods.
Security experts suggest that the use of water gel explosives (EXPLOGEL V6)—a highly malleable and powerful material—points to sophisticated operatives with access to specialized bomb-making resources.
What’s Next?
With the suspects in custody, investigators are now focusing on:
- Uncovering the intended target of the explosives.
- Identifying possible accomplices in Mombasa, Kakamega, and Meru.
- Tracing the source of the explosives and detonators.
This foiled attack serves as a stark reminder of the ever-present terror threat in the region. As security forces intensify crackdowns, the public is advised to report suspicious packages or behavior immediately.
Conclusion
The swift action by security agencies may have averted a major disaster, but the case underscores the need for tighter surveillance on cargo transport. As the probe continues, Kenyans await answers—who was behind this plot, and what devastation was prevented?
