Eight Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) soldiers were arraigned at the Mombasa Law Courts and charged with trafficking narcotic drugs in a case involving methamphetamine valued at more than Sh192 million.
The accused appeared before Senior Principal Magistrate Gladys Olimo, where they all denied the charges.
Those charged are Duke Nyamwaya Nyarige, Juma Mwinyifaki Juma, Michael Peter Kariuki, Elijah Mbogo, James Ekiru, Abdulrehman Salad Jara, Abdirahman Abdi Kuno and Peter Kipng’etich Tonui.
Prosecution told court the suspects were found in possession of varying quantities of methamphetamine, with individual and joint charges reflecting the scale and sophistication of the alleged operation.
Juma Mwinyifaki Juma was charged with trafficking 2,601 grams of methamphetamine valued at Sh20.8 million. Peter Kipng’etich Tonui and Mustafa Salim Johari face charges of conspiracy to traffic narcotic drugs.
Duke Nyamwaya Nyarige, Dinah Moraa Obwocha and Elijah Mbogo were charged with conspiracy to traffic 14,321 grams of methamphetamine valued at Sh114.6 million. The trio also face additional counts of trafficking 5,380 grams valued at Sh43 million and a further 8,941 grams valued at Sh71.5 million, allegedly by storing the drugs in residential premises.
James Ekiru and Abdirahman Abdi Kuno were charged with conspiracy to traffic 1,319 grams of narcotic drugs valued at Sh10.5 million and face separate counts of trafficking by storing the drugs in a house.
Michael Peter Kariuki and Abdulrehman Salad Jara were charged with conspiracy to traffic 2,535 grams of methamphetamine valued at approximately Sh20.2 million.
In a strong submission reflecting the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) commitment to safeguarding public interest, Prosecution opposed the accused persons’ application for bond. Principal Prosecution Counsel Brenda Oganda told court the proposed bond terms did not adequately reflect the gravity and seriousness of the offences.
She further told court that, given the nature of the case and the positions previously held by the accused, there was a real risk of interference with witnesses and potential compromise of the ongoing investigations.
The court will rule on the bond application on Thursday.
KDF had on December 4 refuted claims that some of its personnel stole a portion of narcotics seized during a major multi-agency maritime security operation conducted on October 25, 2025.
Security teams intercepted a dhow off the Kenyan coast carrying 1,024 kilograms of methamphetamine, also known as crystal meth.
The narcotics were offloaded and transported ashore under the supervision of a joint security unit.
Reports later emerged alleging that certain KDF officers involved in the operation may have stolen and concealed part of the seized drugs for personal gain.
KDF, however, moved to dispel the rumours, asserting that the full 1,024 kilograms remain intact and are currently under round-the-clock protection by a dedicated multi-agency team.
“The entire consignment offloaded ashore remains secure,” the statement read, adding that investigations are ongoing to determine the veracity of the allegations.
KDF confirmed that several personnel suspected of involvement in the alleged theft are under active investigation by the appropriate authorities.
The military emphasized its commitment to accountability and transparency, noting that if any wrongdoing is proven, “appropriate disciplinary and legal measures will be taken in accordance with the law.”
The seizure marked one of the largest maritime narcotics interceptions in recent years and highlights ongoing regional efforts to combat transnational organised crime along the East African coastline.
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