Security Forces Intercept Tahmeed Bus Carrying Explosives in Major Anti-Terrorism Operation

Kenya Terror Threat: 10 Explosives Found Hidden in Bus Luggage—Al-Shabaab Link Suspected

A routine security patrol turned into a major anti-terrorism operation yesterday when commandos intercepted a Tahmeed Coach bus on the Kanyonyo-Embu Highway in Kitui County, discovering concealed explosives among passenger luggage.

According to police reports, the multi-agency security team conducting highway patrols stopped the bus, which was traveling from Mombasa to Meru, and during their inspection discovered a cache of dangerous materials hidden inside what appeared to be an innocent milk carton.

“The explosives were hidden inside a medium-sized carton labelled LATO Milk that was concealed within the bus’ luggage consignment,” police officials stated.

Authorities recovered ten watergel explosives, a red explosive code, and two white cables with metallic ends believed to be detonators.

The driver, Lawrence Kioko Mutuku, and conductor, Said Rashid Amour, were immediately arrested, and the vehicle has been detained at Kanyonyo police station while investigations continue.

This interception comes amid heightened security concerns across Kenya’s transportation sector.

Last year, the U.S. Department of Treasury sanctioned Crown Bus Services, another Kenyan transport company, for allegedly providing logistical support to Al-Shabaab militants and laundering funds for the terrorist organization.

In a separate but equally concerning incident, police in Makueni County arrested two suspects in possession of high-powered firearms.

The suspects were found with an AK47 rifle containing 25 rounds of ammunition and two magazines, as well as a G3 rifle with 20 rounds and multiple magazines. Police are investigating the source and intended use of these weapons.

These incidents follow a troubling pattern of arms trafficking and terrorist activity in the region.

Just last week, authorities recovered two AK47 rifles believed to have been used in the murder of National Police Service reservists in Igembe, Meru County on April 7.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has announced plans for a joint security operation involving the Kenya Defence Forces to address the growing threat of banditry in Meru, Isiolo, Laikipia North, and Samburu East.

“We will set up an operation base in Kirimon Laikipia to resolve the problem in Mukogodo forest where the bandits have been hiding. The KDF will lead the operation,” Murkomen said recently.

As investigations continue into the Tahmeed Coach incident, security experts warn that public transportation remains vulnerable to exploitation by criminal and terrorist networks operating across East Africa.