Tanzanian police have arrested a Kenyan national attempting to cross into Tanzania with four hand-thrown bombs, which is against Tanzanian security laws.
The suspect, who was crossing over to Tanzania through the Sirari border, was intercepted on November 16, 2025, at around 6:00 p.m., according to a statement issued by the Tarime Regional Police Command.
Tanzania Police Issue Statement
The statement stated that the suspect holds dual citizenship in Kenya and the United States and is a serving member of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and reportedly holds the rank of Sergeant.
He was driving a Toyota Land Cruiser bearing Kenyan registration number KDP 502 Y when officers discovered the explosives during a routine inspection.
Police confirmed that the suspect was in possession of four CS M68 hand-thrown bombs, a type of military-grade explosive commonly used in combat operations.
“According to the license possession laws in Tanzania, the suspect would not have been allowed to enter the country even if he would have followed the right procedure to register and own the weapons.”
Under Tanzanian law, possession of such weapons without prior authorization constitutes a serious offense, and entry into the country with explosives is strictly prohibited.
The Tarime Police Commander emphasized that the suspect lacked any official clearance to transport or possess explosives within Tanzanian territory.
“Evidence is being compiled, and investigations are ongoing to establish the motive behind this act so at enable us to prosecute the suspect accordingly. We are working closely with forensic experts to trace the origin of the devices and determine if they were sourced from official military stockpiles or acquired illegally.”
He added that authorities are examining whether the suspect intended to use the explosives within Tanzania or transport them further into the region.
The police are also looking to understand whether this was an isolated incident or part of a broader network that could threaten regional security.
The Tarime Police Command urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities near border areas.
Sirari as a Known Security Blackspot
The Sirari border crossing, which links Kenya’s Migori County to Tanzania’s Tarime District, is one of the busiest gateways between Kenya and Tanzania.
While primarily used for trade, it has occasionally been flagged for smuggling and illegal arms trafficking which have led to stricter checks and joint patrols by both nations and making it one of the most monitored entry points in East Africa.
Informal routes and local complicity allow smugglers to bypass official checkpoints.
Tanzania’s Explosives Act
Under Tanzania’s Explosives Act (Cap. 45), the possession, transport, or importation of explosives without a valid permit is strictly prohibited.
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Sections 14 and 20 of the Act state that no person shall import or transport explosives into Tanzania without an official permit issued by the Commissioner for Mines.
This includes military-grade devices such as grenades and detonators.
Section 25 prohibits any individual from possessing explosives unless authorized under the Act. Even licensed holders must comply with strict storage and safety requirements.
Violating these provisions constitutes a criminal offense, and convicted offenders face fines and imprisonment, with penalties reaching up to two years in jail or both fine and imprisonment, depending on the severity of the breach.
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In cases involving cross-border smuggling or military-grade explosives, charges can escalate under national security laws.
The Act empowers police and inspectors to seize explosives and arrest suspects at entry points and also mandates reporting and investigation of any attempt to smuggle explosives across borders.
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