The value of methamphetamine stolen from a vessel intercepted in the Indian Ocean in October last year has risen to over Sh330 million, with court documents linking eight Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) soldiers and two civilians to the theft.
According to filings by the Anti-Narcotic Police Unit (ANPU) and the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), 38,756 grammes (38.7 kilos) of crystalline methamphetamine were taken from a larger consignment of 1,024 kilos, valued at Sh8.2 billion, during a deep-sea operation on October 19.
Kenya Navy soldiers linked to 24kg meth valued at Sh192m detained for 10 days
The suspects were formally charged in pairs on Tuesday at Mombasa Magistrate’s Court. The charges detail how portions of the drugs were allegedly siphoned, trafficked, concealed, and stored at various locations in the county.
Mr Juma Mwinyifaki faces charges of trafficking 2,601 grammes worth Sh20.8 million, allegedly stored in a bush at Mtongwe Barracks in Likoni on November 27.
Mr Peter Kipng’etich Tonui and Mr Mustafa Salim Johari are charged with conspiracy to traffic 6,194 grammes valued at Sh49.5 million at Majengo Mapya in Mvita on November 25, in addition to separate trafficking allegations.
Mr Duke Nyamwaya, Ms Dinah Moraa Obwocha, and Mr Elijah Mbogo face conspiracy charges over 14,321 grammes valued at Sh114.6 million.
Mr Nyamwaya and Mr Mbogo are also accused of trafficking 5,380 grammes worth Sh43 million, while Mr Nyamwaya and Ms Moraa are separately charged with trafficking 8,941 grammes valued at Sh71.5 million, reportedly stored in houses.
Mr James Ekiru and Mr Abdirahman Abdi Kuno are charged with conspiring to traffic 1,319 grammes valued at Sh10.5 million, alongside separate charges for storing the drugs. Mr Michael Peter Kariuki and Mr Abdulrehman Salad Jara face conspiracy charges for 2,535 grammes valued at Sh20.2 million.
Investigators said the case stems from an internal breach during the high-seas seizure, where officers assigned to secure the consignment allegedly diverted part of it before it was formally booked as evidence.
Packages of substances weighing 1,035.986 kilograms suspected to be methamphetamine valued at Sh8.2 billion at the Mombasa Port on October 25, 2025.
Photo credit: Pool
The suspects’ lawyers urged the court to maintain the original bond of Sh500,000, citing their consistent court appearances, known residences, and prior compliance with bail conditions. They argued the accused had respected court processes and were unlikely to abscond.
The prosecution opposed maintaining the previous bond, arguing the formal charges raised the risk of absconding and interference with evidence. It recommended increasing the bond to Sh3 million, citing potential fines or prison terms of up to 50 years on conviction.
“We are asking for appropriate bond terms. Since the trial duration is unknown, the court must ensure the accused will attend without fail,” the State said.
The prosecution also noted that the accused are no longer in active KDF service. The court is expected to rule on January 8.
Summons have been issued for Ms Moraa, who did not attend. Her lawyer said she was unaware of the hearing and had previously been cleared of wrongdoing. Ms Moraa is married to Mr Nyamwaya.
“She was brought to court on November 24 and released on December 8 after the DPP confirmed she would not be charged,” her lawyer said, attributing her name on the charge sheet to administrative errors.
In December, the eight soldiers and two civilians were released on Sh500,000 bond each, with an equivalent cash alternative, pending formal charges.
They were required to deposit travel documents, report to investigators, and seek court approval before leaving the country.
Iranian suspects found in possession of substances suspected to be methamphetamine valued at Sh8.2 billion at the Mombasa Port on October 25, 2025.
Photo credit: Pool
The eight soldiers were part of a Kenya Navy team that intercepted the dhow MV Mashallah, carrying 1,024 kilogrammes of methamphetamine falsely declared as coffee.
Earlier reports indicated no drugs were found in Mr Ekiru’s or Mr Abdi’s direct possession. However, intelligence, communications, and witness statements linked them to the main suspects.
“Their movements, interactions, and digital links suggest possible roles as facilitators, coordinators, or enablers within a wider trafficking syndicate,” investigators said.
The vessel’s six Iranian crew members—Jasem Darzaen Nia, Nadeem Jadgai, Imran Baloch, Hassan Baloch, Rahim Baksh, and Imtiyaz Daryayi—remain in custody pending investigations.
