Two men have been sentenced to 12 years in prison after the Isiolo Law Court found them guilty of unlawfully conveying explosives without the required permits, bringing to an end a case that began with their arrest nearly three years ago.

In a statement, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) identified the convicts as Musa Mohammed and Joel Ntongai Ntonja.

The agency said the pair was intercepted on September 9, 2023, at a multi-agency roadblock in Archers Post, Samburu County, along the Isiolo-Marsabit Highway.

According to the DCI, officers searched the vehicle and recovered “10 cartons containing a total of 1,600 pieces of Explogel V6 25×270 water gel, six 250-meter rolls of detonating cord, and 50 Ideal SSD 1 electric detonators.

“Following their arrest, the suspects were taken to Isiolo Police Station before investigators from the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU) assumed responsibility for the case.

The two were charged with possession of explosives contrary to Section 29 of the Explosives Act and conveying explosives without a permit under Sections 13(1) and 13(2) of the same law.

The case was concluded on July 9, 2026, when Senior Resident Magistrate Hon. Maureen Odhiambo found the accused guilty on all three counts.

“Following a thorough review, she declared the men guilty on three counts, leading to a fine of Sh300,000 each, in default to serve four years in prison for each count,” the DCI said.

The default sentences amount to a total of 12 years’ imprisonment for each convict if the fines are not paid.

The DCI reiterated that the illegal possession or transportation of explosives presents a serious danger to public safety and warned that offenders would face the full force of the law.

“The Directorate of Criminal Investigations reminds members of the public that possessing or conveying explosives without the necessary permit poses a grave threat to public safety.

Those found engaging in such acts will be dealt with in accordance with the law,” the agency stated.