Tanzanian authorities have detained a Kenyan-born U.S. Army sergeant after he was allegedly found attempting to enter the country with four hand grenades.
According to a statement issued late Sunday, November 16, the 30-year-old dual citizen was intercepted at the Sirari border while travelling in a Toyota Land Cruiser.
Police in Tarime-Rorya, who made the arrest around midday, confirmed that the suspect serves in the U.S. military with the rank of Sergeant.
“A dual citizen of the United States and Kenya, serving as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army, was arrested with four CS M68 hand grenades while attempting to enter Tanzania from Kenya,” the statement read.
Tanzanian police clarified that the country’s arms regulations strictly prohibit entry with explosive devices, even with prior authorization.
Investigations Underway
The suspect is currently being questioned as investigators seek to establish his intentions and how he came into possession of the grenades. Authorities have not disclosed why he was travelling with the explosives or whether he was on official duty.
The arrest comes at a time when Tanzania remains on high alert following heightened security tensions surrounding its October 29 general election.
Election Tensions Still High
President Samia Suluhu’s landslide victory, with a reported 98% of the vote, sparked widespread protests after key opposition contenders were barred from the race. Human rights groups reported the deaths of hundreds of Tanzanians and foreign nationals during the unrest, including Kenyan educator John Ogutu, who had taught in Tanzania for eight years. Two other Kenyan nationals remain unaccounted for.
The crisis led to mass arrests and growing distrust among Tanzanian citizens toward law enforcement—distrust that has also shaped public reactions to the latest arrest of the Kenyan-U.S. soldier.
Kenyans Earlier Released
Just days before the incident, two Kenyan nationals—Frederick Lorent Obuya and John Gitahi Nderitu—were freed after being detained for 10 days during the election period. They were received by Kenya’s High Commission in Tanzania and returned home without charges.