KBC Channel 1

Tag: Namanga

  • Intrigues behind meth lab located in Namanga

    Intrigues behind meth lab located in Namanga

    A Mexican Police and several foreigners are among suspects arrested in connection into the illegal drug lab discovered in Namanga, investigations by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have revealed.

    The Police officer identified as Alvarado Israel Vera a former member of the investigative unit in the Mexican Police was arrested at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) while trying to evade the country.

    Investigations by DCI established that he was among two other Mexicans brought into the country to ‘cook’ synthetic opiods (Methampthetamine) ahead of the operationalization of the suspected clandestine lab.

    The DCI on Wednesday dismissed reports of a Mexican large-scale methamphetamine production lab located in Namanga near the Kenya-Tanzania border according to a local daily saying the lab had not been operational.

    The investigative agency confirmed that it had received reports of the presence of a laboratory located in a remote area in a 10-acre parcel of land, 8 kilometres from the Nairobi-Namanga highway.

    “Upon visiting the site, two iron sheet sheets structures were discovered, with one housing a chemical store, kitchen, and sleeping area,” said the DCI.

    Based on the set up the detectives believed that a drug lab was being set up after materials consisting of an exercise book bearing lab drawings and chemical formulas were recovered at the scene belonging to the Mexican suspects.

    Further investigations led to the arrests of the first suspect, Betty Mukami Micheni on September 16th 2024 in Ruiru, Kiambu and Agwu Ojukwu, a Nigerian national who the DCI believe was the mastermind in setting up the lab and was arrested on October 3rd while trying to flee the country through JKIA.

    “From her house [Betty Mukami Micheni] several documents linking her to the purchase, importation and distribution of the land, chemicals and equipment found at the scene were seized,” a statement from DCI read.

    Two other suspects, Caroline Wambui Muchira and Francis Maina Gachau who played critical roles in the purchase and distribution of the chemicals have also been arrested bringing the total number of accused persons charged at the JKIA court to six.

  • Athi River-Namanga road partially closed

    Athi River-Namanga road partially closed

    Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has closed Athi River-Namanga Road in the Kimalat area following flooding occasioned by heavy rains.

    This is after River Kimalat burst its banks rendering the road impassable.

    KeNHA warns that alternative routes are equally flooded.

    “The Kenya National Highways Authority regrets to inform the public of the closure of Athi River – Namanga Road (A2) at Kimalat area. This follows flooding occasioned by an overnight heavy downpour that led River Kimalat to burst its banks. Alternative routes through earth roads are equally flooded” the Authority said.

    The Authority which cautioned road users against any attempts to use these affected areas in the interest of their safety has been giving regular updates on the flood situation across the country.

    “We will continue to monitor the water levels and advise when the water subsides. The Authority remains committed to ensuring seamless connectivity to facilitate the safe passage of goods and services for economic prosperity” it stated.

    Heavy rains have caused floods and damage across the country, affecting roads, bridges, farms and homes.

  • Trucks stuck at Namanga, Holili border posts to be granted access

    Trucks stuck at Namanga, Holili border posts to be granted access

    Trade and Investment Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has announced that hundreds of trucks that were stuck at the Namanga one-stop border and Holili Border Posts will be granted access into the country. 

    The over 500 trucks ferrying maize from Tanzania into Kenya were denied clearance over lack of permits. 

    He urged Kenyan importers of Tanzanian foodstuff to apply for permits to avoid inconveniences.

    CS Kuria said the two sister countries are committed to eliminating all Trade barriers in the spirit of East African Cooperation. 

    He said he was grateful to Presidents William Ruto and President Samia Suluhu for upholding this spirit. 

    The trucks have been stuck at the border for two weeks now with traders counting losses resulting in millions of shillings. 

    The traders accused the Tanzanian authorities of frustrating them despite having paid levies and acquiring the right import permits.