Man Sentenced to Two Years for Illegal Possession of Electric Detonators

The Isiolo Law Courts have sentenced Ibrahim Ali Kalla to two years’ imprisonment after finding him guilty of illegally possessing commercial electric detonators concealed among personal effects.

Kalla was arrested on January 26, 2023, at the Archer’s Post multi-agency roadblock in Isiolo County, where security officers intercepted the prohibited items during a routine inspection.

According to the prosecution, the detonators were discovered hidden in a manner intended to evade detection, raising serious security concerns.

Following his arrest, Kalla was escorted to Isiolo Police Station before the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU) assumed responsibility for the investigation.

Court records show that he was arraigned on February 6, 2023, where he denied the charges.

The court subsequently released him on a bond of Ksh200,000 or an alternative cash bail of Ksh100,000.

“The nature of the items recovered necessitated specialised investigations,” prosecutors told the court, noting that commercial electric detonators are classified as highly controlled materials under Kenyan law.

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Eight Witnesses Testify

During the trial, the prosecution called eight witnesses whose testimonies were central to establishing the case against the accused.

Investigators detailed how the detonators were recovered, handled, and preserved as exhibits.

In its judgment delivered on December 19, 2025, the court found the evidence sufficient to secure a conviction.

“The prosecution proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt,” the court ruled, cancelling the accused’s bond and remanding him in custody pending sentencing.

Sentence Delivered

On January 7, 2026, Trial Magistrate Maureen Odhiambo delivered the sentence, fining Kalla Ksh200,000.

The court ordered that in default of payment, he would serve a two-year jail term.

“The offence is serious and poses a threat to public safety,” the magistrate stated while delivering the final verdict.

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DCI Issues Warning to Public

Following the sentencing, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) issued a stern warning to the public against unlawful possession of commercial electric detonators.

“These items are strictly regulated under Kenyan law. Any person found in possession without the required permits will face the full force of the law,” the DCI cautioned.

Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to disrupting the illegal movement of explosives and urged the public to report any suspicious activity to security agencies.

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