Detectives arrest terror suspect near supermarket

By Peter Ochieng

Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) detectives are holding a 41-year-old man suspected to be a terrorist linked to militant group, Al-Shabaab.

The officers recovered a firearm loaded with 6 rounds of ammunitions, from the suspect.

According to a statement from DCI, Ferdinand Indangasi was arrested near a supermarket in Riruta.

"In an intelligence led operation conducted in the Riruta area of Dagoreti, the sleuths pounced on Ferdinand Indangasi near Skymatt supermarket, and recovered five sachets of a white narcotic substance believed to be cocaine from his pockets."

"Upon further scrutiny of the suspect’s mobile phone, the officers discovered radicalization literature with extremist teachings, linked to the Al-Shabaab terror network," added the statement.

He then led detectives to his house, where a firearm was recovered.

"The suspect led detectives to his house located behind the supermarket where upon gaining forceful entry, the detectives recovered a Glock pistol loaded with six rounds of 9mm caliber, Sh31,000 in cash and 25Kgs of 4-inch nails suspected to be used in the assembly of improvised explosive devices."

"After conducting a background check of the suspect at the DCI-Anti Terror Police Unit headquarters, it was discovered that the suspect was a hardcore jailbird who had served 15-years behind bars at the Shimo La Tewa prison," said the DCI.

The suspect is expected to be arraigned in court on Monday.

His arrest comes on the backdrop of increased terrorism activities in parts of Lamu and Garissa counties.