KENYAN- US SOLDIER ARRESTED IN TANZANIA WITH EXPLOSIVES

Tanzanian authorities have launched a detailed investigation after police in the Tarime–Rorya region arrested a Kenyan-born U.S. Army soldier allegedly attempting to enter the country with military-grade explosives.

According to an official statement issued by the Tarime–Rorya Regional Police Commander officers intercepted Charles Onkuri Ongeta, 30, at around 12:00 pm (noon) on November 16, 2025, as he crossed into Tanzania through the Sirari border point.

The suspect, who holds dual citizenship in the United States and Kenya, was reportedly driving a Toyota Land Cruiser registration KDP 502 Y when officers conducted a routine inspection and discovered four CS M68 hand grenades, which are designed for hand-throw deployment. Police confirmed that he is an active member of the U.S. Army with the rank of Sergeant.

Authorities stressed that the explosives are strictly prohibited under Tanzanian firearms law.

“Mabomu hayo kwa mujibu wa Sheria ya umiliki wa Silaha hata kama angeomba kibali cha kuingia nayo Nchini asingeuruhusiwa,”
the police statement reads.

Investigators say the suspect is currently being questioned as evidence continues to be gathered to determine the motive behind the attempted entry.

“Ushahidi unaendelea kukusanywa sambamba na kuhojiwa kwa tuhuma hizo ili hatua stahiki kwa mujibu wa sheria ziweze kuchukuliwa dhidi yake,”
the statement adds.

The arrest comes at a period of heightened sensitivity in Tanzania, following the October 29 General Election in which President Samia Suluhu Hassan secured a controversial 98 percent victory. The outcome triggered criticism from the opposition and their Kenyan neighbours further sparking demonstrations in several regions.

Some reports from Tanzania suggested that individuals from Kenya, particularly those living along the border, may have crossed into the country, infiltrating the protests in a show of solidarity with Tanzanians who accused President Suluhu’s administration of suppressing the opposition.

Sirari border is a busy transit point where political developments on either side often attract public attention.

With the arrest of a dual-citizen soldier now under investigation, regional observers say security agencies will be closely watching any narratives linking the case to the current political climate, even as authorities continue to caution against further trespass.

However, Tanzanian police have not indicated any connection between the suspect and the unrest, maintaining that legal action will be taken strictly based on the ongoing investigation.