The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) has broken its silence on damaging reports alleging its officers stole a portion of a historic 1,024kg methamphetamine seizure, valued at approximately KES 8.2 billion ($63 million). In a firm rebuttal, military leadership insisted the entire narcotics haul is secure.

This controversy strikes at the heart of national security and the integrity of the armed forces, raising urgent questions about oversight in high-stakes, multi-agency operations. The allegations risk tarnishing what was hailed as a landmark victory in Kenya's protracted war against transnational drug trafficking.

In a statement from KDF Strategic Communications, the military acknowledged the allegations that personnel involved in offloading the drugs from an intercepted dhow may have concealed a portion for personal gain. However, it moved swiftly to counter these claims. “We wish to clarify that the entire 1,024 kilograms of methamphetamine offloaded ashore remains intact and is under continuous, round-the-clock protection by a dedicated multi-agency security team,” the statement noted.

A Landmark Bust Under Scrutiny

The seizure in question occurred on October 25, 2025, during a complex maritime operation codenamed 'Bahari Safi 2025.01'. A multi-agency team, including the Kenya Navy, intercepted a stateless dhow named 'IGOR' approximately 630 kilometres off the Mombasa coast. The operation was a culmination of intelligence sharing between Kenyan authorities and regional partners, including the Regional Coordination Operations Centre (RCOC) in Seychelles.

The sheer scale of the haul underscores Kenya's critical position as a transit point in the global narcotics trade. Key details of the operation include:

• Narcotic Seized: 1,024 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine.
• Estimated Value: KES 8.2 billion ($63 million).
• Vessel: A stateless, non-registered dhow codenamed 'IGOR'.
• Arrests: Six Iranian nationals were detained and are facing trafficking charges.

Forensic analysis confirmed the substance was methamphetamine with a purity level of 98%, according to a report by Interpol. The success of the interception was widely praised as a significant blow to international drug syndicates operating along the East African coastline.

Investigations and the Path Forward

While denying any part of the haul is missing, the KDF confirmed that the personnel implicated in the allegations are now the subject of an official investigation by relevant authorities. “Should the allegations be substantiated, appropriate disciplinary and legal measures will be taken in accordance with the law,” the military’s statement emphasized. Security analysts suggest the swift response is crucial for maintaining public confidence and safeguarding the integrity of the mission.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is conducting a broader probe to map out the origin, financing, and intended destination of the massive shipment. This incident has reignited debate on the need for robust oversight during sensitive operations involving high-value narcotics. For now, the KDF has urged the public to await the outcome of the formal inquiries, stressing that the operation's success should not be overshadowed by unproven claims.