Soldiers from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) are under investigation for allegedly stealing a portion of the very narcotics they seized in a record-breaking maritime bust. The allegations threaten to tarnish what was hailed as a major victory in Kenya's war on transnational crime.

The investigation strikes at the heart of national security, raising critical questions about the integrity of military personnel involved in high-stakes anti-narcotics operations. This probe follows the celebrated success of 'Operation Bahari Safi 2025.01', which now risks being remembered for the scandal that followed.

In a statement, the KDF acknowledged that claims emerged during the offloading of the narcotics at the Port of Mombasa. “It has been alleged that during the operation... some KDF personnel involved in the mission stole and concealed a portion of the narcotics for personal gain,” the military's communication department noted.

A Shadow on a Landmark Success

The incident stems from the interception of a stateless dhow, codenamed 'IGOR', on October 25, 2025. The vessel was captured approximately 630 kilometres east of Mombasa carrying 1,024 kilograms of crystal meth. The haul has an estimated street value of Sh8.2 billion ($63 million), making it one of the largest methamphetamine seizures in Kenya's history.

The successful operation was a multi-agency effort involving crucial intelligence from regional maritime security centres in Seychelles and Madagascar. However, the KDF has moved to assure the public that the seized drugs are secure. “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 read.

The Kenyan Frontline in the Drug War

This seizure underscores the growing challenge Kenya faces as a transit hub for narcotics, a crisis that fuels addiction and crime, particularly along the coast. Authorities have pointed to a rise in methamphetamine trafficking and consumption in the region, leveraging Kenya's strategic position. For ordinary Kenyans, the presence of such large quantities of narcotics poses a direct threat to community safety and the future of the youth.

• Operation Name: Bahari Safi 2025.01
• Date of Seizure: October 25, 2025
• Narcotic Seized: 1,024 kg of Methamphetamine
• Estimated Value: KES 8.2 billion ($63 million)
• Location: 630km East of Mombasa

While the KDF has pledged that any personnel found guilty will face “appropriate disciplinary and legal measures,” the allegations alone are a significant blow. The investigation's outcome will be critical in restoring public trust in the very forces tasked with protecting Kenya's borders and citizens from the devastating impact of the global drug trade.