The Isiolo Law Courts have sentenced a man to a two-year jail imprisonment or a fine of Sh200,000 after finding him guilty of illegally possessing commercial electric detonators, items classified as highly controlled explosives under the Kenyan law.
Ibrahim Ali Kala was convicted following a lengthy trial that stemmed from his arrest on January 26, 2023, at the Archer’s post multi-agency security roadblock.
Security officers recovered the electric detonators which were concealed among what seemed to be personal belongings, causing an immediate alarm given the potential security risk posed by such devices.
After his arrest, Kala was escorted to Isiolo police station, where the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU), took over the investigations due to the nature of the items recovered.
Electric detonators are commonly used in mining and quarrying, but are also known components in the assembly of improvised explosive devices, making their illegal possession a serious offence.
The accused was presented before the Isiolo Law Courts on February 6th 2023. He pleaded not guilty and was released on a bond of Sh200,000 or a cash bail of Sh100,000. During the trial, the prosecution presented eight witnesses, including arresting officers and investigators, whose testimonies formed a key part of the prosecution’s case.
In a judgement delivered on December 19, 2025, the court found Kala guilty as charged, and went ahead to cancel the bond he was given, after which he was remanded awaiting sentencing.
Hon. Maureen Odhiambo, the trial magistrate, yesterday, 7th January 2026, delivered the verdict, giving the convict the option of paying a Sh200,000 fine or serving a two-year jail term in default.
Following the conviction, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) cautioned the public against unlawful possession of commercial electric detonators.
It also emphasized that such items are strictly controlled under the Kenyan law, and pose a grave risk to both public safety and national security therefore, anyone found in possession without the necessary permits will face the full force of the law.
