The DCI Operations Support Unit is seeking a 14-day custodial order to keep the suspects at Capitol Hill Police Station, arguing that their release could interfere with investigations and compromise efforts to uncover the full extent of the alleged operation.
The application was presented before Magistrate Lucas Onyina at the Milimani Law Courts.
Six officers linked to ammunition trafficking investigation
The suspects named in the court application are Charles Lotira Exidor, Ileli Cyrus Kisamwa, Samson Muriithi Mutongu, Wesley Sang, Paul Kipketer Tonui, and Isaac Kipngetich.
According to an affidavit filed by Investigating Officer CPL Hillary Kimuyu, the suspects were arrested on September 26, 2025, in Eldoret and Nairobi after detectives launched investigations into suspected illegal ammunition movement.
The police claim they recovered a Remington Rand pistol, 19 assorted magazines, and ammunition believed to be part of an illegal trafficking network.
DCI alleges coordinated movement of ammunition
Investigators told the court that the suspects may have played different roles in the alleged operation.
The DCI alleges that Ileli Cyrus Kisamwa and Samson Muriithi Mutongu helped move ammunition from central stores in Nairobi, where they were stationed.
Charles Lotira Exidor, who is identified as a prison officer, is accused of receiving and transporting the ammunition towards Lodwar.
Police further claim intelligence reports linked Exidor to alleged ammunition sales at Lokichogio market near the Kenya–South Sudan border.
Wesley Sang and Paul Kipketer Tonui are accused of being custodians of keys to the store where the recovered ammunition had been kept.
DCI seeks more time to complete investigations
The prosecution told the court that the investigation is still at a sensitive stage and requires additional time.
The DCI wants 14 days to conduct ballistic examinations on the recovered firearm and magazines, analyse seized mobile phones, trace other suspected accomplices, and collect additional evidence from police and prison armouries.
Investigators argue that releasing the suspects before completing these processes could affect the investigation.
State raises witness interference concerns
The DCI also expressed concerns that the suspects could interfere with witnesses if released.
Prosecutors argued that the officers hold positions of authority within security agencies, giving them potential access to information and individuals connected to the investigation.
The State further claimed that the suspects could interfere with exhibits or frustrate efforts to identify other people allegedly involved in the suspected network.
Cross-border links raise security concerns
The prosecution highlighted the alleged cross-border nature of the case, particularly the suspected connection to areas near the Kenya–South Sudan border.
The DCI argued that some suspects may be able to evade arrest due to their links in the region.
Investigators also told the court that the alleged offences raise national security concerns, especially amid ongoing security challenges involving illegal firearms and ammunition in parts of the North Rift.
Court to decide on detention request
The court will determine whether the six suspects will remain in custody for the requested 14 days as detectives continue with investigations.
The accused persons remain innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.
