US Soldier of Kenyan Descent Arrested at Tanzania Border with Grenades

Tanzanian authorities have arrested a US Army sergeant of Kenyan descent after allegedly finding military-grade grenades in his vehicle at the Sirari border crossing.

Police identified the suspect as 30-year-old Charles Onkuri Ongeta, a dual citizen of Kenya and the United States. Officers in Tarime-Rorya District said they discovered four CS M68 hand grenades in his Toyota Land Cruiser on 16 November, leading to his immediate detention and ongoing interrogation. 

Investigators are collecting additional evidence before filing formal charges under laws regulating explosives and military equipment. Police stressed that possession of such weapons is strictly prohibited and that entry with grenades would not be allowed even with a licence.

The arrest comes amid political tension following last month’s election. President Samia Suluhu Hassan has suggested that foreign actors contributed to the post-election unrest, which resulted in significant casualties. 

She cited the detention of several young people from neighbouring countries as an indication of outside involvement, prompting concern that Kenyans are being unfairly singled out. Diplomatic exchanges between Nairobi and Dodoma have intensified. 

Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary, Musalia Mudavadi, has asked his Tanzanian counterpart to guarantee the safety of Kenyan nationals after several incidents, including the killing of a Kenyan teacher in Dar es Salaam on 29 October and the alleged incommunicado detention of another Kenyan, Fredrick Lorent Obuya, since 31 October. Civil society groups in Nairobi have also voiced concern. 

In a joint statement issued on 7 November, human rights organisations criticised official claims linking foreigners to the violence, arguing that such statements are unfounded and could fuel hostility towards Kenyans and other expatriates.