Police in Kenya intercepted a vehicle at the Isebania border carrying a dangerous shipment of chemicals and explosives believed to have entered from Tanzania. The driver fled on foot when officers approached, prompting an active manhunt, while authorities secured 12 drums of sodium cyanide and two cartons of industrial explosives, underscoring the ongoing risks posed by porous borders.
According to a statement from the Kenya Police Service on Friday, “Officers based at Isebania Police Station in Kuria West Sub-County intercepted a white Toyota Probox suspected to have crossed into Kenya through the porous Nyang’iti border from Tanzania.”
A white Toyota Probox carrying the Sodium Cyanide and explosives (V6 Explogel) suspected to have crossed into Kenya through the porous Nyang’iti border from Tanzania on Feb 20, 2026.PHOTO/KPSThe vehicle contained “12 drums of Sodium Cyanide (50kg each)” and “2 cartons of explosives (V6 Explogel) concealed in brown cartons.”
Sodium cyanide is highly toxic and primarily used in industrial operations such as gold mining, but mishandling can be deadly. The V6 Explogel explosives are industrial-grade and could cause severe harm if misused.
Police said that upon noticing their presence, the driver abandoned the car and escaped, prompting an ongoing search.
“A manhunt for the suspect is ongoing,” the statement confirmed. Security teams are coordinating in the area to track the individual and prevent any potential misuse of the chemicals and explosives.
The operation highlights the ongoing challenges posed by Kenya’s extensive porous borders, which have been exploited in past smuggling incidents. Authorities emphasized the importance of vigilance, intelligence-led policing, and community cooperation in securing entry points and preventing dangerous materials from entering the country.
“We remain vigilant in safeguarding our borders and protecting the public from dangerous and illegal consignments,” the Police Service stated.
Experts note that the illegal transport of highly toxic chemicals and industrial explosives carries severe legal and security implications. Strict regulatory controls are required for both substances, and unauthorized handling is treated as a serious offense under Kenyan law.
The successful recovery of these materials demonstrates the critical role of proactive policing in preventing potentially catastrophic events.
The Isebania checkpoint, near the Nyang’iti crossing, has been a key focus for border security, with officers routinely intensifying patrols to counter threats.
The Kenya Police Service urged local communities to report any suspicious activity, stressing that public cooperation strengthens national security efforts.
Authorities are continuing to follow all leads and are working with regional and national security agencies to ensure the safe handling of the confiscated chemicals and explosives. The incident serves as a reminder of the constant vigilance required to monitor Kenya’s borders and protect citizens from illegal consignments that could pose grave risks.
