Seven Explosive Devices Found on Migori–Soni Road Ahead of Ruto Tour
Panic briefly gripped parts of Migori County after police intercepted several explosive devices hidden beneath a key bridge along a busy transport corridor, raising fears of a potential act of sabotage.
The devices were discovered on the evening of Monday, December 15, under the River Kuja Bridge on the Migori–Soni Road, a crucial route linking Migori town to surrounding areas. According to police, unsuspecting passers-by made the alarming discovery and immediately alerted the authorities.
Nyatike Sub-County Criminal Investigations Officer Bernard Wamalwa confirmed the incident, revealing that at least seven explosive devices had been carefully placed under the bridge.
“A member of the public noticed a strange wire hanging beneath the bridge and raised the alarm,” Wamalwa told Flashnews.co.ke. “Upon inspection, we established that there were seven explosive devices laid under the structure. From our preliminary assessment, they appeared old and not recently planted.”
Following the discovery, security officers swiftly moved in to secure the area. The bridge was temporarily cordoned off as a specialised bomb disposal unit conducted a thorough sweep to determine whether more explosives had been planted nearby.
Wamalwa later confirmed that the devices were industrial-grade explosives commonly used in mining, quarrying and construction work. “The explosives recovered are industrial emulsion and watergel types,” he said. “These are water-resistant products designed for controlled blasting operations and, when used individually, typically cause minimal damage.”
Despite this, investigators believe the placement of the explosives points to malicious intent. Authorities say the unusual arrangement and strategic location under the bridge strongly suggest an attempt to damage or destroy the structure.
“We suspect there was an intention to destroy the bridge,” Wamalwa added. “The manner in which the explosives were planted was not normal. People here understand that if this bridge is destroyed, transport between Migori and Soni would be completely paralysed. There is even suspicion that someone may have been trying to create a situation to benefit from repair contracts.”
The Migori–Soni Road is a vital link for commuters, traders and public transport operators, and any damage to the bridge would have had far-reaching economic and social consequences for the region.
The incident has drawn comparisons to a separate security scare reported in October in Nduma village, Kikuyu, Kiambu County. In that case, a farmer stumbled upon a highly explosive mortar bomb while ploughing his land, triggering panic among local residents.
Security officials later identified the device as a mortar bomb, a type of military ammunition historically used for indirect fire over short to medium ranges. Such weapons date back to World War I and were widely used across different regions during the colonial era.
Investigations into the Migori incident are ongoing, with police urging members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious objects or activities to security agencies. Authorities have assured residents that additional measures have been put in place to safeguard critical infrastructure in the area.
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Seven Explosive Devices Found on Migori–Soni Road Ahead of Ruto Tour