The arrest happened at the Sirari border point, where Charles Onkuri Ongeta, 30, was driving a Toyota Land Cruiser with registration number KDP 502 Y. Ongeta serves as a sergeant in the United States Army.
According to the Tarime-Rorya police commander, investigations are ongoing to determine the soldier’s intentions and to recommend suitable charges.
Tanzanian law strictly prohibits foreigners from bringing firearms or explosives into the country, even with permits.
Authorities are now working to understand why Ongeta had the grenades and whether there was any criminal intent.
Ongeta’s arrest comes at a tense time in regional relations. Kenya and Tanzania have experienced a cold diplomatic row recently, intensified by post-election protests in Tanzania.
President Samia Suluhu had alleged that some arrested protesters were from neighbouring countries, prompting strong reactions in Kenya.
Previously, she had warned Tanzanian youth not to imitate what she described as bad behaviour from Kenyan protesters.
The government also threatened to remove foreign traders from Tanzanian towns, saying local citizens should dominate small business opportunities.
The political tension adds context to Ongeta’s arrest, though authorities have not yet linked it directly to the diplomatic disagreements.
Police confirmed that Ongeta will remain in custody while further inquiries continue.
The military explosives found in his possession make this a serious case, as possession without proper authorization violates Tanzanian law.
This incident also highlights concerns about border security and the movement of military personnel and weapons in East Africa.
Police are examining whether Ongeta acted alone or if there were others involved in bringing the explosives across the border.
“Investigations are ongoing to establish the intention and recommend appropriate charges against the suspect,” the police statement read.
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