Some of the detonators were wired to switches, remote controls or mobile phones allowing the bombs to be set off remotely. Police say each weighed between 30 and 40kg.
Survey the targets
“The switches, remote controls and mobile phones were there for the suicide monitors who... detonate the bombs remotely if the bombers develop cold feet,” police explained.
Detectives from the Special Crimes Prevention Unit and Flying Squad said they stumbled on the weaponry while pursuing leads that the suspects had four rifles.
Six of the grenades are Chinese made while the rest are from Russia, said the head of bomb disposal unit Eliud Lagat.
Each of the four rifles had four magazines with 30 bullets.
Police believe the attackers would have shot at people during the attacks, using techniques seen in Mumbai in 2008.
The weapons were stored in two huge travelling suitcases and special bags at the house in the seven storeyed building. Those in custody told police their work was to deliver and store the weapons and survey the targets.
Police spokesman Eric Kiraithe said the packed bags suggested the attacks could have taken place either in Nairobi or any other town. He added the suicide vests resembled those used during attacks in Kampala that left 76 people dead.
“These are dangerous people on the loose and if you know them or their activities help us get them,” said Kiraithe. The suspects, he said, had stuffed the explosives in cotton material to avoid detection at checkpoints.
Sharing of intelligence
Nairobi Area deputy police boss Moses Ombati said the sharing of intelligence between the public and police made the seizure possible.
