Ship with controversial Kenya military arms docks in Mombasa

By CYRUS OMBATI

The ship carrying controversial arms which Kenya claims ownership has finally arrived at the Mombasa port after being detained in Angola for almost two months.

The ship with six containers docked at the port on Sunday before military personnel were dispatched there to inspect and verify if the weapons on board are the ones procured, military headquarters said on Monday.

Military insisted the arms, which include ammunitions and rockets belong to them.

"The ship is being inspected by experts before the clearing agent does his job and hand over the weapons to us," said military spokesman Bogita Ongeri.

The ship was detained after the soya in six containers it declared it was carrying for a South African non-governmental organisation in Angola, was found covering guns, ammunition and rockets belonging to Kenya.

The detention of the ship raised questions ehether the weapons belong to Kenya military given they manufacture bullets locally.

Kenya Millitary showcasing her might during the promulgation of a new constitution in 2010. When pirates hijacked a ship with war tanks allegedly belonging to the Government of Southern Sudan in 2008, Kenya insisted the cargo belonged to its armed forces. The military ware is believed to have ended up in Sudan. Kenya is in yet another military shipment puzzle. [PHOTO: Andrew Kilonzi/STANDARD File]