A row of M67 training grenades on a table at Fort McCoy, Wis. in 2023. Charles Onkuri Ongeta, 30, a dual American and Kenyan citizen who is also a sergeant in the U.S. Army, was arrested over the weekend after authorities found four grenades in his vehicle, a Tanzanian police statement said. (Samantha Mussatti/U.S. Army)
A U.S. soldier was arrested over the weekend while headed to the east African country of Tanzania after authorities found hand grenades in his vehicle, according to a police statement.
Charles Onkuri Ongeta, 30, a dual citizen of the U.S. and Kenya who is a sergeant in the U.S. Army, was taken into custody Sunday, Tanzanian police said in a statement the same day.
The arrest happened during Ongeta’s attempt to cross the Kenya-Tanzania border in a Toyota Land Cruiser, police said.
Four hand grenades were found in the Toyota in violation of Tanzanian law, which prohibits such explosives under any circumstances, the statement said.
“Evidence is still being collected, alongside ongoing questioning over the allegations, to ensure appropriate legal action is taken,” the police statement said.
U.S. Army Europe and Africa in a statement Tuesday said the solider was traveling with family members at the time of incident and was attempting to visit relatives in Tanzania.
“United States officials are currently working with Tanzanian authorities to address the issue. Specific details about the Soldier will not be immediately released,” the USAREUR-AF statement said.
