Colonial-Era Mortar Shell Discovered in Kikuyu Sparks Panic and Police Response

A quiet day in Nduma Village, Kikuyu Constituency, turned tense after residents stumbled upon a live 80mm mortar shell believed to date back to the colonial period. The unexpected find sent shockwaves through the community, prompting an immediate response from police and bomb disposal experts.

The alarming discovery was made by David Muiruri, a local farmer, while tilling his land. He said he noticed a strange, metallic object with an unusual shape buried beneath the soil. Realising it could be dangerous, he quickly stopped working and alerted local authorities. “I was just farming when I noticed the object. It didn’t look ordinary, so I decided to call the police,” he said.

Within minutes, officers from Kikuyu Police Station arrived and secured the area. According to Kikuyu Sub-County Police Commander Joseph Ndege, the shell was still active and capable of exploding. “The device was highly explosive. We urge residents to stay cautious and never attempt to move or tamper with suspicious objects,” he warned.

The police then called in bomb disposal experts, who carefully examined the device before safely detonating it in a controlled environment away from homes. No injuries or property damage were reported.

Local resident Anthony Njau said such discoveries are not uncommon in the area. He suggested that the explosives may have been left behind during colonial-era military operations or training exercises. “We’ve heard of similar finds before. They’re likely remnants from the old days when the British used this area for military drills,” he explained.

Authorities have since reminded the public to remain alert and report any suspicious items immediately. Farmers, in particular, are being urged to take extra care during the planting season when digging deep into the soil.

The incident has revived discussions about the lingering dangers of unexploded ordnance hidden in former battlegrounds across Kenya. While Thursday’s discovery ended safely, it served as a stark reminder that relics of the past can still threaten lives today, even in the most peaceful rural settings.