By B, KNA
A 71-year-old woman from the outskirts of Isiolo town has shocked residents after discovering live explosives buried in her farm while preparing the land for planting during the current rainy season.
The elderly woman, identified as Zaverina Kairigo, displayed remarkable courage when she carried the two metallic objects, suspected to be explosives, in a sack and walked with them to Kambi Juu Police Post, about 200 metres from her home.
Speaking to KNA, Ms Kairigo said she was digging on her plot when she stumbled upon the strange metallic objects buried beneath the soil.
“I was cultivating my land when I found two heavy metals that looked suspicious. My neighbours told me to sell them as scrap, but I refused. I decided to take them to the police instead,” she said.
She added that after realising the potential danger, she carefully placed the objects in a sack and took them to the police station as frightened neighbours ran away in panic.
“I urge the government to come and inspect my land to ensure there are no more explosives buried there,” she pleaded.
Her decision to report the discovery instead of attempting to profit from it has been hailed as an act of bravery and civic responsibility.
The incident has sparked fear among residents and renewed calls for the government to investigate the possible presence of unexploded ordnance left behind from past military training activities in the region.
“I’m still shocked that an elderly woman could find what is suspected to be an explosive on her farm,” said Shadrack Ntoitha, a local cleric.
He urged the authorities to deploy experts to confirm whether the devices were indeed explosives and to reassure residents about their safety.
Local resident Habiba Ahmed expressed concern over the rising risk of explosives being mistaken for scrap metal, especially by children and scrap collectors.
“Parents should be careful about what their children play with because some metals can be dangerous and life-threatening,” she warned.
Kambi Juu area manager David Mwirigi said there have been several past reports of explosive remnants in the area, emphasising the need for swift government intervention.
“This matter must be taken seriously to prevent potential tragedy,” he said.
Police have since secured the suspected explosives and launched investigations. Residents are urging the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and other relevant agencies to conduct a comprehensive assessment of old military zones around Isiolo to avert future risks.
