The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has dismissed media reports claiming that a Mexican drug cartel successfully operated a methamphetamine lab in Namanga, Kajiado County.
The clarification comes after the Daily Nation published a sensational story alleging that a Mexican cartel ran a clandestine drug laboratory in the area until September 2024 — referencing a March 2025 U.S. report. However, the DCI has now set the record straight, revealing that although an elaborate international network was uncovered, the illegal operation was intercepted before it could be actualized.
According to the DCI, a multi-agency team acting on intelligence raided the secluded 10-acre farm on September 12, 2024, located eight kilometers off the Nairobi-Namanga Highway. At the scene, two iron-sheet structures were discovered — one housing laboratory apparatus and chemicals, while the other served as a chemical store, kitchen, and sleeping quarters. Investigators also recovered exercise books with chemical formulas and lab sketches, as well as a phone belonging to a Mexican suspect.
“Based on the observations of the team, a drug lab was being set up, but it was never operational,” the DCI clarified, dismissing reports that the cartel had already begun manufacturing methamphetamine.
The first suspect, Betty Mukami Micheni, was arrested days later in Ruiru, Kiambu County, where detectives seized documents linking her to the land, chemicals, and equipment purchases. Investigations further connected her to two Nigerian brothers — Agwu Ojukwu and MBA, Agwu Ogba — believed to be key players in the transnational syndicate.
Ojukwu, described as the cartel’s mastermind, was arrested on October 3, 2024, at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) while attempting to flee the country. He reportedly first visited Kenya in 2007 and owns several businesses across Nigeria, Gabon, South Africa, and China. Intelligence links him to a notorious South American drug cartel.
In a dramatic twist, former Mexican police officer Alvarado Israel Vera was also arrested at JKIA while trying to escape back to Mexico. He had allegedly been brought into the country by Ojukwu for his expertise in producing synthetic opioids, including methamphetamine. Two other Mexican nationals involved remain at large.
Additionally, Kenyan nationals Caroline Wambui Muchira and Francis Maina Gachau were arrested for facilitating the importation and distribution of precursor chemicals. Two local companies, Enormed Pharma Ltd and Betlink Supplies Ltd, have also been named as co-defendants in the case for their role in acquiring and supplying the chemicals.
DCI officials emphasized that despite the elaborate international network involving actors from Nigeria, Mexico, Gabon, India, and South Africa, the cartel did not succeed in operationalizing the lab. “No synthetic drugs were produced, and no suspects have been deported for trial elsewhere,” the statement clarified.
DCI Director John Marete further reiterated Kenya’s commitment to fighting drug trafficking, noting that the close cooperation with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) was instrumental in thwarting the operation.
“Our resolve remains unshaken — to ensure that Kenya does not become a haven or transit point for deadly synthetic opioids,” the DCI assured.
The case is now before the JKIA Court, with six suspects formally charged as investigations continue to pursue remaining cartel members on the run.
