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12 police officers held over escape of robbery suspects in Siaya

Senators have raised the alarm over a worrying trend of unexplained deaths of detainees and prisoners.

Photo credit: lustration by John Nyagah | Nation Media Group
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By  Kassim Adinasi

Correspondent

What you need to know:

  • The incident comes one year after another prisoner pulled a dare-devil escape from Siaya GK prison.
  • The inmate identified as Joseph Otieno Okombo 27, who was serving a two-year jail term, cleverly gained freedom by escaping and making a public spectacle of the policemen manning the prisoners.

Twelve police officers have been placed in custody to aid in investigations following the dramatic escape of six suspects from custody at the Siaya Law Courts on Monday.

The capital offense suspects outsmarted the officers after appearing in court and were supposed to be taken back to remand.

The escapees who were facing robbery with violence charges have been identified as Fredrick Wafula Shikanda, John Ngote Itole, Farid Kimtai, John Okumu alias Otis, Albert Otieno alias Oliver, and Kevin Otieno Odhiambo.

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Siaya County Police Commander Serah Koki confirmed the incident, citing that 12 officers are currently being held for interrogation.

Read: Brazen bandit turns local school into home for his two wives after villagers flee: Kindiki

“We are holding 12 officers as we continue with the investigations. They shall help in unearthing the events that unfolded yesterday when the suspects were brought to court,” said Ms Koki.

The police have also launched a manhunt for the suspects who escaped.

“The search for the suspects is going on, as well as the investigations,” she added, declining to give more information.

According to court officials, the suspects made the daring escape from custody just as they were walking out of the courtroom.

The officer said the action was spontaneous within a short period.

Read: Inside Kapedo Catholic Church where worshippers are guarded by armed security officers

“It happened within a short period, one time they were in court and the next minute they were nowhere,” said the officer working at the Siaya law courts.

The incident comes one year after another prisoner pulled a dare-devil escape from Siaya GK prison.

The inmate identified as Joseph Otieno Okombo 27, who was serving a two-year jail term, cleverly gained freedom by escaping and making a public spectacle of the policemen manning the prisoners.