Thirteen police officers have been arrested and placed under investigation following the dramatic escape of six suspects from the Siaya Law Courts. The incident, which occurred on Monday evening, has raised serious concerns about security lapses and possible collusion within law enforcement.
The six escapees, identified as Fredrick Wafula, John Ngote, Farid Kimtai, John Okumu, Albert Otieno, and Kevin Otieno, had appeared in court to answer charges of robbery with violence. However, they managed to flee during the process of being escorted back to remand custody. Authorities have yet to determine the exact circumstances under which the suspects escaped, and investigations are ongoing.
The officers who were responsible for handling the suspects at the time of the escape were immediately taken into custody for questioning. All 13 were later released on bond as investigations continue. As part of the investigation, the officers’ mobile phones were confiscated to assist in uncovering any evidence of negligence or deliberate misconduct.
The six suspects remain at large, and police have launched a manhunt to apprehend them. Security agencies are under pressure to explain how such a serious breach of protocol could occur, especially considering the nature of the charges the suspects were facing.
This incident is not isolated. In recent months, Kenya has witnessed a concerning number of escapes involving individuals facing serious criminal and terror-related charges. These recurring breaches have sparked fears of systemic weaknesses and the possibility of internal collusion within the police and prison services.
In a notable case earlier this year, a terror suspect escaped from a police cell at Elwak Police Station in Mandera County under mysterious circumstances. The suspect, who had been arrested on suspicion of terror links, vanished from his cell without any sign of forced entry. Two police officers on duty at the time were arrested after initial investigations suggested the escape may have been facilitated internally.
The issue of suspect escapes is becoming increasingly critical, with official reports indicating that nearly 250 individuals have escaped from police custody or prison facilities in the past two years. Many of those who fled were facing charges such as robbery with violence, murder, and terrorism. These escapes not only undermine the justice system but also pose a significant threat to public safety.
Officers tasked with handling high-risk suspects are expected to follow strict protocols. These include heightened supervision, controlled movement, and thorough inspection of detention environments. The frequent lapses suggest either a disregard for these procedures or deep-rooted inefficiencies within the system.
Recent high-profile escapes include incidents at Wundanyi Prison and police stations in Bomet and Moiben. On January 26, eight inmates escaped from Wundanyi Prison by cutting through the roof and slipping out unnoticed. Such events underscore the urgent need for reforms in the security and judicial systems.
As investigations into the Siaya Law Courts escape continue, questions remain about accountability and the effectiveness of disciplinary measures for officers found to be negligent or complicit. The authorities face growing pressure to not only recapture the fugitives but also to restore public confidence in the country’s criminal justice system.
