A former Member of County Assembly (MCA) aspirant from Embu County was shot dead following a dramatic escape attempt that ended in tragedy. The incident took place in Embu West after a bold move by the suspect turned fatal.
The individual, known by the alias Oswando, had previously contested the Kirimari Ward MCA seat in the 2022 General Elections. He was facing serious charges, including being a key suspect in an ongoing murder investigation.
The incident unfolded shortly after a court session in Siakago, where Oswando had been escorted back to a prison van with several other inmates. According to police accounts, the suspect suddenly produced a canister of pepper spray and used it on the officers inside the vehicle. The unexpected attack caused momentary confusion and panic among the officers, enabling the suspect to leap out of the van and make a run for his freedom.
Despite the pepper spray attack, one officer managed to overcome the effects and began chasing after the escapee while other officers quickly secured the remaining prisoners inside the van.
The fugitive darted through Gatondo village in a desperate attempt to evade capture. His flight led him into a construction site, where he picked up a machete and began threatening the officer in pursuit. According to police reports, the suspect was warned multiple times to surrender but instead charged at the officer with the weapon.
Faced with a direct threat, the officer opened fire, fatally wounding the suspect as he advanced. The confrontation ended with the suspect being pronounced dead at the scene. His body was later transported to Embu Level 5 Hospital mortuary.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the entire incident, including how the suspect managed to obtain pepper spray while in custody. The case has raised serious concerns regarding security procedures during prisoner transport, especially for high-risk suspects.
The bizarre turn of events has left many shocked, particularly those familiar with the suspect’s past as a political aspirant. His dramatic attempt to flee custody and the deadly end that followed have added a new layer of complexity to the ongoing murder case in which he was implicated.
