Swaleh Abdallah Njiru, popularly known as Oswando, who was shot dead on Tuesday while attempting to escape from a prison van just moments after leaving the Siakago Law Courts in Embu County, had been on the police radar for years.
The 38-year-old, feared across Embu and Nairobi counties for leaving behind a trail of violence and destruction, had unsuccessfully contested the Kirimari Ward Representative seat in the August 2022 General Election on an ODM ticket.
His family on Wednesday identified his body at the Embu Referral Hospital mortuary, where it was taken after the fatal shooting in Gatondo, Embu County.
“We have seen the body and positively identified it," said his brother Ismail Abdallah.
Before the daring escape attempt, prison warders had been briefed about his intentions as he had hinted at plans to escape while in remand.
Speaking to the Daily Nation , Embu West Sub-County Police Commander Vincent Kitili revealed that Oswando sprayed pepper into the eyes of prison warders, causing panic and confusion. As the warders struggled to recover, he jumped from the moving van and fled.
How Swaleh Abdallah Njiru was shot dead while attempting to escape from a prison van
One officer, who was not seriously affected by the spray, pursued him. The fugitive ran through Gatondo village and into an under-construction commercial building where he reportedly grabbed a panga and threatened the officer.
“He warned the officer not to come closer. But the officer stood his ground and kept advancing,” said Mr Kitili.
After Oswando ignored repeated calls to surrender and allegedly charged at the officer, the officer shot him in self-defence, killing him on the spot.
Before settling in Embu, Oswando had terrorised residents of Kasarani and Githurai 44 in Nairobi. His father, previously linked to motor vehicle theft, was also shot dead by police years ago.
Police sources say Oswando lived in Santon and Githurai 44 and often rode a distinct motorbike. He was known for his violent behaviour, including assaults and robberies, especially around the Hunters and Santon areas.
“He had long hair, bullied people, and committed violent crimes,” said one officer familiar with his activities. “People feared him and rarely reported him. He seemed untouchable.”
In Embu, his name frequently surfaced in connection with stolen electronics and khat market control. Although police repeatedly warned him, he avoided arrest.
In November 2022, a sting operation by an elite squad from the DCI’s Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau led to the arrest of three of his alleged accomplices—James Murathi alias Jimcarter (39), Andrew Murathi alias Waaxy (44), and Charles Mwaniki alias Bush (37).
They were linked to a robbery in Ishiara, Mbeere North Sub-County, where they terrorised a household and stole valuables. The operation was conducted three months after businessman Denis Mbae Muthengi, who was also vying for the Kirimari MCA seat, was shot dead a few meters from his home in Embu town.
Oswando was also suspected of leading a gang that raided a gas outlet owned by a businessman known as Apostle Ben, stealing 84 gas cylinders. No action was taken, despite the matter being reported.
To his family and supporters, Oswando was a misunderstood man—a generous, hardworking individual whose criminal charges were “framed.”
"Our son was a good man who worked hard. The police should not have killed him. The cases were still in court. He was innocent until proven guilty, said Mr Abdallah.
“The officer could have shot him in the leg, not the chest. This was an execution,” Mr Abdallah added.
Oswando had three wives, two of whom had since left him. He was living with his third wife and continued providing for his four children.
To supporters, he was a "man of the people."
“He helped the poor. His death is a big loss,” said one supporter, Mr Njue Karangu in Embu town.
But to critics and some residents, his death was welcome news.
“He was a dangerous criminal involved in robberies and murders. We lived in fear when he was around,” one resident said.
“He was a notorious criminal. He had been profiled and was considered highly dangerous,” said Mr Kitili.
