A remand prisoner facing a murder charge was on Tuesday shot dead while attempting to escape from lawful custody in Gatondo, Embu County.
The inmate, who had just attended a court session at Siakago Law Courts, reportedly leapt out of a moving prison vehicle as he was being transported back to Embu Prison.
According to sources, the suspect was a former political aspirant who unsuccessfully contested the Kirimari Ward seat in the 2022 General Election.
However, Embu West Sub-County Police Commander Vincent Kitili declined to disclose the suspect’s identity, stating that his next of kin had not yet been notified.
The prisoner is said to have assaulted the prison officers escorting him by throwing pepper at them before fleeing on foot.
“One of our officers pursued him and ordered him to stop, but he ignored the command,” said Mr Kitili.
The suspect then entered a commercial building under construction in a bid to evade arrest. While inside, he reportedly grabbed a panga (machete) left at the site and attempted to attack the pursuing officer.
“In self-defence, the officer opened fire, fatally shooting the suspect,” Mr Kitili said.
He praised the officer's bravery noting that while his colleagues remained behind to guard the other remand prisoners in the vehicle, the officer acted swiftly and decisively.
“This was a dangerous criminal who had already been profiled. He attacked our officers with pepper spray before trying to flee,” Mr Kitili added.
