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Murder suspects escape Mombasa police cells after sawing through grills
Two high-profile suspects facing murder charges for a crime committed along Second Avenue in Nyali sliced through cell metal grills overnight to execute a brazen escape
A massive manhunt is underway after two murder suspects staged a daring overnight escape from Mwatamba Police Station in Nyali, Mombasa County, in a suspected meticulously planned jailbreak that has put police under intense scrutiny.
The two suspects, who were being held over a murder allegedly committed along Second Avenue in Nyali, escaped on Friday night after reportedly cutting through the metal grills of their holding cell using a saw chain believed to have been smuggled into the station.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the cutting tool may have been hidden inside a loaf of bread brought to the suspects by visitors before the dramatic escape.
Police discovered the breakout during a routine inspection of the cells, only to find the suspects missing and the security grills cut open.
The discovery triggered an immediate security operation, with officers combing areas surrounding the station as police across the Coast region were alerted in a bid to prevent the fugitives from escaping Mombasa County.
Coast Regional Police Commander Ali Nuno confirmed the incident, saying detectives were pursuing several leads to recapture the escapees and establish how they managed to flee from custody.
"We are investigating the matter, and our officers are in pursuit of the suspects," Mr Nuno said.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has since taken over the probe, with investigators reviewing visitor records, examining available CCTV footage, and questioning officers who were on duty when the suspects escaped.
Detectives are also investigating whether the suspects received assistance from outsiders or whether negligence or collusion by officers guarding the cells may have aided the escape.
"Officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations have commenced investigations, and a file has been prepared, which will guide the action to be taken," Mr Nuno said.
The suspects had been expected to appear in court on Monday to answer murder charges before their dramatic escape.
The incident has raised fresh concerns over security at police holding facilities, particularly the screening of food and other items delivered to suspects by visitors.
Investigators are expected to review existing security procedures to determine whether protocols were ignored and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents.
Police have appealed to members of the public to volunteer any information that could lead to the arrest of the escapees, while cautioning residents against attempting to apprehend the suspects themselves because they may be dangerous.
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