A former Embu County MCA aspirant was shot dead after attempting a dramatic escape from police custody.
The aspirant, who had vied for the Kirimari Ward seat in the 2022 General Election, was fatally shot in the Gatondo area shortly after a court session.
Embu West Sub-county Police Commander Vincent Kitili confirmed the incident, noting that the suspect was in custody facing a murder charge.
At the time of the escape attempt, he was being transported back to Embu Prison along with other inmates.
During the trip back to prison, the suspect, allegedly armed with pepper spray, attempted to overpower the escorting officers before launching a bold escape.
“He used pepper spray to blind the officers inside the van, creating confusion and panic. Seizing the opportunity, he jumped out and fled,” Embu West Sub-county Police Commander Vincent Kitili explained.
His plan initially seemed successful. One officer leapt out of the vehicle in pursuit as others remained behind to secure the remaining remandees.
The chase led to Gatondo village, where the suspect hid at a construction site and armed himself with a machete.
Despite receiving orders to surrender, the suspect reportedly charged at the officer, who was prompted to neutralise him.
While praising the officer for his bravery, Kitili reiterated that the suspect, despite his political status, was a dangerous criminal.
“This was a dangerous criminal who had already been profiled. He attacked our officers with pepper spray before attempting to flee,” Kitili explained.
“I want to thank the police officer for his bravery because the suspect was armed and dangerous. The officer did not back down even when the suspect scaled walls and pulled out a machete. That was very commendable.”
Before his death, the suspect had been linked to several gang-related incidents in Nairobi and its environs, with reports alleging he was the leader of a syndicate involved in daring robberies.
The suspect’s body has since been taken to Embu Level 5 Mortuary.
