A rape suspect from Homa Bay County swam in the deep waters of Lake Victoria for three hours to avoid facing the consequences of his deed.
22-year-old Nicholas Owino was torn between dying by the hand of the angry mob pursuing him or taking chances with the unpredictable waters.
Caught between a rock and a hard place, he chose the lake- perhaps influenced by the fact that it was a familiar territory, as he was a fisher man.
Owino's tribulations started on Sunday afternoon when he allegedly waylaid a six-year-old child by the roadside and dragged her to a nearby bush.
Responding to the little girl's screams, villagers rushed to the site, only to find the man in a compromising situation, as witnesses explained to The Standard.
To escape the angry mob baying for his blood, Owino made a dash for it, zipping his trousers while running.
The mob followed him to the lakeside where he dived.
Attempts by some residents to follow him into the waters proved futile as Owino went further and further into the deep waters.
He threatened to drown anyone who would follow him.
Three hours later, Owino showed no signs of tiring from the swim, armed police officers and some locals decided to take an engine boat to go for him.
Still energetic, Owino frustrated the team by swimming under the water and appearing at different positions in the lake.
The police threatened to shoot him and Owino eventually gave himself up for arrest.
He remains in police custody, awaiting to be charged in court.
