Police in Mombasa have launched a manhunt for two murder suspects who escaped from custody at Kadzandani Police Station in Nyali, prompting investigations into the security breach.
The suspects, identified as Anthony Changawa Charo, 23, and Seif Kai Makemba, 30, had been in police custody since July 8, 2026, after they were arrested in connection with a murder case.
They had been held at the station for 16 days under orders from the Shanzu Law Courts to allow detectives to complete investigations before they were formally charged.
According to a police incident report, the escape was discovered at about 6.04 am during the routine handover between officers ending the night shift and those reporting for morning duty.
During the handover, officers found the two suspects missing from their cells, triggering an immediate search.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the pair escaped by cutting through the metallic security grille on a toilet window before removing ventilation blocks to create an opening. Police believe they then scaled the station's perimeter wall and fled.
The suspects had already undergone an identification parade on July 14, during which they were positively identified by witnesses. They were also scheduled to undergo a mental assessment on July 22, a legal requirement before taking a plea in court.
Senior police officers, including Mombasa County Police Commander Stella Cherono and County Criminal Investigations Officer George Muriuki, visited the station after the escape was reported to assess the scene and oversee investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Confirming the escape, Cherono said police had launched an extensive operation to trace and rearrest the two suspects.
She appealed to members of the public to provide any information that could help detectives locate the suspects, warning that they should be considered dangerous. She urged anyone who spots them not to confront them but instead report their whereabouts to the nearest police station or other security agency.
Investigators are also examining how the suspects managed to escape from the holding facility without being detected. The findings are expected to determine whether any disciplinary or criminal action will be taken if security lapses or negligence are established.
Comments
Sign in with Google to comment, reply, and like comments.
Continue with Google