Former MCA aspirant shot dead in Embu during daring prison escape attempt
Embu West Sub-county Police Commander Vincent Kitili said the two suspects sprayed pepper at officers and tried to escape while being transported from Siakago Law Courts, causing confusion and temporary blindness.
A former Member of County Assembly (MCA) aspirant in Embu County was allegedly shot dead on Tuesday afternoon during a dramatic jailbreak attempt in Embu West Sub-county, which also saw another suspect escape.
Swaleh Abdalla, popularly known as Oswando, who contested the Kirimari Ward seat on an ODM ticket in the 2022 General Election, was shot and killed in the Gatondo area while attempting to flee custody with another inmate.
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Embu West Sub-County Police Commander Vincent Kitili confirmed the incident occurred as the two detainees were being transported from Siakago Law Courts. The suspects reportedly sprayed pepper at officers inside the prison van, causing temporary blindness and chaos.
“The two suspects threw pepper at the officers inside the prison van, causing temporary blindness and confusion. They clearly planned this escape in advance,” Kitili said.
Swift police chase
The escape unfolded as the van slowed down to navigate speed bumps in Gatondo. The suspects bolted from the moving vehicle and ran toward a nearby maize plantation, prompting a swift police chase.
“We gave chase immediately. One of the suspects, Swaleh Oswando, ran into an unfinished house where he armed himself with a panga and dared our officers to come any closer,” Kitili said.
Kitili further explained that Oswando then attempted to leap over a perimeter wall into a neighbouring farm. Officers opened fire after he allegedly ignored calls to surrender and advanced with the weapon.
Criminal cases
“He was neutralised as he advanced with the weapon. He was not just a former politician. He was also facing numerous criminal cases, which made him a dangerous individual to have at large,” Kitili said.
Police later processed the scene, and Oswando’s body was taken to Embu Level Five Hospital mortuary.
Meanwhile, the second suspect managed to escape into nearby thickets. Although reinforcements were deployed from surrounding stations, the fugitive had already disappeared.
“We’ve launched a full-scale manhunt to track down the escaped prisoner,” Kitili said.
“We are also appealing to the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious individuals.”
Kitili assured residents that the police are on high alert and committed to maintaining public safety.
“We want to assure the public that we are on high alert. Such incidents will not deter us from enforcing the law and maintaining order,” he said.
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