Efforts to recapture five dangerous suspects who escaped from the Wundanyi Main Prisons in Taita Taveta County are underway. The dramatic escape, which occurred on Saturday night, involved eight remand prisoners who staged a daring breakout by cutting through the iron sheet roof of their cell.
Three of the escapees were recaptured on Sunday in the Godoma area of Mwatate subcounty. They have since been transferred to the highly secure Manyani Maximum Security Prison in Voi. However, the remaining five are still at large, prompting a multi-agency manhunt.
Outgoing Coast regional police boss George Sedah assured the public that law enforcement is sparing no effort to track and apprehend the fugitives. “We appeal to locals to assist in the recapture of these dangerous suspects. Any information regarding their whereabouts should be reported immediately,” he said.
According to authorities, the escape was meticulously planned. The suspects are believed to have cut through the roof of their cell unnoticed during the night. Prison officials only discovered the breakout hours later during a routine inspection. Investigations into the incident have revealed significant security lapses, prompting Commissioner General of Prisons Patrick Aranduh to dispatch a team from Nairobi to investigate the circumstances of the escape.
The investigative team has recorded statements from officers who were on duty that night. The probe aims to determine whether negligence or collusion contributed to the jailbreak. Meanwhile, police and prison officials have intensified operations in the surrounding areas and alerted authorities in the suspects’ home regions to assist in the search.
Residents have expressed concerns over the apparent flaws in the prison’s security system. The incident comes amidst ongoing reforms within Kenya’s prison department aimed at improving infrastructure and operational efficiency. While these reforms are essential, the Wundanyi escape highlights the urgent need for enhanced vigilance and accountability among prison staff.
As the manhunt continues, the authorities are urging citizens to remain vigilant. The escape serves as a stark reminder of the critical role community cooperation plays in maintaining public safety.
The incident has cast a spotlight on the state of Kenya’s correctional facilities, raising questions about security protocols and the adequacy of resources allocated to prevent such breaches. While progress in prison reforms is underway, this high-profile escape underscores the pressing need to address existing gaps to avoid similar incidents in the future.
Authorities have reassured the public of their commitment to recapturing the suspects and ensuring justice is served.
