Five police officers attached to the Gigiri police station in Nairobi, accused of aiding the escape of 13 remandees, including notorious suspect Collins Jumaisi, have been released on a bond of Ksh.200,000 each. The officers, who were arrested following the Tuesday escape, appeared in court on Thursday, where Magistrate Martha Nanzushi granted them bond, citing a lack of compelling reasons for their continued detention.
The Escape Incident
The escape, which has sent shockwaves through the country, involved 13 prisoners who were being held at the Gigiri police station. Among them was Collins Jumaisi, a man accused of a series of brutal murders targeting women, whose bodies were later found dumped in Nairobi’s Kware dumpsite. The other 12 escapees were held on charges related to illegal immigration.
According to a police report, the remandees managed to flee by cutting through the wire mesh at the station’s basking bay. The daring escape has raised serious concerns about the security measures in place at police stations and the possible involvement of insiders in the incident.
Court Proceedings and Bail Decision
During the court proceedings, the prosecution sought a 14-day detention of the five officers, arguing that more time was needed to complete the investigations. However, Magistrate Nanzushi denied the request, stating that the prosecution had not provided sufficient evidence to justify the continued detention of the officers.
The five officers—Corporal Ronald Babo and Constables Evans Kipkirui, Mollent Achieng, Zachary Nyabuto, and Gerald Mutuku—have now been released on bond. As part of their bail conditions, they are required to report to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) twice a week. This condition reflects the ongoing nature of the investigation and the need for the officers to be available to assist with further inquiries.
Investigations and Public Outcry
The escape has triggered a wave of public outcry, with many questioning how such a high-profile suspect could escape from police custody. Acting Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli has vowed to leave no stone unturned in the investigation, stating that the escape is likely the result of an “inside job.” His remarks have fueled speculation that the officers might have played a role in facilitating the escape.
The DCI has also issued a wanted suspect’s notice for Collins Jumaisi, urging members of the public to come forward with any information that could lead to his recapture. A cash reward has been offered for credible information, as authorities intensify efforts to track down the escapee.
Implications and Public Safety Concerns
The escape of Collins Jumaisi, a suspect linked to multiple murders, has heightened fears about public safety, particularly in Nairobi. Jumaisi’s alleged crimes have already caused widespread alarm, and his escape has only deepened concerns about the ability of the police to protect the public.
The incident has also sparked a broader conversation about the state of the country’s criminal justice system. Critics argue that the escape points to systemic failures, including inadequate security measures and possible corruption within the police force. The fact that such a dangerous suspect could escape custody has led to calls for urgent reforms to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Conclusion
As investigations continue, the focus remains on ensuring that those responsible for the escape are held accountable and that measures are put in place to prevent a recurrence. The release of the five officers on bond has done little to quell public concerns, as many await the outcome of the ongoing investigation.
In the meantime, the search for Collins Jumaisi continues, with authorities urging anyone with information to come forward. The case has become a significant test of the police’s ability to maintain public trust and ensure the safety of all citizens in the wake of this alarming incident.
