Police in Vihiga have launched a manhunt for eight prisoners who escaped from custody.
In a daring incident, the nine prisoners on Wednesday morning overpowered a police officer who had gone to serve them with breakfast and managed to flee, but one was rearrested.
A police report seen by this reporter revealed that the officer identified as Isaac Okedi was alone when the incident happened.
“He reported that while he was opening the door to one of the cells in order to serve breakfast, the nine stormed out and sandwiches him before fleeing,” a report filed at Serem police station read in part.
The escapees have been identified as Carlson Jiseve remanded for assault, Kevin Mujivani remanded for burglary, Nelson Simba remanded for defiling a minor and Clinton Vidolo remanded for stealing.
Others are Hillary Pasaka remanded for defiling minor, Emmanuel Shirisia remanded for assault, Denis Marava convicted for defilement, Maurice Taabu remanded for grievous harm and Santos Muhindi remanded for stealing.
Immediately after the commotion, the officer raised alarm and managed to re-arrest Taabu.
This is after he was cornered and police were forced to shoot in the air in order to effect the arrest.
An officer identified as Isaac Onchana shot himself on his left foot by mistake in the melee.
“The escapee prisoner was re-arrested and taken back into custody. The officer was rushed to Jumuia Friends Hospital Kaimosi and is being attended to and is in fair condition,” the report read in part.
Police are now on the search to re-arrest the other eight.
Cases of prisoners escaping lawful custody have been on an upward trajectory in the recent past.
Last week, three prisoners escaped from lawful custody in Western region.
