Nairobi: A former ODM MCA aspirant in Embu County was gunned down by the police while attempting to escape from a prison van after attending a court session at Siakago Law Courts.
According to Kenya News Agency, Swaleh Abdalla, popularly known as Oswando, who once sought the Kirimari Ward MCA seat in the 2022 General Elections, was shot dead at Gatondo area during the escape attempt. The suspect had been in remand at Embu GK Prison since last year following his arrest over murder charges.
Embu West Sub-county Police Commander Vincent Kitili reported that the suspect, alongside other inmates, was on the way back to prison from court when the incident occurred. He explained that the suspect sprayed pepper into the officers' eyes inside the van, creating a moment of panic and confusion, and then dashed out.
Speaking to the press, Kitili said one officer managed to jump out and gave chase while the others secured the remaining prisoners. Oswando sprinted through Gatondo Village, ending up at a construction site with the officer in pursuit.
Kitili described how Oswando secured a panga from the site and began threatening the officer, warning him not to come closer. Despite the threats, the officer continued to advance. The suspect ignored repeated calls to surrender and charged at the officer, forcing him to open fire.
Kitili confirmed that the suspect was neutralised as he advanced with the weapon. The body has been taken to Embu Level 5 Hospital mortuary, and investigations into the matter are underway.