The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is seeking a 14-day detention for five police officers from Gigiri Police Station, who are under investigation for their alleged involvement in the escape of 13 prisoners.
The officers, including Corporal Ronald Babo and Constables Evans Kipkurui, Gerald Mutuku, Mollent Achieng, and Zachary Nyabuto, were on duty when the prisoners, including a high-profile murder suspect, escaped.
At a hearing in the Milimani Law Courts, Inspector of Police Benedict Kaulu requested the court to remand the officers for two additional weeks at different police stations in Nairobi.
Kaulu explained that the extended detention would allow for a thorough investigation into the officers’ potential complicity in the escape.
State Prosecutor James Gachoka supported the request, highlighting the gravity of the situation. Among the escapees was Collins Jumaisi, the prime suspect in the alleged murder of 42 women, and 12 Eritrean nationals.
Gachoka informed the court that key evidence, including the officers’ mobile phones and CCTV footage from Gigiri Police Station, is currently under analysis by the DCI’s Cyber Crime Unit.
He argued that the officers should remain in custody to prevent any attempts to obstruct the investigation or flee, especially since some accomplices are still on the run.
The court also heard personal appeals from the detained officers.
Constable Mutuku opposed the detention, citing his responsibility to pay his children’s school fees, as they are due to return to school next week.
Constable Achieng pleaded with the court to reduce the detention period or grant her bail, explaining that her 14-year-old daughter had collapsed after learning of her arrest, and she needed to take care of her child and manage school fees.
Magistrate Martha Nanzushi ruled that the five officers would remain in custody until her decision is delivered this morning at 9 a.m.
