Embu West, Kenya – August 6, 2025 — A daring prison escape attempt turned deadly on Tuesday afternoon in Embu West Sub-county after two remandees sprayed police officers with pepper and fled from a moving prison van.
Chaos as Suspects Flee Siakago Law Courts Transfer
The incident occurred in the Gatondo area, as the suspects were being transported from Siakago Law Courts. According to Embu West Sub-county Police Commander Vincent Kitili, the two inmates launched a surprise attack by pepper-spraying the officers escorting them — a tactic that left the security team momentarily blinded and disoriented.
“The suspects appeared to have planned this escape in advance. They leapt from the vehicle during a slowdown near speed bumps,” said Kitili.
As reported by Nation Africa, the escape happened when the van slowed down near speed bumps, allowing the suspects to jump out and disappear into a nearby maize plantation.
Fatal End for Swaleh Oswado
One of the suspects, identified as Swaleh Oswado, a former ODM aspirant for Kirimari Ward, met a tragic end. During the police chase, Oswado allegedly ran into an unfinished building where he picked up a panga (machete) and challenged officers to confront him.
“He refused to surrender and was shot as he attempted to leap over a perimeter wall into a neighbouring farm,” the police commander said.
The second suspect remains at large as police continue the manhunt in surrounding areas.
Planned Escape Leaves Questions
Authorities believe the escape was meticulously planned, raising concerns over security protocols during court transfers. The use of pepper spray, likely smuggled, has triggered a review of transportation procedures within Kenya’s correctional services.
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