A former ODM MCA aspirant in Embu County was on Tuesday afternoon gunned down by the police while attempting to escape from a prison van after attending a court session at Siakago Law Courts.
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 daring escape bid.
The suspect has been in remand at Embu GK Prison since last year following his arrest over murder charges.
According to Embu West Sub-county Police Commander Vincent Kitili, the suspect alongside other inmates were on the way back to prison from court when the incident took place.
He reported that the suspect sprayed pepper to the unsuspecting officers’ eyes inside the van and during that moment of panic and confusing dashed out.
Speaking to the press, the police boss said one officer managed to jump out and gave chase while the others swiftly secured the remaining prisoners.
He said Oswando sprinted through Gatondo Village finally ending up at a construction site with the officer hot on his heels.
”He managed to secure a panga from the site and started threatening the officer shouting at him not to dare come closer, but the officer stood his ground and continued advancing towards him,”Kitili said.
He said the suspect ignored repeated calls to surrender and instead charged at the officer forcing him to open fire on him.
“He was neutralised as he advanced towards the officer armed with the weapon,” Kitili stated.
His body has been taken to Embu Level 5 Hospital mortuary as investigations get underway into the matter.
By Samuel Waititu
