Prisoner shot dead during botched escape attempt
An inmate was shot dead on Friday after he attempted to wrestle a firearm from a police officer while being transferred from a police station to the prison.
The incident happened when 39 inmates were being transferred from Kangundo Police Station to Machakos G.K. Prison.
The inmate, who was shot dead, had been charged with robbery with violence.
While confirming the incident, Kangundo sub-county police commander, Benjamin Ong’ombe said the police officer opened fire on the inmate killing him on the spot.
“There was an inmate who attempted to escape, just a few meters from Mukukuni market. He tried to snatch a rifle from one of the officers. A struggle ensued and the inmate was shot by the officer. He was pronounced dead at Machakos Level 5 Hospital,” said Ong’ombe on phone.
SUSTAINED INJURIES
The police officer sustained injuries on his right hand and leg and was treated and discharged.
The body of the deceased is currently at Machakos Level 5 Hospital awaiting postmortem
This is not the first time for the inmates to attack escorting officers.
In 2017, six inmates escaped from a police truck while being transported from the same facility to Machakos prison.
One of them was shot dead while escaping while the other five were later re-arrested.