8 suspects escape from Wundanyi prison

Multi-agency teams are racing to re-arrest eight suspects who allegedly escaped from the Wundanyi Main Prison in Taita Taveta County.

The suspects, according to police, are said to have staged the escape after allegedly cutting part of the roof of the prison cell on Sunday morning.

Police and prison officials claim the suspects cut the iron sheets of the roof and used the opening to escape unheard.

The escape was noticed hours later as the prison wardens on duty conducted a routine check.

The suspects were in remand waiting for the hearing of their cases, which were in various stages, officials said.

Senior police officers rushed to the scene when the alarm on the escape was raised.

The personnel recorded statements from officers who were on duty as part of efforts to establish circumstances surrounding the escape.

Police and prison officials staged an operation in the area in vain.

Prisons officials said they had alerted authorities in areas where the suspects come from to help in tracing and re-arresting them.

Outgoing Coast police boss George Sedah said multi-agency teams are pursuing the suspects.

He urged locals to report any of the suspects who may be seen in their area.

“We also urge the suspects to surrender in good faith,” he said.

There are fears the suspects may harm witnesses or may be attacked in the villages.