Three police officers charged with aiding the escape of self-confessed killer Masten Wanjala have been found to have a case to answer.
This means that the three will have to defend themselves against the accusations levelled against them.
In his ruling, Milimani Magistrate Robert Ondieki the prosecution was able to prove that the officers (Philip Mbithi, Boniface Mutuma, and Precious Mwinzi) neglected their duty, leading to the escape of Wanjala on the night of October 12, 2021.
"I find that the evidence adduced by the prosecution witnesses has proved a prima facie case against the accused persons. They are hereby placed in their defence," said the magistrate.
The three officers were on duty when Wanjala escaped from custody. They have since denied two counts of aiding a prisoner to escape prison and neglect of official duty.
At the time they were charged, the charge sheet indicated that on the nights of October 12 and 13 at Jogoo Road police station within Nairobi County, they jointly aided Wanjala to escape from lawful custody.
They also denied willfully neglecting to prevent the escape of Wanjala, a murder suspect, a duty they were dutifully bound to perform under the National Police Service Act.