By Andrew Wasike
NAIROBI, Kenya (AA) - Five Kenyan police officers stationed at Nairobi's Gigiri Police Station were arraigned on Wednesday in a local court for helping the escape of suspected serial killer Collins Jumaisi and 12 other inmates early Tuesday.
The prosecution, represented by state prosecutor James Gachoka, requested the court to detain the suspects for 14 days as investigations continue into how some of them allegedly aided the escape of Jumaisi and 12 other inmates.
Gachoka informed Magistrate Martha Naanzushi that they have obtained CCTV footage, which is currently undergoing forensic examination.
The footage allegedly shows the officers on duty assisting the inmates in their escape.
Kenya National Police Chief Gilbert Masengeli told reporters in Nairobi, "Our preliminary investigations indicate that the escape was aided by insiders."
The officers, whose identities have not been revealed, are accused of negligence of duty and aiding prisoners’ escape, among other offenses.
The prosecution alleges that their actions or inactions directly contributed to the daring jailbreak, which sparked widespread public outrage and fear.
The arraignment comes as authorities intensify their manhunt for Jumaisi, who is accused of brutally murdering and dismembering over 40 women and other escapees.
Jumaisi, known for the Mukuru murders, in which the bodies of his victims were found in a water-filled quarry in Nairobi’s Embakasi neighborhood, missed his scheduled court appearance last Friday.
This has intensified public outrage and raised concerns over the effectiveness of the justice and security systems.
The apparent ease of escape from Gigiri Police Station, which is known for its high security due to its proximity to several embassies, has sparked speculation about possible security breaches or collusion.