Prison warders at the Thika Main Prison have scaled their search after an inmate escaped the penitentiary Tuesday morning.
Details have remained scanty on the identity of the prisoner. However, reports indicate that the inmate had been convicted of stealing and had been sentenced to serve a year in prison.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmIbQvp1xjo
The escapee had served six months and was to enter his second batch of six months next month when he escaped.
People residing in the area were rudely woken up Tuesday morning after gunshots rent the air amid rumours that “something bad had happened.”
“I heard gunshots and when I enquired I was told that a convict had escaped from prison,” said James Ouma.
Another area resident, George Mogiri, said police officers lobbed teargas canisters near the prison as they tried to catch up with the suspect who is still at large.
“The police have thrown teargas canisters almost everywhere, currently there is no going past the prison,” he said.
Mr Mathew Kimanzi, the Prison boss, said they are still in pursuit of the escapee.
“He had already served six months and was remaining with six when he escaped. We are still looking for him,” said Kimanzi.
The escapee is reported to have taken advantage of the warders reporting on duty and escaped with them before the police became curious and decided to give a chase.
The prison area has since been cordoned off as warders comb the area for any leads.