Three police officers charged with aiding the escape of confessed serial killer Masten Wanjala have been ordered to defend themselves in court.
The officers ‘Phillip Mbithi, Boniface Mutuma, and Precious Mwinzi‘ were on duty at Jogoo Road Police Station in Nairobi when Wanjala made his escape. Wanjala, who had confessed to multiple murders of children, fled custody on the night of October 12 and 13, 2021.
Senior Principal Magistrate Robinson Ondieki ruled that a prima facie case had been established against the officers, compelling them to take the stand in their defense. The officers are accused of facilitating Wanjala’s escape and failing in their duty to prevent it.
The prosecution alleges that the officers, by their actions or negligence, allowed Wanjala to break out of lawful custody, a violation of the National Police Service Act, which mandates that they ensure suspects remain in detention.
The case continues as the court seeks to determine the extent of the officers’ involvement in the escape of the notorious murder suspect.