"How Does One Escape Gigiri? Robert Alai, Other Leaders Poke Holes in Collins Jumaisi's Escape from Police Custody:

Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai is among the Kenyan leaders questioning the feasibility of Collins Jumaisi escaping from prison. Photo: Simon Maina.

Source: Getty Images

On August 20, 2024, Collins Jumaisi, the main suspect in the Mukuru killings, along with 12 Eritrean suspects, escaped from the Gigiri Police Station in Nairobi. This police station is known for its tight security, making the escape both shocking and puzzling.

According to reports, Jumaisi and his accomplices managed to escape by cutting through a wire mesh that was part of their cell's security system. They then climbed over a perimeter wall to get away. 

The escape was discovered when Police Constable Gerald Mutuku and the canteen manager went on their routine visit to serve breakfast. They found that the suspects had already fled.

The escape has drawn significant criticism from Kenyan leaders. Kileleshwa Member of County Assembly (MCA) Robert Alai expressed disbelief, questioning how such a security breach could happen in a highly secured facility like Gigiri Police Station. 

Alai pointed out that the station has multiple security doors, which should have made it nearly impossible for the suspects to escape unnoticed.

Social media has been abuzz with reactions. Politician and influencer Alinur Mohammed criticized the state of Kenyan security, calling it a "joke." Lawyer Miguna Miguna also weighed in, suggesting that Jumaisi was not responsible for the crimes he was accused of, although this remains a matter of legal investigation.

In response to the escape, eight police officers, including the Officer Commanding Police Division (OCPD) and Officer Commanding Station (OCS), have been suspended and arrested. The police station has been declared a crime scene as investigations are conducted. 

Acting Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli indicated that the preliminary investigation suggests that the escape may have involved inside assistance.

As the search for the escaped suspects continues, Masengeli has promised that those found responsible will face the full consequences of their actions. The authorities are working to track down Jumaisi and the other suspects while ensuring such incidents do not recur in the future.