Murder suspect Kelvin Kang'ethe, accused of the killing of Kenyan nurse Margaret Mbitu at a US-based airport last year, had orchestrated a sophisticated escape plan from Muthaiga Station, as disclosed by police sources.
According to a police report obtained by the media, Kang'ethe received a visit from a man claiming to be his lawyer on Wednesday afternoon, just before his breakout. During their brief interaction, the two discussed matters.
Under the assumption that it was a routine attorney visit, the police allowed the supposed lawyer to meet with the suspect. Following standard procedure, officers escorted Kang'ethe from his cell to the Anti-Crime office, where they left them alone.
Shortly afterward, Kang'ethe managed to flee the office, leaving the alleged lawyer behind.
The report details that the escape occurred while the station's commanding officer was in a meeting with anti-crime personnel and inspectorate members in her office.
Officers were alerted by the commotion and engaged in a pursuit along Thika Superhighway, but Kang'ethe successfully evaded capture.
The incident prompted the involvement of high-ranking officials, including Staff Officer Operations (SOOPs) from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations and Regional Criminal Investigations Officers (RCIOs) in Nairobi, who visited the scene to assess the situation.
Following the escape, four officers and the man claiming to be Kang'ethe's lawyer were apprehended and placed under custody. All parties provided statements to assist in determining if there was any assistance given to Kang'ethe.
As of the time of reporting, the US embassy, which had previously commended the Kenyan government for Kang'ethe's swift arrest, had not issued a response.
Kang'ethe was awaiting extradition to Massachusetts to face charges related to Mbitu's murder.
Eric Theuri, the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) chairman, confirmed ongoing investigations into the identity of the individual claiming to be Kang'ethe's lawyer, stating, "We have a lawyer by that name, but investigations are still ongoing to uncover the details."