Defilement Suspect Escapes Custody at Eldoret Court; Manhunt Underway

A suspect facing defilement charges escaped from custody Tuesday at the Eldoret Law Courts, prompting an intensive manhunt and raising immediate concerns about security protocols within the court complex.

The suspect, who was in remand at the Eldoret GK Prison since his arrest in October of last year, fled during a scheduled hearing before Principal Magistrate Nancy Barasa. The suspect, who was not handcuffed and was dressed in civilian clothing, reportedly bolted from the courtroom during the session, exiting through a door and scaling a nearby fence before escaping along the Eldoret-Iten road.

Prison officers and police efforts to immediately apprehend the suspect were unsuccessful. Uasin Gishu County Police Commander Benjamin Mwanthi has confirmed the ongoing operation to recapture the fugitive and appeals to the public for assistance.

“We are hot on his heels and we urge the public to help us apprehend him,” Mwanthi says.

The suspect's escape has triggered an immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, specifically focusing on potential security lapses within the courthouse. The suspect was arrested following allegations of committing the offense in the Jua Kali area of Turbo sub-county, Uasin Gishu County. Three witnesses have already testified against him; two more were scheduled to give evidence.

Despite denying the charges, the suspect had been remanded in custody pending trial. In the aftermath of the escape, authorities have significantly increased security measures at the Eldoret High Court. Additional personnel from both the prisons department and the police force have been deployed to reinforce security and prevent future incidents.