Protests after murder suspect escapes police custody in Nyamira

Residents of Nyamwanga village in West Mugirango Constituency, Nyamira County, are protesting and demanding justice following the alleged escape of a murder suspect from police custody.

The suspect, Fagerstone Mokaya, is accused of involvement in the killing of 67-year-old Meshach Mainye Miyaki.

Reports indicate that the suspect, who had earlier gone into hiding after the deceased was reported missing, was later arrested in Kakamega and returned to Sengera Manga Police Station in Nyamira County.

He was set to be arraigned alongside four other suspects, but allegedly escaped while being transported to the Nyamira Law Courts for plea-taking.

“Tunataka haki kama familia, tunaona kama kuna njama na tuambiwe ukweli…” said the deceased’s brother, James Onyancha Miyaki.

Community members have dismissed the official account of events, alleging possible collusion between police officers and the suspect.

They have issued a three-day ultimatum for authorities to produce Mokaya, who is believed to be the last person seen with Meshach before his body was discovered buried in a shallow grave within his compound.

“As the community of Gatuta, we are demanding answers on how the suspect got lost in police custody. We are told he was in chains. Is it true?” A resident, Evans Swara, posed.

Another, Caren Mayaka, added; “Mtu atatoroka kwa askari, mtu ameuwa mtu, kusema kweli itawezekana? Hapana.”

“Hatutafanya lolote kumzika mpaka OCS watuletee huyo mshukiwa, waeleze vile mshukiwa alitoroka… tutafanya maandamano yale hawajawahi ona,” Joel Atuti added.

Family members recall Mokaya telling them that the deceased Meshach had left home dressed as if he was travelling, only for him to be found dead days later.