The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has secured convictions against three prison wardens who were formerly attached to GK Kamiti Maximum Security Prison for their role in facilitating the escape of convicted terrorists, in a case that has brought to light the dangers of insider collusion within major security institutions.
The judgement was delivered at the Kahawa Law Courts, where the Senior Principal Magistrate found the officers guilty of the offences that the court said posed a serious threat to national security.
The three wardens were convicted on multiple counts, including neglect of official duty, aiding prisoners to escape, and organizing a meeting in support of a terrorist group.
Robert Kipkurui Soi and Kaikai Talengo Moses, were each fined Ksh. 100,000, with a default sentence of six months’ imprisonment in case they fail to pay.
The third accused, Willy Wambua received a stiffer penalty and was fined Ksh. 200,000 or face one year in prison. He was further fined Ksh. 800,000 on a separate terrorism-related charge, with a default sentence of two years’ imprisonment.
According to the prosecution, the offences took place on the night of November 14,2021, and the morning of November 15,2021, when the convicts deliberately failed to carry out their duties and therefore facilitating the escape of terror inmates.
The escapees included Musharaf Abdala, who had many aliases, Mohamed Ali Abikar, and Joseph Juma Odhiambo, all of whom were serving sentences for terrorism-related offences.
The court accepted the DPP’s evidence that the escape was meticulously planned and could not have been executed smoothly without assistance from within the prison.
The court also found that, Wambua, particularly went further by directly and indirectly facilitating the escape and unlawfully organizing a prohibited meeting between convicted terrorists, contrary to the prevention of Terrorism Act, 2012.
The convictions are being viewed as a major step by the DPP’s office in reinforcing accountability within the prison system and sending a strong message that any acts going against national security will be firmly dealt with under the law.
