By Faith Nyasuguta
A self-confessed serial killer Masten Wanjala has been lynched by a mob in Bungoma, Western Kenya just days after he escaped police custody in Nairobi, reports have said.
According to the area chief Boniface Ndiera, he had received a phone call from one of the residents claiming that Wanjala had been spotted.
“Kuna watoto walikuwa wanaenda shule walimuona na wakamtambua na wakakimbia kwa polisi (there are children that were going to school when they noticed him so they rushed to the police),” Mr Ndiera said.
On realization that his cover had been blown, Wanjala allegedly took to his heels, with dozens of local residents hot at his wake.
Reports reveal that he then dashed into a neighbor’s home and locked himself inside as a mob that was baying for his blood gathered.
“Wananchi waliokuwa na hamaki walivunja mlango na wakamtoa nje and within two seconds.. walikuwa wamemuua tayari (Furious residents broke the door, got him out and within two seconds, he was dead),” the area chief added.
On October 13, Wanjala escaped from custody at the Jogoo Road Police Station where he was being held.
According to a police report on the incident, it is the officer who reported on duty at 7 am on Wednesday who noticed that Wanjala was missing.
“This was noticed when they were taking over the report office and cell sentry duties. They informed the D/ocs who were in the report office minuting cases in the OB,” reads the report.
“The deputy OCS informed the OCPD Buruburu and raised the alarm and the area was combed in order to re-arrest the prisoner.”
It is still unclear how the 20-year-old suspect, who was set to take plea on Wednesday, October 13, managed to slip from custody.
Meanwhile, three police officers have been arrested for allegedly aiding the escape of self-confessed serial killer Masten Millimo Wanjala.
Police Inspector Philip Mbithi and Police Constables Boniface Mutuma and Precious Mwende all of Jogoo Police Station are in custody.
The three, who were arrested by their colleagues from the Nairobi Regional Criminal Investigations Office are expected in court.
They will be charged with aiding escape from lawful custody and neglect of official duty contrary to sections 124 and 128 of the Kenyan Penal code respectively.
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