Swaleh Oswado: Embu OCS Gives Blow-by-Blow Account of Events Leading to Ex-ODM Politician's Shooting
- An Embu West police boss narrated the chilling events that led to the fatal shooting of an ex-ODM politician after he escaped from a prison van
- In a video, he disclosed two suspects' bizarre actions in the van before the dramatic escape and chase unfolded
- Amid ongoing investigations, the officer commented on the whereabouts of the second suspect, who fled with the ex-politician
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Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features for digital and print media.
Embu West Sub-County Police Commander Vincent Kitili has detailed the dramatic events that led to the fatal shooting of Swaleh Oswado, a remand inmate and former ODM aspirant for the Kirimari Ward seat.
Source: Facebook
According to Kitili, the incident occurred around 2pm on Tuesday, August 5, after police received information that two inmates had escaped from a prison van while being escorted back to Embu Prison from court.
Kitili revealed that the fleeing inmates even sprayed pepper at the officers in an attempt to blind them.
Both inmates were facing serious criminal charges, including murder.
What happened before Swaleh Oswado's killing?
Kitili stated that as the escape unfolded, one officer immediately jumped out of the vehicle to pursue the fleeing inmates—later identified as Oswado and another one not mentioned—while the other officers immediately drove the other inmates back to the prison after sensing danger.
During the chase, the officer issued several verbal warnings for Oswado to stop, but he failed to comply.
The chase led the officer into a residential construction site, where Oswado allegedly armed himself with a machete and threatened the officer.
Despite further warnings, Oswado reportedly advanced toward the officer in a threatening manner, prompting the officer to open fire in self-defence, fatally wounding him.
“They jumped over a fence into a house under construction, but the officer continued to pursue them and followed them inside. Inside the house, the suspect saw a machete, picked it up, and began advancing toward the officer. He warned the officer not to come any closer. From how things unfolded in that house, it was clear the suspect intended to attack, prompting the officer to open fire, shooting him and causing him to fall on the spot.
"The officer did a good work under extremely dangerous circumstances and I appreciate it,” said Kitili, commending his actions.
Was Swaleh Oswado's colleague rearrested?
Kitili added that Oswado was not only a former political figure but also a high-risk detainee facing multiple serious charges, which made his escape a major security concern.
Meanwhile, the second inmate managed to flee into nearby thickets and remains at large. Police reinforcements from surrounding stations responded swiftly to support the operation.
“We have launched a full-scale manhunt for the escaped prisoner and urge members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious individuals,” Kitili stated.
Police officer kills lover, her friend
In another tragic incident, a police officer was accused of fatally shooting his lover and her friend after confronting them at an entertainment joint in Kanyonyoo, Kitui county.
According to witnesses, an argument broke out between the officer and his lover before he opened fire. The woman's friend, who reportedly tried to intervene, was killed in the process.
While demanding justice, the families of the two women identified the suspect only as Bernard and expressed frustration over the lack of information regarding his arrest.
Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
