By Grace Gilo
Twelve senior prison wardens at Kamiti Maximum Prison have been determined to have a case to answer regarding charges of neglecting their official duties and facilitating the escape of terrorism inmates from GK Kamiti Maximum Prison in 2021.
“12 senior prison wardens at Kamiti Maximum Prison were today found to have a case to answer in a case where they are charged with the offence of neglect of official duties and aiding terrorism prisoners escape from GK Kamiti Maximum Prison in the year 2021,” wrote the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).
The court at Kahawa ruled that the prosecution, represented by Principal Prosecution Counsels James Machirah, Ken Amwayi, Harrison Kiarie, and Gideon Kiprono, successfully established a prima facie case against the accused officers.
According to the ODPP, on November 14, 2021, three terrorism inmates, Musharraf Abdalla, Mohamed Ali Abikar, and Joseph Juma, who are currently serving sentences of 42, 22, and 15 years, respectively, escaped while under the supervision of the prison wardens.
Additionally, one officer was found to have a case to answer for allegedly organizing a meeting in support of a terrorist group, as he reportedly facilitated the transfer of terrorist convicts from Cell number 2 to Cell number 6 prior to the escape.
“One of the officers was equally found to have a case to answer for the offence of convening a meeting in support of a terrorist group when he allegedly facilitated the movement of terrorist convicts from Cell number 2 to cell number 6 prior to the prison break,” added the ODPP.
The case is scheduled for mention on January 13, 2024, to provide directions and set dates for the defence hearing.