Murder suspect flees Kitale court

The suspect, Ruben Garakacha, who was facing two counts of murder and other armed robbery charges, was brought to court to discuss his case.

While there, he tricked a prison guard by claiming he needed to use the restroom.

Garakacha took the opportunity to flee through a hole in the courtroom and made his way to the Kitale Conservancy Forest.

A witness who was working land nearby reported seeing the suspect running past him into the woods as prison staff pursued him.

“I saw him sprint very quickly towards the woods and the prison guard followed a few minutes later,” he said.

Prison staff are actively pursuing the suspect and security measures at Kitale courts have been enhanced to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Garakacha was arrested by police last month after he was found in possession of a mobile phone belonging to a boda boda rider who had been murdered and his motorcycle stolen.

During the investigation, police also discovered the body of a woman buried in Garakacha’s home.

Police confirmed Garakacha also faces a string of armed robbery charges.