The escape triggered an intense manhunt by police, ending in a brief but fierce shootout that led to the suspects’ recapture.
According to preliminary police reports, the four men, who were facing charges of robbery with violence, made their daring escape shortly before being escorted to the courtroom for mention of their case.
Witnesses said confusion erupted as the prisoners bolted from the holding area and dashed toward the court’s exit, forcing officers to respond immediately.
Security personnel swiftly cordoned off the compound and launched a pursuit, with backup teams from the Nakuru Central Police Station joining the chase.
The escapees were later cornered within Nakuru town, where they reportedly engaged officers in a gunfight. Police managed to overpower and arrest them without any casualties among law enforcement officers.
Following the incident, court operations were briefly halted as investigators combed the area for evidence and questioned officers responsible for prisoner supervision.
Nakuru County Police Commander confirmed the re-arrest, noting that additional charges related to attempted escape and resisting arrest will be filed against the suspects.
The Kenya Prisons Service has since launched an internal probe to establish how the prisoners managed to flee from a supposedly secure facility within the court premises.
