In a daring and unprecedented escape, eight high-risk prisoners broke out of Wundanyi Prison in Taita Taveta County on the night of January 26, 2025. The escape has sent shockwaves through the local community and raised serious concerns about prison security across the region. Authorities have launched an extensive manhunt, warning the public to be vigilant as the escapees are considered armed and dangerous.
According to police reports, the suspects managed to overpower the prison guards in a meticulously planned escape that took place under the cover of darkness. Sources within the prison suggest that the escape was orchestrated by a group of inmates with known links to organized crime. The prisoners, some of whom had been serving long sentences for violent offenses, took advantage of weaknesses in the facility’s security measures, which are now under intense scrutiny.
Prison officials are facing tough questions as to how such a large-scale escape could occur in one of the country’s more secure correctional facilities. While the exact method of the escape remains under investigation, early reports suggest that the inmates may have used makeshift tools to breach the prison walls, enabling them to break free. Several prison guards were reportedly injured during the escape but are receiving medical treatment, with none of the injuries believed to be life-threatening.
The escaped prisoners are described as highly dangerous, and police are urging residents of Wundanyi and surrounding areas to remain alert. Local authorities have set up roadblocks and are conducting thorough searches in nearby forests and rural areas where the suspects may have sought refuge. Helicopters and specialized search teams have also been deployed to assist in the manhunt.
Among the escapees are individuals with long criminal records, including suspects involved in armed robbery, murder, and drug trafficking. Authorities are particularly concerned about the possibility of the escapees committing further crimes as they try to evade capture. The public has been warned against attempting to confront the suspects, as they are believed to be armed.
We are doing everything in our power to track down these individuals and bring them back to justice, said Inspector General of Police, Joseph Boinnet, in a statement released earlier today. We urge the public to cooperate with law enforcement and report any suspicious activity to the authorities immediately.
The escape has also raised broader questions about the state of Kenya’s prison system. Overcrowding, underfunding, and inadequate staff training have long been issues in many correctional facilities across the country. Experts have called for a review of security protocols and increased investment in prison infrastructure to prevent similar incidents in the future.
As the manhunt intensifies, residents of Wundanyi and surrounding areas are urged to stay informed through official channels. The authorities have assured the public that every effort is being made to bring the situation to a swift and safe resolution.
