A former Member of County Assembly aspirant in Embu County was shot dead on Tuesday afternoon during a dramatic prison escape attempt that left one inmate on the run and police scrambling to restore calm.

Swaleh Abdalla, widely known as Oswando, who vied for the Kirimari Ward seat on an ODM ticket in the 2022 General Election, was killed in the Gatondo area of Embu West Sub-county as he and another suspect tried to flee custody.

According to Embu West Sub-county Police Commander Vincent Kitili, the two detainees had just left Siakago Law Courts when they executed their plan.

While inside the prison van, they allegedly sprayed pepper on the officers escorting them, temporarily blinding them and causing chaos.

“The two suspects threw pepper at the officers inside the prison van, causing temporary blindness and confusion. They clearly planned this escape in advance,” Kitili said.

As the vehicle slowed down to navigate speed bumps in Gatondo, the suspects made their move, jumping out and sprinting toward a nearby maize plantation. The police responded immediately.

“We gave chase immediately. One of the suspects, Swaleh Oswando, ran into an unfinished house where he armed himself with a panga and dared our officers to come any closer,” Kitili said.

The standoff quickly escalated. As Oswando tried to climb a perimeter wall into a neighbouring farm, officers ordered him to surrender. He allegedly advanced toward them while still holding the weapon, prompting the police to open fire.

“He was neutralised as he advanced with the weapon. He was not just a former politician. He was also facing numerous criminal cases, which made him a dangerous individual to have at large,” Kitili said.

After the shooting, officers secured the scene and later moved Oswando’s body to the Embu Level Five Hospital mortuary.

Meanwhile, the second suspect managed to escape into nearby thickets and has not been found. Despite reinforcements arriving from surrounding police stations, the fugitive had already disappeared.

“We’ve launched a full-scale manhunt to track down the escaped prisoner,” Kitili said. “We are also appealing to the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious individuals.”

Kitili assured residents that law enforcement remains fully alert and committed to public safety.

“We want to assure the public that we are on high alert. Such incidents will not deter us from enforcing the law and maintaining order,” he said.