Woman shot in hunt for prison escapees succumbs to injuries

A woman who was shot a week ago in Kahawa West, Nairobi as warders hunted down three prisoners who escaped from Kamiti Maximum Security Prison has succumbed to her injuries.

Officials said Elizabeth Wandahi, 45, died yesterday at 9am at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), where she had been admitted.

Ms Wandahi was shot on May 23 as warders and police hunted down Joseph Kinyanjui, John Kamau Gathoni and Isaac Karanja Mwangi, who had escaped from the prison.

Doctors at KNH said she was shot three times in the left arm and left thigh, which damaged her bowel control.

Commissioner General of Prisons Isaiah Osugo regretted the death and announced that the hunt for the robbery convicts who were serving life sentences is ongoing.

"Most of the officers who were on duty are out there searching for the prisoners. We regret the incident," he said.

The manhunt has continued since the incident happened at around 1.30am during a power blackout that had engulfed the prison.

Prison warders have been concentrating in Mombasa, where the escapees had allegedly been spotted.

Deputy Senior Commissioner of Prisons Wanini Kireri said the prison warders were trying to switch on a generator when the prisoners escaped. Officials said the prisoners cut grills and used blankets and mosquito nets to climb up and down the walls.

Mr Osugo said they have enhanced security measures at the prison to ensure such an incident does not reoccur.

The three jailbirds had been sentenced to death but their sentences were reduced to life imprisonment.