Chaos in Kamiti as inmates resist impromptu search operation

There were chaos and violence at the Kamiti Maximum Prisons, Nairobi after a section of convicts refused to be searched for contraband items.

The problem started when warders searched inmates to mop up contraband including mobile phones from the cells, inmates resisted and started attacking the officers.

Witnesses said the prisoners first refused to take breakfast, which included porridge as they protested the move.

Kenya Prisons spokesperson Dickson Mwakazi said prisoners refused to take breakfast after the warders staged an impromptu search for contraband.

“They became rowdy and attacked the warders prompting action. They were resisting to be searched,” he said.

This led to some warders being put on riot gear and at some point neighbours said, they heard gunshots from the facility.

The incident was however put under control a few minutes later. According to witnesses, the inmates were locked in their cells as authorities took charge of the situation.

This is the latest incident to happen at the country’s biggest jail. In 2014, some prisoners tried to escape from the facility following a search for the contrabands.

The warders were forced to shoot in the air to disperse the group resisting the move.

Authorities then ordered the closure of a canteen in the institution which was alleged to be used in smuggling the goods.