Laxity in Kenyan prisons should not be condoned

NAIROBI: The interdiction of eight prisons officers following the escape of four hardcore criminals at Kisumu’s Kibos Prison is a welcome development. Prison authorities say the four inmates escaped by cutting the window grills of their cell and scaling the perimeter wall using blankets and sheets. This has aroused suspicion of collusion and every effort must be made to conduct a speedy investigation so that deterrent action is taken to contain laxity in our correctional institutions.

Of concern are reports that the escaped inmates are dangerous criminals — Kennedy Wesonga and Kenneth Lekesho are serving time for defilement, while Salim Sifuna is a death row inmate after he was convicted of robbery with violence. Douglas Onyancha was also convicted for murder and robbery with violence, and is facing another murder charge for killing an inmate at Kodiaga Maximum Prison in Kisumu.