Residents of Nyamwanga village in West Mugirango Constituency, Nyamira County, are demanding accountability after a murder suspect allegedly escaped from police custody under unclear circumstances.
The suspect, Fagerstone Mokaya, is linked to the killing of 67-year-old Meshach Mainye Miyaki. According to reports, Mokaya had initially gone into hiding after Meshach was reported missing. He was later traced to Kakamega, arrested, and transported back to Sengera Manga Police Station. He was expected to be arraigned alongside four other suspects but allegedly escaped while being moved to the Nyamira Law Courts for plea-taking.
Family members and residents have rejected the explanation provided by authorities, expressing suspicion of possible collusion between police officers and the suspect.
“We want justice as a family. We feel there is a conspiracy, and we deserve the truth,” said the deceased’s brother, James Onyancha Miyaki.
Community members have issued a three-day ultimatum for authorities to produce Mokaya, who is believed to have been the last person seen with Meshach before the victim’s body was discovered buried in a shallow grave on his property.
“As the community of Gatuta, we want answers on how a suspect could disappear from police custody. We were told he was in chains. Is that true?” questioned resident Evans Swara.
Another resident, Caren Mayaka, added that it was difficult to believe a murder suspect could simply slip away from officers tasked with his security.
Joel Atuti emphasized the community’s frustration, stating: “We will not proceed with the burial until the OCS brings back the suspect and explains how he escaped. We will hold demonstrations like they have never seen.”
Family members also recounted that Mokaya had previously claimed Meshach left home appearing to be prepared for travel only for him to be found dead days later.
The community continues to press for answers, calling for transparency and justice in the handling of the case.
