Former Kirimari Ward MCA aspirant Swaleh Abdallah Njiru alias Oswado was shot dead on Tuesday, August 5, after he attempted to escape police custody.

The dramatic incident unfolded in the Gatondo area of Embu County as police were transporting detainees from the Siakago Law Courts.

Embu West Sub-county Police Commander Vincent Kitili confirmed the incident and revealed that Oswado caused chaos inside the prison van before making his escape.

“The suspect threw pepper at the officers, momentarily blinding and disorienting them, then jumped out of the moving vehicle,” Kitili explained.

One officer immediately gave chase while the others continued transporting the remaining detainees to prison.

The situation reportedly escalated when Oswado ran into a nearby building under construction. The pursuing officer followed him inside. Kitili said the suspect grabbed a machete (panga) as the officer approached.

“The suspect picked up a machete as he saw the officer approaching. The officer warned him not to come closer, but the suspect found an opening in the building and jumped over the wall, trying to escape,” Kitili narrated.

The officer followed, jumping over the same wall, but Oswado allegedly turned back, ready to attack.

“The officer also attempted to jump over the wall in pursuit, but the suspect was determined to attack him. That’s when the officer defended himself and shot him,” Kitili added.

Police identified Oswado as a high-risk detainee who was facing murder charges.

His body was later moved to the Embu Level Five Hospital mortuary, where it awaits a post-mortem examination.