Murder suspect flees Kitale Law courts

The suspect, Ruben Garakacha, who was facing two murder charges as well as additional armed robbery charges, was brought to court for a mention of his case. 

While there, he misled a prison guard by claiming he needed to use the restroom. 

Garakacha seized the opportunity to flee through a gap in the courtroom, making his way into the Kitale conservancy forest.

A witness who was tilling land nearby reported seeing the suspect run past him and into the forest, with prison officers in hot pursuit.

"I saw him sprinting really fast towards the forest and prisons officer followed a few minutes later" he said.

Prison officers are actively pursuing the suspect, and security measures have been ramped up at the Kitale Law Courts to prevent any similar incidents in the future. 

Garakacha was apprehended last month by police after he was found in possession of a cell phone belonging to a boda boda rider who had been killed, his motorcycle stolen. 

During the investigation, police also discovered the body of a woman buried at Garakacha's residence.

The police confirm that Garakacha faces a series of armed robbery charges as well.