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<blockquote><div class="quotetitle">Quote from <a class="profile-link highlight-moderator" href="https://lawguide.co.ke/understanding-law/legal-forum/profile/lawyer/">Lawyer</a> on July 24, 2025, 6:00 am</div><div id="pl-7158"  class="panel-layout" ><div id="pg-7158-0"  class="panel-grid panel-no-style" ><div id="pgc-7158-0-0"  class="panel-grid-cell"  data-weight="1" ><div id="panel-7158-0-0-0" class="so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-first-child panel-last-child" data-index="0" data-style="{&quot;background_image_attachment&quot;:false,&quot;background_display&quot;:&quot;tile&quot;,&quot;background_image_size&quot;:&quot;full&quot;,&quot;background_image_opacity&quot;:&quot;100&quot;,&quot;border_thickness&quot;:&quot;1px&quot;}" ><div
			
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	<p dir="ltr" data-pm-slice="0 0 []">On July 23, 2025, a dramatic escape unfolded at the Kibera Law Courts in Nairobi, Kenya, when a convict facing robbery with violence charges fled during a court mention. The incident has sparked widespread concern about security protocols in Kenyan courts and highlighted ongoing challenges within the judicial system. The escapee, identified as John Kamau, managed to slip away from custody, leaving authorities scrambling to apprehend him and prompting questions about the effectiveness of court security measures.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The escape occurred during a routine court mention, a procedural step where the case is briefly reviewed to set future hearing dates or confirm legal representation. Kamau, who had been convicted of robbery with violence, a serious offense under Kenyan law carrying a potential death sentence, was present in the courtroom under police escort. According to eyewitness accounts, Kamau took advantage of a momentary lapse in supervision during the proceedings. As the court session progressed, he reportedly slipped out of the courtroom undetected, exploiting what sources describe as a chaotic environment with multiple cases being handled simultaneously.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The Kibera Law Courts, one of Nairobi's busiest judicial facilities, are known for handling a high volume of cases daily, often leading to crowded courtrooms and strained resources. Kamau's escape took place in broad daylight, raising alarms about the adequacy of security personnel and procedures in place to monitor detainees during court appearances. Court officials confirmed that Kamau was not handcuffed at the time, a standard practice for some detainees during mentions, which may have facilitated his ability to flee unnoticed.</p>
<p dir="ltr">John Kamau was facing charges related to a violent robbery incident that occurred in Nairobi's Kawangware area in late 2024. The prosecution alleged that Kamau, along with accomplices, ambushed two victims on November 3, 2024, stealing mobile phones valued at Ksh39,000 and cash amounting to Ksh30,000. The robbers reportedly threatened the victims with violence, with one victim sustaining injuries after being struck with a blunt object. The case had garnered attention due to the severity of the charges and the increasing prevalence of robbery with violence incidents in Nairobi, which have left communities on edge.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Kamau had been found guilty by the Kibera court earlier in 2025 and was awaiting sentencing. His escape during the mention has now complicated the judicial process, as authorities must not only locate him but also reassess how such a breach could occur in a high-stakes case. The offense of robbery with violence, as defined under Section 296(2) of the Kenyan Penal Code, is a capital crime, often resulting in severe penalties, including life imprisonment or the death penalty, though the latter is rarely enforced in practice.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Following Kamau's escape, court security personnel and police officers stationed at the Kibera Law Courts initiated an immediate search of the premises and surrounding areas. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) was promptly notified, and a manhunt was launched to apprehend the fugitive. Police have since deployed additional resources, including plainclothes officers, to comb through Kibera and nearby neighborhoods where Kamau is believed to have connections.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The DCI issued a public statement urging residents to report any sightings of Kamau, describing him as a dangerous individual due to the nature of his charges. Authorities have also appealed to the public to refrain from taking vigilante action, citing past incidents in Kibera where suspects were lynched by mobs. The statement emphasized that Kamau should be considered armed and dangerous, given his history of violent crime, and encouraged citizens to provide information anonymously through police hotlines.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The escape has ignited a firestorm of criticism from local residents and community leaders, who argue that it reflects deeper systemic issues within Kenya's criminal justice system. Kibera, one of Nairobi's largest informal settlements, has long grappled with high crime rates, and residents expressed frustration that a convicted criminal could evade custody so easily. Community leaders have called for increased police presence and better coordination between court security and law enforcement to prevent similar incidents in the future.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Local Member of Parliament for Kibera, Sarah Wanjiru, condemned the escape and vowed to engage with judicial authorities to address security lapses. She highlighted the need for improved infrastructure at the Kibera Law Courts, including additional holding cells and trained personnel to manage detainees. Wanjiru also urged the community to remain calm and cooperate with police efforts to recapture Kamau, emphasizing the importance of upholding the rule of law.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Judicial officials have acknowledged the breach and promised a thorough investigation into how Kamau was able to flee. The Chief Registrar of the Judiciary issued a statement assuring the public that measures would be taken to strengthen security protocols across all courts. Preliminary inquiries suggest that staffing shortages and inadequate training may have contributed to the incident, with only a limited number of officers assigned to monitor multiple detainees during busy court sessions.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Kamau's escape has reignited debates about the state of Kenya's judicial and correctional systems. Robbery with violence remains a significant challenge in urban areas like Nairobi, where economic hardship and unemployment often drive individuals to crime. The incident underscores the need for reforms to address not only court security but also the broader issues of crime prevention and rehabilitation.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Legal experts have pointed out that escapes from custody, while rare, expose vulnerabilities that can erode public confidence in the justice system. In recent years, Kenya has faced criticism for inconsistent bail and bond practices, with some courts imposing excessively high bail amounts for minor offenses while others, like Kibera, are perceived as more lenient. The escape has prompted calls for standardized procedures to ensure that high-risk detainees, particularly those convicted of serious crimes, are closely monitored during court appearances.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Furthermore, the incident has drawn attention to the conditions under which detainees are held. Overcrowding in court holding cells and limited resources for transporting prisoners between facilities and courtrooms have long been cited as challenges. Advocates for judicial reform argue that investing in modern facilities and technology, such as electronic monitoring systems, could help prevent future escapes.</p>
<p dir="ltr">As the manhunt for John Kamau continues, police are following several leads, including tips from informants familiar with the Kibera area. Investigators are also reviewing CCTV footage from the court premises and nearby streets to trace Kamau's movements after his escape. Authorities have not ruled out the possibility that he received assistance, and they are exploring whether accomplices inside or outside the court facilitated his getaway.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The Kibera Law Courts have temporarily increased security measures, with additional officers deployed to monitor detainees and stricter protocols for courtroom access. The Judiciary has also announced plans to conduct a comprehensive review of security arrangements at all major courts, with a report expected to be released within weeks.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Kamau's case is scheduled for a follow-up mention once he is recaptured, though the escape may lead to additional charges. Prosecutors have indicated that they will push for the maximum penalty upon his apprehension, given the gravity of his original offense and the public safety concerns raised by his escape.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The escape has left many in Kibera and beyond on edge, with residents worried about the potential for Kamau to reoffend while on the run. Police have intensified patrols in the area and are working with community watch groups to monitor for suspicious activity. The DCI has provided a description of Kamau, noting that he is approximately 30 years old, of medium build, and was last seen wearing a dark jacket and jeans.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any information that could lead to Kamau's capture. They have also emphasized the importance of allowing law enforcement to handle the situation, warning against mob justice, which has been a recurring issue in Kibera during past criminal incidents.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The escape of John Kamau from the Kibera Law Courts on July 23, 2025, is a stark reminder of the challenges facing Kenya's judicial system. As the search for the fugitive continues, the incident has sparked a broader conversation about court security, crime prevention, and the need for systemic reforms. For now, the people of Kibera and Nairobi await Kamau's recapture, hoping that justice will be served and that measures will be put in place to prevent such breaches in the future.</p>
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