A Ugandan shamba boy (farmhand) who escaped from Kiamaciri Police Station in Mwea West, Kirinyaga County on Friday, March 31 has been re-arrested.

Philipino Muifi, 23, was arrested by members of the public at Ngumbatha village in Kangai.

Confirming the re-arrest of the suspect, Kirinyaga Police commander Adrew Naibei says residents were baying for his blood, prompting special unit police officers to whisk him away to Kerugoya Police Station.

Drama unfolded at the police station after the family of the victim was informed that the murder suspect had escaped from custody.

The family of the late Rose Muthoni Kariuki, 64, could not fathom how the suspect managed to escape from a highly guarded facility under unclear circumstances.

Arrest of Ugandan suspect

The suspect — accused of the brutal murder of Muthoni at Kombuini village in November 2023 — was arrested on May 19, 2024, after nearly seven months of being on the run.

He was arrested in his home country after detectives tracked down his mobile phone number. He was then whisked off to Kirinyaga where he committed the office.

The suspect had been arraigned before a court that ordered for his detention at the police station for 14 days, only for him to disappear mysteriously.

Esther Wamuyu, a relative of the deceased, wondered how a suspect could escape from a guarded police station.

Kirinyaga County Investigating Officer ( CIC ) Jason Mworia, who is currently off duty over family issues, said two police officers who were on duty have already been arrested to assist in investigations.

Murder most foul

Preliminary investigations have revealed that the woman was strangled to death. Her body was found inside her house with blood oozing from the mouth and nose.

She also had bruises on the neck.

At the time of her brutal death, the woman was living alone in her home, as all her children were employed in different places.