Embu, Kenya| A dramatic and deadly escape attempt in Embu West Sub-County has left Swaleh Abdalla Njiru, alias Oswando, a former MCA aspirant and murder suspect, dead after a confrontation with police.
The incident, which unfolded in the Gatondo area on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, has ignited a firestorm of reactions, from jubilation among some Embu residents to calls for compassion from others.
As investigations into the audacious breakout unfold, the event raises critical questions about prison security, police conduct, and the delicate balance between justice and humanity in Kenya.
A High-Stakes Escape Gone Wrong
Swaleh Abdalla, popularly known as Oswando, was a well-known figure in Embu, having contested the Kirimari Ward MCA seat under the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) in the 2022 General Elections.
However, his political ambitions were overshadowed by serious criminal allegations, including murder, robbery with violence, and rape, which led to his arrest in July 2024.
Detained at Majimbo Prison, Abdalla was under close watch as his case progressed at Siakago Law Courts.
On the afternoon of August 5, 2025, Abdalla was being transported back to prison after a court appearance when he executed a bold escape plan.
According to Embu West Sub-County Police Commander Vincent Kitili, the incident occurred around 2:00 PM EAT inside a prison van carrying Abdalla and other inmates.
In a sudden and calculated move, Abdalla deployed pepper spray, targeting the eyes of the officers escorting the group.
“He whipped out pepper and sprayed it into the eyes of the unsuspecting officers, causing panic and confusion. In the chaos, he leapt out of the moving vehicle and fled,” Kitili told reporters.
The pepper spray attack temporarily incapacitated the officers, but one managed to pursue Abdalla despite impaired vision.
The other officers quickly secured the remaining inmates, preventing a broader escape. Abdalla’s flight took him through the streets of Gatondo village, where he sought refuge at a nearby construction site.
There, the situation escalated as he armed himself with a machete, turning a foot chase into a life-or-death confrontation.
“He started threatening the officer with a panga, shouting at him not to come closer. The officer repeatedly called for him to surrender, but he refused,” Kitili explained.
As Abdalla allegedly charged at the pursuing officer, the law enforcer opened fire. “He was neutralized as he advanced with the weapon,” Kitili confirmed.
Abdalla succumbed to his injuries on the spot. His body was transported to Embu Level 5 Hospital mortuary, where it awaits autopsy and further investigation.
Police are now probing how Abdalla obtained pepper spray while in custody and whether the escape was premeditated, with Kitili describing it as a “bizarre plot.” During the chaos, one officer reportedly lost a mobile phone, prompting a public appeal for information.
A Polarized Community Responds
The news of Abdalla’s death has sparked intense debate across Embu and on platforms like X, where sentiments range from relief to outrage.
For some residents, Abdalla’s alleged criminal activities—particularly the charges of murder, robbery, and rape—made his death a cause for celebration.
Posts on X reflect this, with users like @EmbuVoice stating, “Oswando’s reign of terror is over. Justice served.” Others, however, questioned the use of lethal force, arguing that the courts, not bullets, should determine guilt.
A young lawyer, Robert Mutwiri, offered a poignant perspective, urging the community to temper justice with compassion.
In a statement that has gained traction online, Mutwiri said:
“Now that he can neither hear, respond, nor defend himself, let us remember that ultimate judgment belongs to a higher authority. While many have spoken passionately and perhaps justifiably about his actions, it is important to now allow his family and loved ones the space to mourn. They may not have chosen his path, but they, too, must now carry the burden of his fate. Let us therefore shift from condemnation to compassion, and offer our condolences to those grieving. Justice and accountability must always be pursued, but even in the face of wrongdoing, our humanity must never be lost.”
Mutwiri’s words contrast sharply with the sentiments of residents who viewed Abdalla as a menace. This divide underscores the complexity of the case, blending public safety concerns with questions about due process and police accountability.
From Political Hopeful to Accused Criminal
Swaleh Abdalla, alias Oswando, was once a rising star in Embu’s political scene. During the 2022 elections, he campaigned vigorously for the Kirimari Ward seat, rallying voters with charisma and aligning himself with ODM’s national agenda.
A resurfaced video shows him chanting slogans in support of Raila Odinga and Martha Karua, embodying the hopes of a community seeking change.
However, his defeat at the polls marked a turning point, followed by his arrest in 2024 on charges that shocked his supporters.
The allegations of murder, robbery with violence, and rape painted a starkly different picture of the man once seen as a community leader.
While Abdalla maintained his innocence in court, his year-long detention at Majimbo Prison and the ongoing legal proceedings kept him in the public eye. His dramatic escape attempt has only deepened the mystery surrounding his actions and motivations.
Investigations and Systemic Questions
The Embu West Police Command has launched a comprehensive investigation into the incident, focusing on several key questions: How did Abdalla acquire pepper spray while in custody? Was the escape attempt a solo act or part of a larger plan? What security lapses allowed such a bold move to occur during a routine prisoner transfer?
The incident has also reignited broader concerns about Kenya’s criminal justice system. Critics argue that the use of lethal force, particularly when a suspect could potentially be apprehended alive, undermines the rule of law.
An X post by @JusticeKE asked, “Why shoot to kill? Couldn’t Oswando have been subdued? This sets a dangerous precedent.” Others, however, defend the officer’s actions, citing the immediate threat posed by an armed and defiant suspect.
The event draws parallels to past security breaches, such as the 2021 Kamiti Prison escape, which exposed vulnerabilities in Kenya’s prison system.
While Abdalla’s case is distinct, it highlights the need for improved protocols during prisoner transfers, especially for high-risk inmates facing serious charges.
A Moment for Reflection
Swaleh Abdalla’s death marks a tragic chapter in Embu’s history, blending elements of crime, politics, and justice.
For some, his end signifies the removal of a dangerous figure; for others, it raises uncomfortable questions about the state’s response to crime.
As the community processes these events, Robert Mutwiri’s call for compassion resonates as a reminder to balance accountability with humanity.
Abdalla’s family now faces the painful task of mourning a man whose life was marked by both ambition and controversy.
Meanwhile, Embu residents and authorities must confront the systemic issues exposed by this incident, from prison security to police decision-making.
As investigations continue, the story of Oswando’s final moments will likely linger, prompting soul-searching in a community torn between relief and regret.
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