RUAI: Police in Ruai have foiled an alleged plan to break three remandees out of custody after arresting an 18-year-old woman who was allegedly caught attempting to smuggle metal tools into the police cells.
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the woman visited the Ruai Police Station carrying a plate of rice and meat, which she claimed was intended for three friends being held at the station.
However, a routine search of the meal by the cell sentry uncovered a pair of pliers and a shears concealed beneath the food.
The DCI believes the tools were intended to help the three suspects break out of the station’s cells.
The woman was detained on-site, and detectives have launched investigations into the alleged break-out attempt to determine if other accomplices were involved.
The three remandees face charges related to robbery with violence and gang rape. They were arrested on September 5 in the Benedicta area of Ruai following investigations into a syndicate operating via an anonymous TikTok account.
Investigators allege the suspects used the account to contact young women and lure them into meetings.
The victims were then reportedly taken to secluded or abandoned locations, where they were sexually assaulted and robbed.
According to the DCI, some victims were forced to transfer money via mobile platforms to accounts controlled by the suspects, while others had their mobile phones and valuables stolen.
Officers recovered six mobile phones and two hooded jackets during the suspects’ arrest.
Investigators added that forensic leads and victim identifications have linked the group to five separate incidents reported across Buruburu, Embakasi, and Ruai.
The discovery of the hidden tools has prompted a new line of inquiry as detectives work to establish whether the escape plot was coordinated with outside conspirators.
The DCI reiterated that assisting or attempting to assist a suspect in escaping lawful custody is a serious criminal offense and warned that anyone involved would face the full force of the law.
