A bid for freedom by a convicted robber ended in a mandatory death sentence at the Kibera Law Courts. Alex Kibisu was brought back to court after escaping police custody and fleeing into a neighbouring informal settlement.
Kibisu was already serving a 20-year prison sentence at Kamiti Prison. He was facing fresh charges relating to a 2023 armed robbery in Lang'ata, where victim Duncan Shiemi was shot and injured.
A Bold Escape in Handcuffs
In July 2025, security officers escorted Kibisu to the Kibera Law Courts for a hearing in Courtroom 3. The escape occurred around midday near the court holding cells.
Kibisu leaped over the court's rear perimeter wall whilst still wearing handcuffs. The rear wall borders the maze-like structures of the Kibera slums, allowing him to evade officers. Police units immediately launched a search across the surrounding settlement.
Following an intensive police search, officers located and arrested Kibisu in Kawangware. Authorities brought him back to the Kibera Law Courts to face judgement.
Inside the courtroom, Kibisu pleaded with the bench for mercy. He claimed he had reformed during his time away.
“Mimi nilienda nikaona nimereform nikakuwa mtu mzuri,” Alex Kibisu pleaded before the court.
Prosecution Argument and Final Ruling
The prosecution urged the magistrate to impose a severe penalty. State counsel emphasized that Kibisu was not a first-time offender and had wasted state resources during his escape.
“Aliweza kupotezea koti muda na pia resources za serikali kuweza kujaribu kumtafuta”, the prosecutor argued.
The presiding magistrate noted that Kibisu chose to flee rather than present his defence.
The magistrate explained that the charge carried a mandatory statutory penalty under Kenyan law.
“Na sheria ambayo ilikushtaki inatoa hukumu moja tu. Na hiyo ndio hukumu nitatekeleza. Nimekuhukumu kifo kulingana na sheria katika kosa la kwanza,” the magistrate ruled.
The court ordered the second count to be held in abeyance.
The magistrate formally informed Kibisu of his right to appeal the judgement.
"Uko na siku 14 za kukata rufaa katika mahakama kuu", the magistrate said before Kibisu was whisked to a waiting Kamiti Maximum Prison Landcruiser.
