President Uhuru Kenyatta has sacked Kenya Prisons Service Commissioner-General Wycliffe Ogalo over an incident in which three terrorism convicts escaped from Kamiti Maximum Prison.

In a statement released by State House Spokesperson Kanze Dena on Wednesday, Uhuru replaced Ogalo with Brigadier (Rtd) John Kibaso Warioba and witnessed his swearing in.

He took the drastic action after being briefed by Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i on the breach of security that resulted in the escape of the three terrorism convicts on Monday.

The Head of State said the briefing by the CS in charge of Correctional Services noted the compelling public interest in the matter and need for accountability by leaders of the Kenya’s security organs.

Brigadier (Rtd) John Kibaso Warioba. PHOTO/COURTESY

Uhuru said the action was taken “…in honour of the many Kenyans who have lost their lives and the enormous sacrifices made by all Kenyans and particularly by the security organs to disrupt, dismantle and defeat terror networks.”

President Kenyatta has further directed CS Matiang’i and all security formations to take all necessary actions and pursue the escaped Kamiti Prison escapees with all available resources.

He has also directed all the country’s investigative organs to bring every person found culpable for the Monday prison escape, which has drawn wife public condemnation to book.

“In keeping with our good ethos of good governance, in the intervening period and pending the conclusion of the ongoing investigations, the State Department of Correctional Services has similarly been directed to sanction disciplinary action against all Kenya Prisons Service personnel who were on duty when the security breaches occurred; which action shall include redeployment and/or immediate suspension of all affected officers,” added the statement.

Uhuru Kenyatta. PHOTO/COURTESY

While calling for public vigilance, he urged Kenyans to volunteer any information they might come across that will lead to the tracing and arrest of the three escaped terror convicts.

This comes a day after twin explosions rocked Uganda’s capital Kampala that left three people dead and scores more injured.