A manhunt is ongoing for five dangerous suspects who broke out of Nginyang police cells in the East Pokot area.
The five were among 17 being held at the station cells for various offences when they broke out and escaped.
They include those charged with serious offences of defilement and rape.
This was after the group confronted and attacked three police officers who were present.
Police said the incident happened as those on duty went to conduct a headcount on those in custody.
During the incident, a police constable sustained a deep cut injury on his right eye and was treated at Chemolingot Sub County Hospital and discharged in fair condition, police said.
Three of the suspects were re-arrested while five escaped in the Tuesday evening incident.
According to police, the five missing are Apura Akapil Lokilekwang charged with the offence of stock theft, Rut Kases charged with the offence of defilement and Lorangi Domokwang charged with the offence of defilement.
Suspects Amanat Makal charged with the offence of defilement and Sekra Nameri charged with the offence of attempted rape are also missing.
Those who were rearrested included Pembe Kakony who had been charged with being in possession of a firearm, Nelson Ngolei charged with the offence of defilement and Lotundo Lochoria charged with the offence of housebreaking.
They will be arraigned with fresh charges of attempted escape from lawful custody.
Police said a hunt for those who escaped is ongoing. An alarm was raised at that time which prompted a search in vain.
Local police appealed to the locals to inform them of the whereabouts of the missing suspects as they are a danger to society for now.
Rift Valley police boss Tom Odera said they are working with local officials in efforts to re-arrest the suspects.
“Those people need to be held and answer to the charges and are a danger to society,” he said.
More officers have been posted to the police station as part of efforts to address similar incidents in the future.