A plate of rice, a routine prison visit and a pair of hidden pliers have raised an important question: what happens when someone helps a person in lawful custody attempt to escape? A recent incident at Ruai Police Station has drawn attention to the serious consequences that may follow when a person attempts to facilitate an escape from lawful custody. According to the account of the incident, Christine Njoki Gitau, 18, visited the station carrying a plate of rice and meat intended for three remanded suspects. Officers searching the food allegedly discovered a pair of pliers and a shear hidden beneath the meal. The tools were allegedly intended to assist the suspects in escaping from custody. The woman was subsequently arrested as investigations continued into the circumstances surrounding the incident. The incident highlights an important provision of Kenyan criminal law. What does Kenyan law say about aiding an escape? Under Section 124 of the Penal Code, Cap. 63, aiding a prisoner to escape or attempting to help a prisoner escape from lawful custody is a criminal offence. The law provides: “Any person who aids a prisoner in escaping or attempting to escape from lawful custody … is guilty of a