A suspect in Kenya suspected of killing 42 women has escaped from police custody along with 12 other inmates. The suspect, Collins Jumaisi Khalusha, confessed to killing numerous women, including his wife, and was being detained pending further investigation. The escape was discovered when the inmates cut through wire mesh and scaled the perimeter wall of the police station early Tuesday morning. The escape was aided by insiders, prompting disciplinary measures against eight officers involved.
Khalusha was arrested in July after 10 bodies and body parts were found in plastic sacks in Nairobi. He was being held at the police station after the court approved seven more days for detectives to investigate his alleged crimes before charging him. His lawyer, John Maina Ndegwa, claims Khalusha was tortured and forced to confess, maintaining his innocence. Two other suspects found with cellphones belonging to deceased women are scheduled to return to court next week.
Police stated that relatives of a missing woman had a dream in which she told them to search a quarry where the bodies were found. Six bodies have been identified through DNA tests, but additional body parts remain unidentified. The police station from which the suspects escaped was cordoned off with crime scene tape, and senior police officers visited the scene in the aftermath of the escape. The investigation continues into the circumstances of the escape and the ongoing case against the suspects.
Directorate of Criminal Investigations head Mohamed Amin expressed concern over Khalusha’s escape, describing him as a high-value suspect facing serious charges. Amin also announced that disciplinary measures had been taken against officers involved in the incident, including the area and station commanders. Acting police inspector general Gilbert Masengeli noted that the escape appeared to have been assisted by insiders, as officers were on duty to guard the station at the time of the escape. The incident raises questions about security and potential corruption within the police force.
The escape has raised questions about security and accountability within the Kenyan police force. The fact that a high-value suspect facing serious charges was able to escape underlines the challenges faced by law enforcement in the region. The case of Khalusha, who had confessed to the gruesome murder of numerous women, including his wife, has shocked the nation. The ongoing investigation will seek to determine how the suspects managed to escape, as well as addressing any potential corruption among police officers. Public outrage over the incident may lead to increased scrutiny and reform within the Kenyan law enforcement system.
