A suspect, who had confessed to murdering 42 women and was being held in Kenya’s capital over dismembered bodies, has escaped from police custody, officials reported Tuesday.
Collins Jumaisi Khalusha, along with 12 other Eritrean inmates arrested for illegal entry, managed to flee.
Mohamed Amin, head of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, confirmed the escape, noting that disciplinary actions have been taken against eight officers, including the area and station commanders, due to the incident.
The escape occurred early Tuesday when the inmates cut through wire mesh and scaled the perimeter wall, which was discovered during breakfast delivery.
Khalusha, who was awaiting further investigation before formal charges, was detained following the discovery of 10 bodies and body parts in Nairobi’s Kware area in July. Khalusha had confessed to killing 42 women, including his wife.
Acting police inspector general Gilbert Masengeli stated that preliminary investigations suggest the escape might have been facilitated by insiders.
Khalusha’s lawyer, John Maina Ndegwa, claimed his client was tortured into confessing and asserted his innocence.
The police station where the escape occurred was sealed off and is under investigation.
Additionally, two other suspects found with cellphones belonging to some victims are due in court next Monday.
The bodies were discovered following a dream reported by a missing woman’s relatives, who then enlisted a diver to search a quarry, leading to the discovery of the bodies wrapped in sacks.
While six bodies have been identified through DNA testing, several body parts remain unidentified.
