Collins Jumaisi, a man accused of murdering and dismembering 42 women, has escaped from a Nairobi police station on Tuesday. Jumaisi, described by police as a “vampire” and “psychopath”, was being held in custody pending trial.
According to reports, Jumaisi, who was awaiting his court plea hearing, escaped along with 12 other detainees, including Eritreans previously held on immigration violations, during breakfast rounds around 5:00 AM at the police station.
“On opening the cell door, they discovered that 13 prisoners had escaped by cutting the wire mesh in the basking bay,” Kenyan police said in a statement, referring to an area in the station where detainees could get access to fresh air.
Upon discovery, police officials, including the Sub-county Police Commander, launched immediate investigations to recapture Jumaisi and the other escapees.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations, headed by Mohamed Amin, had warned of Jumaisi’s potential threat to public safety when he was initially arrested.
“It is unfortunate this has happened but we are pursuing the matter for action,” he said.
Jumaisi had made headlines for his chilling confession about the murders, claiming his wife was the first victim. He originally confessed to 42 killings but later recanted, alleging police torture forced him to make those admissions.
His detention began after police located multiple bodies wrapped and disposed of at a dumpsite less than 100 meters from a police station.
This incident marks the second time within months where suspects charged with serious offenses managed to elude law enforcement.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has launched separate investigations focusing on the circumstances surrounding the discoveries and the police’s role.
Rights organizations have repeatedly criticized the Kenyan police for past abuses, including extrajudicial killings, creating urgency for the current administration to address underlying issues plaguing law enforcement.
Police spokesperson Resila Onyango assured the public of rigorous efforts to recapture the fugitives and restore safety within Nairobi.
“Investigations have been launched and a major security operation is under way to get the 13 suspects,” Kenya police spokeswoman Onyango told AFP.
Investigations continue, with local authorities under pressure to curb such alarming trends and improve mechanisms to prevent future escapes.