Kenyan police have detained eight officers, including the head of a police station, after 13 detainees, among them an alleged serial killer, escaped from custody in Nairobi. Acting Inspector General of Police, Gilbert Masengeli, stated that initial investigations suggest the escape was facilitated by insiders. He emphasized that anyone found responsible will face legal consequences.
Details of the Escape
The escapees included Collins Khalusha, a 33-year-old man arrested in July after dismembered bodies were discovered at an abandoned quarry in Embakasi South, Nairobi. Khalusha had previously confessed to killing 42 women over two years and disposing of their bodies in the quarry, which is used as a dumping site. However, his lawyer, John Ndegwa, later claimed that Khalusha was tortured into making the confession.
The breakout was discovered early Tuesday morning when an officer and the station’s canteen manager arrived to serve breakfast to the prisoners. According to a police report, the detainees escaped by cutting through a security wire mesh at a “basking bay” – an area where prisoners get fresh air – and then climbing over a perimeter wall.
Background on the Alleged Serial Killer
Collins Khalusha was last seen in court on Friday, where the magistrate extended his detention for 30 more days to allow police to complete their investigations. His arrest in July followed the discovery of at least 10 sacks containing body parts at the quarry, located just 100 meters from a police station. These findings occurred during anti-government protests, during which several Kenyans were reported missing.
The revelations about Khalusha’s alleged crimes have renewed scrutiny of the Kenyan police, who have faced long-standing accusations of extrajudicial killings. Human rights organizations and the Independent Police Oversight Authority, a civilian watchdog, are investigating the deaths linked to the quarry.
Ongoing Manhunt for Escapees
The escape of Khalusha and the other detainees, including Eritreans held for allegedly being in Kenya illegally, has prompted a nationwide manhunt. This incident comes just six months after another high-profile escape, when Kevin Kangethe, a Kenyan wanted in the US for murder, fled from a Nairobi police station. He was later rearrested. Acting Inspector General Masengeli assured the public that efforts are underway to recapture the 13 missing prisoners.
