Collins Jumaisi, the prime suspect in the notorious Mukuru Murders, escaped from Gigiri Police Station in Nairobi on Tuesday, August 20, 2024.

Jumaisi, who had been in custody since July, managed to flee along with 12 other suspects, reportedly Eritreans, during the early morning hours. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) confirmed the escape and stated that the suspects cut through a wire mesh and scaled a perimeter wall to make their getaway.

Jumaisi had been arrested in connection with the gruesome murders that led to the discovery of multiple bodies, mostly women, at a dumpsite in the Kware area. Police believe he is the primary perpetrator behind these heinous crimes.

Just days before the escape, on Friday, August 16, Makadara Principal Magistrate Irine Gichobi granted an extension for police to detain Jumaisi and two other suspects linked to the Kware killings for an additional seven days, pending the completion of investigations.

Jumaisi is alleged to have begun his killing spree in 2022, with his first victim reportedly being his wife, whom he strangled to death during a domestic dispute. Her body was disposed of in the Kware pit, a dumpsite just 100 meters from their home. After his arrest, Jumaisi initially admitted to murdering 42 people, whose bodies were found in the same pit, though he later retracted these confessions, claiming they were coerced.

During a search of his home, police discovered a machete, which Jumaisi admitted to using to dismember the bodies, as well as other personal items, including SIM cards believed to belong to his victims. All the victims were killed, wrapped, and disposed of in a similar manner.

The escape of Jumaisi, suspected to be a serial killer, has sparked fear and raised serious questions about security and accountability within the police force. Authorities have launched a manhunt to recapture the fugitives, but the incident has left the community on edge.