Kenya is reeling from the arrest of an alleged serial killer, Collins Jumaisi Khalusha, who confessed to killing 42 women. The discovery of the dismembered remains of nine bodies wrapped in plastic at a disused quarry near a police post in Nairobi has sparked outrage and raised questions about police negligence.
Residents in the area have criticized the police for their failure to detect the bodies just 100 meters away from their office. Acting police chief Douglas Kanja announced the transfer of officers from the Kware police post, but it remains unclear if they will be questioned about the oversight.
The arrest of Khalusha, made just three days after the bodies were found, has raised suspicions about the speed of the police investigation. His lawyer claims he was tortured into confessing, casting doubt on the validity of the evidence presented by the police.
Only one victim has been identified so far, 24-year-old Roseline Ongogo, whose family had been searching for her for over two weeks. The police allege that Khalusha’s wife was his first victim, and her identity card was found among the belongings of other alleged victims.
The discovery of the bodies has reignited concerns about women’s safety in Kenya, with Amnesty International reporting over 500 cases of femicide between 2016 and 2023. Elected women leaders have called on the government to address the issue and put an end to violence against women.
The case has brought back memories of the brutal murder of Rita Waeni in January, whose dismembered body was found in Nairobi. The unresolved case and the recent killings have sparked nationwide demonstrations against violence towards women.
As the investigation continues, many in Kenya are demanding answers from the police and seeking justice for the victims of these heinous crimes.