Kenya police offer reward for escaped serial killer suspect

The National Times - Kenya police offer reward for escaped serial killer suspect

Kenya police offer reward for escaped serial killer suspect / Photo: © AFP/File

Kenyan police offered a cash reward on Thursday for information leading to the arrest of a suspected serial killer who escaped from a Nairobi police cell.

Change text size:

Police launched a manhunt on Tuesday after Collins Jumaisi, who is accused of murdering and dismembering dozens of women, broke out of a police station in an upmarket area of the Kenyan capital along with 12 Eritreans.

Five officers appeared in court on Wednesday suspected of aiding Jumaisi's escape and have been freed on a 200,000 Kenyan shilling ($1,500) bond, despite prosecutors seeking an order to keep them in custody for 14 days.

The 33-year-old Jumaisi, described by police as a "vampire, a psychopath", was arrested last month after the gruesome discovery of a number of mutilated female bodies in a rubbish dump in Mukuru slum area in the Kenyan capital Nairobi.

Police say he has confessed to murdering 42 women over a two-year period from 2022, with his wife his first victim, but the suspect has claimed he was tortured after his arrest.

Officers said Jumaisi and the other men escaped by cutting through a wire mesh roof where he was being held, before scaling a perimeter wall.

"A significant cash reward will be provided to anyone with credible information leading to the suspect's arrest," the Directorate of Criminal Investigations said, without specifying an amount.

It is the second time in barely six months that a suspect in a high-profile case has escaped from custody in Nairobi.

The latest twist to the grisly story has infuriated many Kenyans, with the country appalled over the discovery of the butchered women.

It has also thrown a spotlight on police as the bodies were found just 100 metres (yards) from a police station.

Kenya's police watchdog, the Independent Police Oversight Authority, has said it was looking into whether there was any police involvement or a "failure to act to prevent" the killings.

Kenyan police are often accused by rights groups of carrying out unlawful killings or running hit squads, but few have faced justice.

L.Johnson--TNT

Gypsy Rose Blanchard Leaves Ken Urker Memorial After Sibling Tension

Gypsy Rose Blanchard attended the Celebration of Life for Ken Urker in Austin on Saturday but left shortly after arriving when she saw Urker’s sister, Autumn. Blanchard had delivered a speech at the service before stepping out to avoid an encounter with Autumn, who has publicly criticized her following Urker's death.

Jon Tickle Reunites with Big Brother Co-Stars Following MND Diagnosis

Big Brother legend Jon Tickle has shared a rare reunion with his former co-stars from the show’s fourth series, more than twenty years after their initial run. The gathering occurred shortly after the 52-year-old physicist publicly confirmed his diagnosis of Motor Neurone Disease, prompting an outpouring of support from his former television colleagues.

Katy Perry Tells Fans Ex-Husband Russell Brand 'Should Be in Jail' During UK Concert

Katy Perry has recalled a past concert moment where she told fans that her ex-husband Russell Brand 'should be in jail,' a statement that has taken on renewed significance following his recent criminal convictions. The singer made the remark during a question-and-answer session at the Blenheim Palace Festival last July, before Brand was found guilty of rape and sexual assault.

The National Times - Kenya police offer reward for escaped serial killer suspect