Five police officers from Gigiri Police Station in Nairobi faced arraignment in court after 13 suspects escaped, including alleged serial killer Collins Jumaisi Khalusha.
This incident, which occurred on August 20, has raised serious concerns about police integrity and security protocols.
During a routine headcount, officers discovered that 13 detainees had escaped from their cells. Reports indicate that the escapees cut through a wire mesh roof to flee the facility.
Among the escapees, Jumaisi stands out as a prime suspect in the murders of at least 42 women. Police arrested him in July after they found dismembered bodies in a rubbish dump in Nairobi.
The five officers—Ronald Babo, Evans Kipkirui, Mollent Achieng, Zachary Nyabuto, and Gerald Mutuku—face accusations of facilitating the escape. Acting National Police Chief Gilbert Masengeli stated that preliminary investigations suggest insiders aided the escape.
Consequently, the prosecution has requested to detain the officers for an additional 14 days to complete their investigations.
During the court proceedings, state prosecutor James Gachoka informed Magistrate Martha Naanzushi that investigations are ongoing to determine the officers’ involvement in the escape. The court will rule on the detention request soon.
Additionally, one officer expressed concern for her child, who reportedly collapsed upon hearing the news of the escape. She requested a reduction in her detention period to attend to her family.
The escape prompted a manhunt for the fugitives, with police urging the public to provide any information that could lead to their re-arrest. Furthermore, authorities have obtained CCTV footage from the station to aid in the investigation. Four other detainees who did not escape are assisting with the inquiry.
This incident is not the first time that Kenyan police have faced scrutiny over high-profile escapes. Earlier this year, a suspect wanted in the United States for murder also managed to evade custody.
Thus, the repeated failures of the police to secure dangerous detainees have sparked public outrage and raised questions about the effectiveness of law enforcement in Kenya.