A major breakthrough in one of Kenya’s most disturbing crime sprees occurred Monday with the arrest of suspected serial killer Collins Jumaisi. The 33-year-old man was apprehended after several bodies were discovered in a quarry in Nairobi’s Mukuru neighborhood. Jumaisi, who has confessed to murdering 42 women, including his wife, has shocked the nation with his gruesome admissions.
Shocking Confession and Discovery
Early Monday morning, police arrested Collins Jumaisi at his home near the Mukuru quarry. Acting head of police Douglas Kanja Kirocho confirmed that nine bodies had been recovered from the quarry so far. The remains were found dismembered, and police believe there are more bodies yet to be discovered.
Amin Mohamed, the head of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, described the suspect as a “psychopathic serial killer with no respect for human life.” Jumaisi’s confession detailed a chilling timeline of murders stretching back to 2022, starting with his wife. The most recent murder, he admitted, occurred on July 11, 2024.
At Jumaisi’s residence, police found several incriminating items, including multiple mobile phones, identity cards, a machete believed to have been used in the killings, industrial rubber gloves, rolls of sellotape, and nylon sacks similar to those used to dispose of the bodies.
Community Reaction and Investigation
The Mukuru community has been left reeling from the horrific discoveries. Over the weekend, large crowds gathered at the quarry, watching in shock as volunteers and police retrieved the dismembered bodies. Tensions escalated, leading to clashes between the community and police, with some residents engaging in running battles with the authorities.
Rumors quickly spread that the bodies might be linked to alleged abductions of young protesters by security forces. However, police have not provided any evidence to support these claims. The government has urged the public to remain calm and allow the investigation to proceed without interference.
A government spokesperson shared a police statement on social media, stating that authorities are currently analyzing samples to identify the deceased and that investigations are ongoing. An activist with the Mukuru Community Justice Centre reported that most of the remains were heavily decomposed, indicating they had been in the quarry for a significant amount of time.
Government Response and Accountability
The arrest of Collins Jumaisi has prompted a swift response from government officials. Earlier this month, President William Ruto addressed the nation, expressing regret over reports of abductions by state agents and promising that any officers found responsible would be held accountable. The president reiterated his commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice for all citizens.
In a related development, Kenya’s police chief Japhet Koome resigned on Friday, amidst mounting pressure and public outcry over the handling of recent security issues, including the alleged abductions and now the serial killings. The resignation is seen as a step towards restoring public trust in the police force.
The discovery of the bodies and the subsequent arrest of Jumaisi have highlighted significant concerns about public safety in Kenya. Many residents are calling for increased security measures and more robust investigative procedures to prevent such crimes in the future.
Source: ReutersÂ
