Man Accused of Killing 42 Women Escapes Police Custody in Kenya

NAIROBI, KENYA—A man accused of murdering 42 women across Kenya has escaped from police custody, sparking a nationwide manhunt and widespread public outrage. The suspect, identified as Masten Wanjala, was arrested earlier this year after a months-long investigation linked him to a series of gruesome killings that had terrified communities across the country.

Wanjala, who had been in custody in Nairobi, escaped from a police station under circumstances that remain unclear. Authorities discovered his absence during a routine roll call on Wednesday morning, triggering an immediate and massive search operation. His escape has raised serious questions about the security measures in place and the handling of such a high-profile detainee.

The 20-year-old Wanjala, who confessed to the murders during police interrogations, had been awaiting trial. His confessions led investigators to the locations of several victims’ bodies, buried in shallow graves or abandoned in remote areas. The killings, which primarily targeted young women and girls, had gripped the nation and led to intense scrutiny of law enforcement's ability to capture and prosecute serial offenders.

News of Wanjala’s escape has sent shockwaves through Kenya, with citizens and officials alike expressing disbelief and anger. Kenyan Interior Minister Fred Matiang’i called the escape an "unacceptable lapse in security" and vowed that all efforts would be made to recapture the fugitive. “This is a grave situation,” Matiang’i said in a press briefing. “We are dealing with a dangerous individual who poses a significant threat to public safety. We will not rest until he is back in custody.”

Details surrounding how Wanjala managed to flee are still emerging. Initial reports suggest that he may have taken advantage of the chaotic environment within the police station, which was reportedly understaffed at the time. Some sources have speculated that Wanjala could have received help from inside the facility, leading to suspicions of possible corruption or negligence among the officers on duty.

Police spokesperson Bruno Shioso confirmed that several officers who were on duty during Wanjala’s escape have been detained for questioning as part of an internal investigation. “We are looking into all possibilities, including whether there was any collusion or failure of duty,” Shioso said. “This is a top priority for us, and we are working around the clock to ensure that Wanjala is apprehended.”

The escape has prompted fears that Wanjala could resume his killing spree, with many Kenyans taking to social media to express their concern and demand swift action from the government. Some have criticized the police for what they see as a failure to protect the public from a known threat. “How does a man accused of such heinous crimes just walk out of a police station?” one Twitter user wrote. “This is beyond incompetence.”

Wanjala’s case had been one of the most notorious in recent Kenyan history, drawing comparisons to some of the world’s most infamous serial killers. His alleged crimes spanned several years, during which time he reportedly lured his victims with promises of work or other opportunities before brutally killing them. The discovery of his crimes earlier this year led to widespread fear, particularly in rural communities where many of the murders took place.

The manhunt for Wanjala is now in full swing, with police checkpoints established across Nairobi and surrounding areas. Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and to report any sightings of the suspect immediately. Wanjala, who was last seen wearing a prison uniform, is described as being of medium build with short-cropped hair.

Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta has reportedly been briefed on the situation and is said to be monitoring the search efforts closely. The president’s office issued a statement condemning the escape and urging law enforcement to act swiftly to bring Wanjala back into custody.

The escape also raises broader questions about the state of Kenya’s criminal justice system and the ability of law enforcement to handle dangerous criminals. Critics argue that systemic issues, including overcrowding in jails, understaffing, and inadequate resources, have contributed to the current situation.

As the search for Wanjala continues, the families of his alleged victims are left to grapple with the renewed trauma of knowing that the man accused of killing their loved ones is once again on the loose. For many, Wanjala’s escape is not just a failure of the justice system but a personal affront to the memory of those who lost their lives in his killing spree.

With tensions high and public trust in the authorities waning, the pressure is mounting on Kenyan law enforcement to recapture Wanjala quickly. Until then, a nation remains on edge, fearing that one of its most dangerous men could strike again.