A Kenyan man, Collins Jumaisi Khalusha, appeared in a Nairobi court this week, facing charges of multiple murders after the discovery of nine dismembered bodies. Police arrested Khalusha on Monday and subsequently linked him to the gruesome remains found in an abandoned quarry in a Nairobi slum.

Officials revealed that Khalusha confessed to murdering 42 women, including his wife as the alleged first victim. The police investigations director, Mohamed Amin, described Khalusha as a "psychopathic serial killer" who showed no respect for human life.

Khalusha's lawyer, John Maina Ndegwa, claimed in court that his client had been "tortured" into making a confession. However, prosecutors denied these allegations.

The bodies were found between Friday and Monday at the Mukuru quarry, which had been converted into a rubbish dump. Although local searchers reported the possibility of more than nine bodies, the police confirmed the discovery of eight women's bodies and one unidentified body, all aged between 18 and 30. The murders were committed in the same manner, starting in 2022, with the most recent killing taking place on Thursday.

The investigation began when a woman enlisted the help of locals to search for her missing sister, Josephine Owino, who vanished on June 26. The searchers stumbled upon the sacks containing the dismembered bodies and immediately alerted the police. However, none of the recovered bodies have been identified as Owino's.

Police identified Khalusha as a suspect after analyzing money transfers made on one of the victim's mobile phones. A subsequent raid on Khalusha's house, located near the dump site, yielded crucial evidence, including mobile phones, female clothing, a machete, and similar sacks in which the bodies were discovered. The police also found a laptop and several identity cards belonging to both men and women.

Among the identified victims are Roselyn Akoth Ogongo, whose handbag was recovered at Khalusha's house, and Imelda Judith Karenya, Khalusha's alleged first wife, whose family recognized an ID card found at the suspect's residence.

The motives behind the killings remain unclear. Khalusha was apprehended at a bar while watching the European Football Championship final in the early hours of Monday.

The discovery of the dismembered bodies has sparked outrage in Kenya, raising questions about how the serial killer managed to evade police detection for so long, particularly as a police station is situated near the dump site where the bodies were found.

This case has once again drawn attention to the issue of femicide in Kenya, a significant concern for human rights activists. Investigative platforms Africa Uncensored and Africa Data Hub reported that around 500 Kenyan women were murdered between 2017 and January 2024.

As the investigation into the dismembered bodies continues, Khalusha will remain in detention for 30 days, as ruled by the court. Meanwhile, there have been additional arrests of two unidentified suspects linked to the case, bringing hope of further breakthroughs.

The ongoing crisis, intensified by widespread antigovernment protests resulting in numerous deaths, has put increased pressure on President William Ruto. The police's handling of the situation has also come under scrutiny, with allegations of human rights abuses. The Independent Police Oversight Authority has initiated an investigation into possible police involvement in the unlawful arrests and abductions associated with the dismembered bodies.

As demonstrations persist, Kenyans are demanding answers and calling for President Ruto's resignation. The protests have occasionally turned violent, with police dispersing crowds, and even journalists falling victim to police gunfire.

The nation awaits further developments in the investigation as efforts continue to bring justice to the victims and their families.