Suspected Serial Killer Tortured into Confession, Lawyer Claims
ICARO Media Group
In a shocking development, a man labelled as a "serial killer" by Kenyan police has been accused of being tortured into confessing his crimes. During a court hearing in Nairobi, the lawyer representing the suspect claimed that his client, Collins Jumaisi Khalusha, 33, had been subjected to physical abuse by the authorities.
Collins Jumaisi Khalusha was arrested on Monday following the gruesome discovery of nine mutilated bodies at an abandoned quarry in Nairobi. Police alleged that he had confessed to murdering 42 women since 2022, including his own wife. However, his lawyer, John Maina Ndegwa, vehemently denied the confession, stating it was "laughable" to suggest that his client had admitted to the crimes.
After the court hearing, Ndegwa expressed his hope that the alleged confession would be removed from the court records. He highlighted the distressing state of his client, claiming that Khalusha was visibly terrified and anguished during the proceedings. Ndegwa even requested urgent medical treatment for the suspect.
The arrest of Khalusha took place at a bar in the early hours of Monday when he was engrossed in watching the Euro 2024 football final between Spain and England. Subsequently, he led the authorities to his residence, which was situated near the crime scene. Police found numerous mobile phones, a laptop, identity cards, and personal female clothing in his house.
The discovery of the bodies at the Mukuru quarry sent shockwaves throughout Kenya, with the victims, all aged between 18 and 30, having been killed in a similar manner, as per police reports. The nation expressed its disbelief and anger at the police, questioning how such heinous crimes could have gone unnoticed for so long.
Kenya's police force has faced accusations of human rights abuses in the past. Furthermore, they are currently under investigation for deaths and abductions that occurred during recent anti-government protests. The allegations of torture in the case of Khalusha will only intensify the scrutiny faced by the police.
As investigations continue, the court has determined that Khalusha will remain in custody for a month. Meanwhile, the prosecutor denied any mistreatment of the suspect. The Kenyan population awaits further updates on this distressing case, hoping for justice to be served for the victims and a fair resolution for all involved.
For more news from the African continent, please visit BBCAfrica.com.