Kenyan authorities have apprehended a man identified as a “serial killer” suspected in the brutal murders of nine women, whose mutilated bodies were discovered in an abandoned quarry serving as a garbage dump.
According to police, Jomaisi Khalisia, 33, has admitted to the killings of 42 women since 2022, including his wife.
He was taken into custody at a bar in the early hours of Monday morning while watching the Euro final.
The discovery of the dismembered bodies in Nairobi has sparked shock and outrage across Kenya.
“[He] confessed to have lured, killed and disposed of 42 female bodies at the dumping site, all murdered between 2022 and as recent as Thursday,” said Mohamed Amin, head of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
After his arrest, the suspect guided police to his residence, located approximately 100 meters from the crime scene.
According to Mr. Amin, crucial evidence was discovered at the suspect’s house, including 10 phones, a laptop, a machete, identity cards, and women’s personal clothing.
Among the findings was a machete believed to have been used in the dismemberment of the victims, as well as nine sacks similar to those used to discard the bodies.
Since Friday, authorities have sealed off the dumpsite where the bodies, ranging in age from 18 to 30, were found in varying stages of decomposition.
Police continue to interrogate the suspect to ascertain the motive behind the killings, with plans to arraign him in court on Tuesday.
Kenya’s police watchdog is conducting an investigation into potential police involvement in the crimes, given the proximity of the dumpsite to a police station.
The Independent Police Oversight Authority stated it was conducting a preliminary inquiry to determine if there was any police connection amid widespread allegations of unlawful arrests and abductions.