In a brazen act that has sent shockwaves through the nation, 13 inmates, including a suspected serial killer, escaped from Wundayi GK Prison in the early hours of Tuesday, August 20, 2024. The audacious breakout has raised serious questions about the security protocols of Kenyan correctional facilities.
Among the escapees was 33-year-old Collins Jumaisi Khalusha, a man who had previously confessed to the brutal murders and dismemberment of 42 women, including his own wife. Khalusha’s arrest in July had been hailed as a significant breakthrough in the fight against serial crimes in Kenya. His escape has intensified public concern over the safety of communities and the effectiveness of the justice system.
The escape unfolded around 5 a.m. when prison officials discovered that the inmates were missing during the morning roll call. Preliminary investigations suggest that the prisoners managed to cut through the wire mesh in their cells and scaled the perimeter wall, indicating a well-coordinated plan. Eight prison officers on duty at the time have been arrested, with authorities suspecting insider involvement in facilitating the escape.
Wundayi GK Prison, located in Taita Taveta County, has long been criticized for its overcrowded conditions and inadequate facilities. Reports have highlighted issues such as lice infestations, insufficient food rations, and allegations of mistreatment by prison staff. Inmates have reported being forced to fight for space on thin mattresses and enduring unsanitary conditions.
The escape has prompted a nationwide manhunt, with authorities urging the public to report any sightings of the fugitives. The incident has reignited debates about the state of Kenya’s prison system, with calls for urgent reforms to address overcrowding, improve living conditions, and enhance security measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
As the search for the escapees continues, the nation remains on edge, grappling with the implications of this daring prison break and the challenges it poses to the criminal justice system.
