The National Police Service has announced a reward of Ksh1 million for information leading to the arrest of Collins Jumaisi Khalusha, the prime suspect in the Kware massacre, where more than 40 women were killed and their bodies dumped at a dumpsite.
Jumaisi, who hails from Shaviringa in Vihiga County, escaped from police custody on 20 August 2024 alongside 12 other suspects after cutting through wire mesh at the basking bay of Gigiri Police Station. Thirteen months later he remains at large.
In a statement posted on X, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) urged members of the public to provide credible information, promising anonymity and emphasising that “every piece of information is valuable”. Hotlines and WhatsApp contacts were circulated as part of the appeal.
This marks the second time the DCI has offered a cash reward for Jumaisi’s arrest. Unlike the previous call, the amount has now been disclosed publicly.
Jumaisi was accused of mass killings involving 42 women, including his wife, after bodies were discovered at the Kware dumpsite in August last year. Following his arrest he reportedly confessed, though his lawyer later claimed the statement was obtained under torture.
“My client has been subjected to horrendous mistreatment so that he can confess to issues which are alien to him,” lawyer John Ndegwa told the court at the time, adding that Jumaisi required urgent medical attention.
Days before he was to be arraigned on murder charges, Jumaisi escaped.
The incident was described as an inside job and led to the interdiction of eight police officers, including the Gigiri Sub-County Commander and the Officer Commanding Station.
The fugitive’s continued absence has left families of victims without closure, while raising serious questions about accountability within the police service.
