The Rumour That Sparked Hope
On a quiet Tuesday morning, Kenyans woke up to a wave of breaking news alerts: “Collins Jumaisi captured in Eldoret.”
Within minutes, social media was ablaze with jubilation. The man accused of terrorizing families in Kware, Pipeline, had finally been caught — or so people thought.
But by midday, the truth emerged. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) released a terse statement denying the reports.
“The suspect remains at large. Any claims of his re-arrest are false,” read the DCI update.
The brief message crushed the fleeting hope that had spread overnight — the hope that justice for the victims of the Kware murders was finally near.
🕯️ A Case That Shook Nairobi
To understand why Jumaisi’s name evokes so much fear, one must revisit the chilling events that unfolded months earlier in Kware, Pipeline — a densely populated estate in Nairobi’s Eastlands area.
Between May and July 2025, residents discovered multiple bodies dumped in alleys and abandoned plots. The victims — mostly women — showed signs of strangulation and assault.
Detectives soon linked the killings to one man: Collins Jumaisi Khalusha, a 33-year-old suspect described as soft-spoken but dangerously manipulative.
His arrest in July 2025 brought relief — but that relief didn’t last long. Within weeks, Jumaisi escaped from custody, under circumstances still shrouded in mystery.
The news of his escape sent shockwaves through the country. Questions were raised about police negligence, and fears grew that he might strike again.
🚨 The Escape That Embarrassed the System
DCI insiders later confirmed that Jumaisi had slipped away during a transfer to Nairobi from a holding facility.
What remains unclear is how a high-profile murder suspect managed to vanish in broad daylight.
“He didn’t just disappear — someone helped him,” said one officer involved in the investigation.
Following the escape, DCI boss Mohamed Amin ordered a nationwide manhunt and announced a Ksh 1 million reward for any information leading to his capture.
Posters of the fugitive were circulated across major towns, and border points were placed on high alert. Yet, months later, no arrest has been made.
📱 The Social Media Trap
Fast forward to this week, and the fake reports of Jumaisi’s re-arrest became yet another challenge for detectives.
Hundreds of blogs, TikTok videos, and unverified X posts amplified the story — forcing the DCI to publicly refute it.
Experts warn that misinformation of this kind can compromise ongoing investigations, especially when suspects have access to social media.
“When people post false sightings, it distracts officers and spreads confusion,” said cyber-crime analyst George Otieno.
The DCI urged Kenyans to verify all updates through its official communication channels, not viral posts.
🧩 Inside the Manhunt
According to sources close to the investigation, detectives have tracked possible movements of Jumaisi in Western Kenya, particularly around Busia and Kakamega.
Border surveillance teams have also been alerted amid fears the suspect might attempt to cross into Uganda.
The fugitive’s profile — quiet, adaptable, and familiar with urban slums — has made him especially difficult to trace.
“He blends easily into crowds and knows how to hide in plain sight,” said a detective who has been on the case since July.
🕊️ Families Still Waiting for Justice
For families of the victims, each passing day feels heavier.
Many have stopped expecting quick justice — but not closure.
At a recent vigil held in Pipeline, families held candles and pictures of their loved ones, pleading for answers.
“We just want him caught — alive or dead. Let the truth come out,” said one grieving mother.
The DCI’s denial of the re-arrest reminded everyone that the fight for justice is far from over.
⚖️ What Lies Ahead
As the manhunt intensifies, questions linger about accountability within the police force — and how a suspect of Jumaisi’s magnitude managed to slip away.
For now, the Ksh 1 million reward remains active, and the DCI insists the case is still open.
“We won’t rest until Collins Jumaisi is brought to justice,” read the DCI’s final line in its public notice.
But until that day comes, the streets of Kware still carry the weight of fear — and the memory of the lives that were cut short.
