'Serial killer' arrested after bodies found in Kenya dump

Kenyan police have arrested a man they describe as a 'serial killer' suspected of the gruesome murders of nine women. The bodies were found in a disused quarry used as a rubbish dump. The suspect, Jomaisi Khalisia, 33, confessed to having killed 42 women since 2022, including his own wife. He was arrested at a bar early on Monday morning while watching the Euro final. The discovery of the dismembered bodies has caused shock and outrage in Kenya. The first bodies were found on Friday at the Mukuru quarry in Nairobi. Mohamed Amin, head of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, said the suspect confessed to luring, killing, and disposing of 42 female bodies at the dumping site. The police were led to the suspect's house, about 100 meters from the crime scene, where they found 10 phones, a laptop, identity cards, and women's clothing. They also discovered a machete believed to have been used to dismember the victims and nine sacks similar to those used to dispose of the bodies. Since Friday, police have cordoned off the dumpsite where the bodies were found in various stages of decomposition. The victims, aged between 18 and 30, were all killed in the same manner. The police are still interrogating the suspect to establish the motive for the killings, and he is expected to appear in court on Tuesday. The arrest followed a forensic analysis of a mobile phone belonging to one of the victims, Josephine Mulongo Owino, which showed mobile money transactions conducted on the day she went missing. Post-mortem examinations on the bodies are being conducted, and the police have asked families who believe their loved ones may have been victims to report to the authorities. Mr. Amin stated that they are dealing with a psychopathic serial killer who has no respect for human life. A second person with a phone belonging to one of the victims has also been arrested and may be treated as an accomplice or suspect. Kenya's police watchdog is investigating whether there was any police involvement in the crimes, as the dumpsite is close to a police station. The officers working there have been transferred to ensure fair and unbiased investigations into the heinous deaths. The Independent Police Oversight Authority is conducting a preliminary investigation to determine if there is any police connection. Human rights groups have accused the police of shooting people who were protesting against planned tax rises earlier this month, resulting in fatalities. On Friday, President William Ruto addressed the nation in the wake of the deadly protests, calling for fair and just policing. For more news from Africa, follow BBC Africa on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.