This archive report was first published on 25 October 2021.
On October 15, 2021, Masten Wanjala, a self-confessed serial killer, was lynched by a mob in Bungoma, more than 400 kilometers from the police cell he had escaped from two days earlier.
Wanjala's family has refused to bury him, citing fear of attracting a curse. The family member, who spoke to the Nation on condition of anonymity, said their son's escape from Jogoo Road Police Station in Nairobi raised eyebrows.
Implicating the police, the source said, “We suspect the killing was extra-judicial considering that the last time he was here is about two months ago under heavy police escort, casting doubt on how he managed to escape.”
The family is contemplating suing the government over their son's death. They claim that the police should have arraigned Wanjala in court and charged him for the families of the victims to get justice.
Mukhweya Assistant Chief Abiud Musungu said authorities have asked the family and Wanjala's clan to take a DNA test and bury their son. However, the family has refused to do so and wants more time to think over the matter.
Mr. Davis Wafula, a neighbor, said that as a clan, they did not want to be associated with Masten since he has ashamed them. They fear that if they bury him, they might be perceived as killers.
