A man who police said confessed to killing 42 women and was being detained over the discovery of dismembered bodies in Kenya’s capital has escaped from custody.

Collins Jumaisi Khalusha, 33, was being held at a police station in Nairobi after a court allowed detectives seven more days to investigate his alleged crimes before charging him.

Early on Tuesday morning, Khalusha was said to have escaped along with 12 other inmates after they cut through wire mesh in the cells and scaled the perimeter wall.

Mohamed Amin, head of the directorate of criminal investigations, said it was “unfortunate”.

He added: “This was a high-value suspect who was to face serious charges. We are investigating the incident and will take action accordingly.”

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Khalusha was arrested in July after 10 bodies and several body parts were found wrapped in plastic sacks in the Kware area of Nairobi.

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Police said Khalusha confessed to killing 42 women, including his wife.

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Khalusha’s lawyer told journalists his client was tortured and forced to confess and maintained his innocence.

Two other suspects who were arrested after being found with mobile phones belonging to some of the deceased women will return to court next Monday.

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