A disturbing story of terror and grief unfolded across Kenya, involving Masten Wanjala, a man dubbed by police as a “bloodthirsty vampire” for his gruesome acts. Wanjala confessed to the murders of at least ten children, many of whom were abducted, tortured, and killed in horrific circumstances. His reign of terror lasted five years, leaving a trail of sorrow and unanswered questions in its wake.
What Happened
Masten Wanjala’s killing spree began when he was just a teenager, with his first victim being a 12-year-old girl whom he abducted in 2016. Over the next five years, Wanjala lured children by posing as a coach to gain their trust before taking them to secluded areas. There, he would strangle or strike them with a blunt object, sometimes drugging his victims and even drinking their blood. The bodies of his victims were often discarded in bushes or hidden in sewers around Nairobi.
Wanjala’s reign of terror ended on July 14, 2021, when he was arrested in connection with the deaths of two boys, aged 12 and 13. His arrest was followed by a confession, and he led police to the various sites where he had committed his heinous crimes.
Who Is Masten Wanjala
Masten Wanjala, described by authorities as a “bloodthirsty vampire,” gained notoriety for his sadistic crimes that targeted children. His actions shook the Kenyan community, leaving families devastated and demanding justice. Despite his youth when he began his killing spree, Wanjala’s manipulative and calculating methods showed a deep depravity. After his arrest, he confessed to his crimes, providing chilling details about how he lured and killed his victims.
Background or Timeline
Wanjala’s killing spree began in 2016, when he abducted his first victim. Over the next five years, he continued his brutal acts, evading capture until 2021. In July of that year, he was arrested in connection with the deaths of two young boys. However, in October 2021, just three months after his arrest, Wanjala managed to escape from a police station, sparking a massive manhunt across Nairobi.
In a dramatic turn, he was spotted by schoolchildren in his hometown of Bungoma, located approximately 250 miles away. Recognizing him, locals quickly organized a search, cornering him in a neighbor’s house. In a tragic and violent outcome, Wanjala was killed by an angry mob, who reportedly strangled him to death. The Kenyan Directorate of Criminal Investigations later noted that “the law of the jungle” had prevailed in the mob justice.
Public or Social Media Reaction
The news of Wanjala’s escape and eventual death at the hands of an enraged mob sent shockwaves through Kenya. Many families of the victims, like Grace Adhiambo, mother of one of Wanjala’s victims, expressed their grief and anger over the loss of their children. Adhiambo, like many others, yearned for justice and answers, hoping to understand why Wanjala committed such horrific acts. Yet, as is often the case in the aftermath of such atrocities, the answers to these questions may never come.
Social media flooded with reactions, ranging from calls for justice to condemnation of the mob’s actions. While some expressed relief that Wanjala could no longer harm others, others raised concerns about the morality and legality of mob justice.
Official Statement or What Happens Next
Following Wanjala’s death, the Kenyan Directorate of Criminal Investigations stated that “the law of the jungle” had prevailed, indicating the chaotic nature of the justice meted out by the mob. As the case of Wanjala’s killing remains a topic of debate, many continue to reflect on the impact of his actions and the broader issues of safety, justice, and accountability in Kenya.
Closing
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
