Garissa human rights activists demand justice for student allegedly raped and killed by guardian
Safiya Abdi Bilal, a promising learner who recently completed her KJSEA exams, leaves a community in grief as police investigate the shocking incident; human rights activists call for swift justice and stronger child protection.
A school in Borehole 5 Centre, Fafi in Garissa County, is mourning the loss of one of its learners following a tragic incident reported on Saturday night in a village near Hagadera Refugee Camp.
In an official statement, Borehole 5 Primary & Junior School headteacher Khalif A. Hassan confirmed the death of Safiya Abdi Bilal, a Grade 9 student who had recently completed her Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA) on November 3, 2025. She was allegedly raped and killed.
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Hassan described Safiya as a promising and hardworking learner whose life was cut short under deeply distressing circumstances. A suspect—identified as her close guardian—has been arrested and is being held at Hagadera Police Station as investigations continue.
The school administration has appealed for government intervention to ensure a thorough investigation and a fair trial. "We pray that Safiya Abdi Bilal gets justice," the statement noted.
Prominent human rights activists in Garissa have strongly condemned the incident, calling it "a heartbreaking failure of protection systems meant to safeguard children."
In a statement, Muktar Dahir Osman urged authorities to ensure the case is handled swiftly and transparently. "This tragedy must not be allowed to fade without accountability," he said. "Justice for Safiya is not only about prosecuting the offender—it is about strengthening child protection mechanisms so that no other learner suffers such harm."
He added that violence against girls has increased recently, blaming the Maslah system, which serves as an alternative justice mechanism.
"We are seriously following up on the incident with police in Hagadera, and we expect the suspect, arrested by the community and handed over to Hagadera Police Station, to appear in Garissa court," he said.
Attempts to reach Safiya’s parents for comment were unsuccessful.
Garissa County Director of Education, Abdihamid Maalim Ali, also condemned the incident, describing it as an unfortunate and saddening loss to both the family and the school. He stressed that justice must be served and urged parents to be vigilant in protecting children from violence during the long school holidays.
Safiya’s death has caused widespread grief across the school and the wider community. Teachers, parents, and education officials have expressed concern over increasing threats to children’s safety, particularly in vulnerable settings.
Police investigations are ongoing, with authorities expected to provide further updates.
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