Police granted 20 days to probe murder of 17-year-old orphan in Garissa

Police have been given 20 days to complete investigations into the killing of 17-year-old orphan Safiya Hussein Bilal, whose body was discovered on November 16.

Safiya, a Grade 9 student at Borehole 5 Primary & Junior School in Fafi, Garissa County, was allegedly found raped and murdered in her home. She had recently completed her Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA) on November 3.

Senior Principal Magistrate Evans Muleka, of the Dadaab court, has now directed officers to investigate four suspects linked to the case, including Shafa Bilal Sharkane, Abubakar Abdullahi, Halima Muhumud Mogow and Zeynab Salat Samatar.

Magistrate Muleka heard that police had requested more time to complete their inquiry.

Investigating officer Jefferson Mwiti told the court that the first suspect allegedly defiled and strangled Safiya while she slept. The second suspect reportedly attempted to cover up the crime, while the third and fourth suspects allegedly washed the girl’s body to remove evidence.

Mwiti added that further investigation was necessary, including recording statements from remaining witnesses, conducting mental assessments on the suspects and ensuring the safety of both the public and the accused, who are considered flight risks given the proximity of Fafi Sub-County to the Somalia border.

Prosecution counsel Simon Eyanae urged the court to grant the application to allow a thorough inquiry, citing the public interest and the need for justice for Safiya and her family. He also said police intended to collect DNA samples from the first suspect to compare with evidence from the victim.

Magistrate Muleka approved the 20-day extension and ordered that the suspects be held at Hagadera Police Station during this period.

Borehole 5 Primary & Junior School headteacher Khalif A. Hassan described Safiya as a hardworking and promising learner whose life was tragically cut short. The school administration has called for government intervention to ensure a fair investigation and trial.

“We pray that Safiya Hussein Bilal gets justice,” the school said in a statement.

Human rights activists in Garissa have condemned the killing, calling it a failure of child protection systems. Muktar Dahir Osman emphasised the need for a swift and transparent investigation.

“This tragedy must not be allowed to fade without accountability. 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 said.

Muktar also noted a worrying rise in violence against girls, attributing some cases to reliance on the Maslah system, an alternative justice mechanism.

Garissa County Director of Education Abdihamid Maalim Ali described Safiya’s death as a deeply saddening loss and urged parents to remain vigilant during the long school holidays. The incident has prompted widespread grief in the school and community, highlighting increasing concerns over children’s safety in vulnerable areas.

Other Topics To Read

• Northern Kenya
• sexual gender-based violence
• defilement cases
• Safiya Abdi Bilal
• Safiya Hussein Bilal
• Police granted 20 days to probe murder of 17-year-old orphan in Garissa
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